Liverpool: Getting there & around

Flights from Belfast, Dublin, the Isle of Man and a sprinkling of continental European destinations land at Liverpool Airport, 13km (8mi) south of the city centre. Manchester's airport receives far more international flights, and is directly linked to Liverpool's city centre by coach and rail. National Express coaches run to Liverpool from major British cities such as London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Lime Street Station is the end of the line for a number of regular train services from Manchester (1hr) and London (3hr). Liverpool is a four-hour drive from London, via the M6 and M62, and 30min or so from Chester or Manchester.

Douglas, on the Isle of Man, is linked to Liverpool's docks by a ferry (4.5hr) or catamaran service (2.5hr), operating every weekend and more frequently in summer. Catamarans also run twice daily to Dublin, and there's at least one daily ferry to Belfast.

Merseytravel's all-zone, all-day tickets covering bus, train and ferry travel can be purchased at post offices. Buses are a ubiquitous form of city transport: most leave from Queen Square, east of St George's Hall, and shuttles link Albert Dock with the city centre. The famous ferry service across the Mersey was initiated by Benedictine monks some 800 years ago, making it the world's oldest ferry system. The trip from the Pier Head (north of Albert Dock) across to Wallasey takes 10 minutes and offers the best views in town. A longer look at Liverpool is afforded by the one-hour heritage cruises which run year-round. Liverpool's sole underground rail service links the city's four train stations. The city centre is pretty foot-friendly, and a Mersey Cab shouldn't be too far away if you need one.