We will fly from Dublin to Liverpool and I was wondering the best way to get from John Lennon Airport into the city centre (Hard Days Night hotel)? Is there a bus or should we plan on taking a taxi? Also once in Liverpool, what's the best way to get from the hotel to the Docks & other sites? Is it walkable or should we plan on taking a bus or taxi? We'll be there for two nights & are planning on also doing the Beatles Childhood Homes tour and the Magical Mystery Tour. Thanks!
Posted by
London, UK
452 posts
The nearest rail is South Liverpool Parkway - there is a bus link from the airport. From the rail station there are trains into Liverpool City Centre, the main train station in the centre is Liverpool Lime Street.
Check out the Visit Liverpool website. www.visitliverpool.com. Also the Mersey rail website for transport details and rail and bus maps - think there are some days passes and such which might work for you. www.merseyrail.org. Don't overlook trips to the 2 cathedrals, both interesting in different ways. Liverpool, very walkable IMO. Apparently has the most Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK outside London (according to the Blue Badge guide when I took some tours there a few years ago). Also good museums on Albert Dock (where the Beatles experience is).
Liverpool one of my favourite cities.
Katy
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32752 posts
Liverpool South Parkway station has both mainline trains which are fast and go one stop (or slower) to Liverpool Lime Street, and on the other side of the station on completely seperate platforms and tracks there are the Merseyrail local trains which go to stations on the ring around Liverpool.
Depending on your next stop one side or the other will be more convenient than the other so check carefully.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
In addition to the bus to train combo, there are buses that go right from the airport to the center; number 500 is the one I took. Since "we" means at least two people, a taxi is probably easier and faster, and may not be much more expensive per person.
Once you're ensconced at the Hard Day's Night Hotel, you can walk to all of the main attractions, although you may want a taxi or bus if you're tired, or if you're going to the cathedrals (just about the farthest "central" attractions from the hotel).
I used the City Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, which is a bit cheaper and uses live guides; the other one uses a recording. For £9 for a day, it was a great deal, and one stop is right near your hotel, so you can not only get to all the sights including the cathedrals easily, but can return midday to take a break if needed. Of course, I just realized you said you're doing the Magical Mystery Tour (I did not), so you may not need another tour bus.
Do book your Beatles Childhood Homes tour early to avoid getting shut out: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles-childhood-homes
For more Liverpool details, here's my trip report. You'll find lots to do in your short time there: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/uk-trip-report-glasgow-manchester-liverpool-in-september-2016
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
I emailed the hotel and they said for 25 GBP they can arrange for airport pickup. I think we'll just go that route. Thanks!