Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Goodison Park is by taking the train to Liverpool Lime Street and then a short bus or taxi ride. The total journey takes about 30-45 minutes and costs approximately £7-£10 per person. The cheapest option is the public bus (Arriva route 500 or 86A), taking 45-60 minutes for under £3. A direct taxi is the most convenient but expensive option, costing £20-£25 for a 20-25 minute ride.
By Train: The Fastest and Most Scenic Route
While Liverpool Airport doesn't have a direct train station, a quick and efficient combination of bus and rail offers the most reliable journey time, especially during peak hours. This is the recommended route for most visitors.
Step-by-Step Guide: Train from LPL to Goodison Park
- Airport to Liverpool South Parkway: Take the Arriva bus 80A or 86A from directly outside the airport terminal. The journey to Liverpool South Parkway train station takes 10-15 minutes. Buses run every 10-20 minutes. The fare is included if you buy a through train ticket from the airport.
- Train to Liverpool Lime Street: At Liverpool South Parkway, board a Merseyrail train heading towards Liverpool Lime Street. This is a quick 10-12 minute journey. Trains are frequent (every 15 minutes).
- Liverpool Lime Street to Goodison Park (Final Leg):
- By Bus: From Lime Street, walk to Queen Square bus station (2-min walk). Take Soccerbus (Barlows 917) on matchdays, or regular bus 19, 20, or 21 towards Bootle/Kirkby. Alight at Goodison Park (Spellow Lane). Journey: 10-15 mins.
- By Taxi/Uber: A 5-minute taxi rank is outside Lime Street. A ride to the stadium takes 8-12 minutes and costs £5-£8.
- By Walk: It's a substantial 35-45 minute walk (1.8 miles). Not recommended with luggage.
| Leg of Journey | Service | Frequency | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPL to Liverpool South Pkwy | Bus 80A/86A | Every 10-20 min | 10-15 min | Included in Rail Ticket* |
| Liverpool South Pkwy to Lime St | Merseyrail Train | Every 15 min | 10-12 min | £3.80 (Adult Off-Peak) |
| Lime St to Goodison Park | Bus 19/20/21 or Taxi | Every 5-10 min / On-demand | 10-15 min / 8-12 min | £2.30 / £5-£8 |
| TOTAL | - | - | 30-45 min | £7-£10 |
*You can purchase a "PlusBus" add-on or a through ticket from LPL to Liverpool Stations which includes the bus link.
Is a Rail Pass Worth It?
For a single journey from the airport, a standard ticket is sufficient. If you plan extensive travel around Merseyside or the wider North West in one day, consider a Merseyrail Saveaway ticket (£5.70 for adults), which gives unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries within zones.
By Bus: The Most Budget-Friendly & Direct Option
For travelers on a tight budget or those whose accommodation is near the bus route, the direct bus is an excellent choice. It eliminates the train transfer but is subject to road traffic.
Direct Bus Services from LPL to Near Goodison Park
- Arriva Route 500 (Airport 500 Express): This is the dedicated airport express. It runs from the airport to Liverpool City Centre (Sir Thomas Street). From there, it's a 20-25 minute walk or a short connecting bus (10/10A) to Goodison Park.
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
- Journey Time to City Centre: ~25-35 minutes.
- Fare: £2.30 single (adult, with contactless/App).
- Arriva Route 86A: A standard public bus route connecting the airport directly to areas closer to Goodison Park (Walton Lane). Alight at stops like "County Road" for a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium.
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
- Journey Time: ~45-60 minutes to Walton area.
- Fare: £2.30 single (adult, with contactless/App).
Pros: Extremely cheap (£2.30 cap), direct service on the 86A, no transfers needed. Cons: Slowest option, traffic-dependent, can be crowded with luggage.
Matchday Special: The Soccerbus (Barlows 917)
On Everton home matchdays, a special Soccerbus service runs from Sandhills Station (on the Merseyrail Northern Line) directly to Goodison Park. If arriving by train from the airport, you could change at Moorfields for Sandhills to catch this. Check Everton FC's official website for current matchday travel information.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward but costly option. Ideal for groups, families with lots of luggage, those arriving late at night, or travelers with mobility issues.
Key Details for Taxis from Liverpool Airport
- Journey Time: 20-25 minutes in normal traffic. Can be longer during rush hour (4-6 PM) or on matchdays.
- Estimated Cost:
- Licensed Airport Taxi (Hackney Carriage): £20-£25.
- Pre-booked Private Minicab: £18-£22.
- Uber/Lyft: £15-£20 (subject to surge pricing).
- Where to Find One: The official taxi rank is directly outside the airport terminal arrivals hall. Follow the signs.
When Should You Definitely Consider a Taxi?
- Late-Night Arrivals: If your flight lands after 11 PM, public transport options become very limited.
- Group of 3-4 People: Splitting the fare can make it comparable to or cheaper than buying multiple train/bus tickets.
- Heavy Luggage: If you have multiple large suitcases or bulky items like golf clubs.
- Direct to Hotel: If your hotel is not near a train station or bus stop from the city centre.
Tip: For a pre-booked reliable service, consider companies like One Call Taxis or Alpha Taxis, both reputable in Liverpool.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Which Option is Best for You?
This table summarizes all key data to help you make an informed decision at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Journey Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way, Adult) | Number of Transfers | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + Bus (Recommended) | 30 - 45 mins | £7 - £10 | 2 (Bus, Train, Bus/Taxi) | Speed, reliability, first-time visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Overall) |
| Direct Bus (86A) | 45 - 60 mins | £2.30 (Cheapest) | 0 | Budget travelers, minimal luggage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best Value) |
| Taxi / Private Hire | 20 - 25 mins | £18 - £25 | 0 | Groups, convenience, late arrivals | ⭐⭐⭐ (Most Convenient) |
| Rental Car | 20 - 40 mins | £30+ (day rental + parking) | 0 | Further exploration after the match | ⭐⭐ (For specific needs) |
Verdict: For most Everton visitors, the train combination offers the best balance of speed, cost, and ease. The bus (86A) is unbeatable for pure budget travel. Only use a taxi if your circumstances justify the high cost.
Local Traveler Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Journey
Essential Advice from Regular Travelers
- Buy Tickets in Advance/Use Contactless: For buses, use a contactless card/phone or the Arriva app. For trains, tickets from the airport can be bought at the Merseyrail desk in arrivals or from machines at Liverpool South Parkway. Contactless is valid on Merseyrail.
- Matchday Madness: On Everton home game days, add at least 30-60 minutes to any journey. Roads and public transport around Walton are extremely congested 2-3 hours before kick-off and after the final whistle. Plan accordingly!
- Luggage Strategy: The bus+train+walk route involves some walking and stairs. If you have heavy bags, either opt for the direct bus (86A) to minimize hauling, or splurge on a taxi from Lime Street. Some city centre hotels offer luggage holding if you arrive early.
- Navigating Liverpool Lime Street: It's a large station. When you arrive, follow signs for "City Centre & Buses" or "St. George's Hall" exit to reach Queen Square bus station quickly.
- Check for Engineering Works: Always check Merseyrail.org for weekend rail replacement bus services that could affect your journey from Liverpool South Parkway.
- Consider Your Final Destination: Is your hotel near Goodison Park or in the city centre? If it's in the city centre (e.g., near Lime Street), take the Airport 500 Express bus and walk to your hotel first, then go to the match later.
FAQs: Liverpool Airport to Goodison Park Transportation
Is there a direct train from Liverpool Airport to Goodison Park?
No, there is no direct train. Liverpool John Lennon Airport does not have its own train station. The fastest public transport route involves a short bus ride to Liverpool South Parkway station, then a train to Liverpool Lime Street, followed by a final bus or taxi to the stadium.
What is the cheapest way to get from LPL to the Everton stadium?
The cheapest way is the public bus. Take Arriva service 86A directly from the airport terminal. The fare is capped at £2.30 for a single journey (using contactless/app). The trip takes 45-60 minutes, and you'll need to walk 10-15 minutes from the bus stop in Walton to Goodison Park.
How much is a taxi from Liverpool Airport to Goodison Park?
A licensed taxi from the official airport rank costs approximately £20 to £25 for the 20-25 minute journey. Pre-booking a minicab or using Uber may slightly reduce this cost, but always confirm the price beforehand.
How do I get from Liverpool Airport to Goodison Park late at night?
After about 11:30 PM, public transport options become very limited. Your only reliable option is a taxi or pre-booked private transfer. The taxi rank operates 24/7 outside the terminal.
Is the “Soccerbus” running for my match?
The dedicated Soccerbus (service 917) runs from Sandhills Station on matchdays only. It does not run from the airport. You must first get to Sandhills (via train from the city centre) to use it. Always verify its operation on the official Everton FC matchday travel page.
Which is faster: plane+train or just a train from elsewhere in the UK?
For domestic travelers, a direct train to Liverpool Lime Street from cities like London or Manchester is almost always faster and easier than flying to LPL. Flying involves airport transfer, security, and the ground transport detailed on this page. Always compare total door-to-door travel time.
Can I use my London Oyster card in Liverpool?
No. London's Oyster card system is not valid in Liverpool. For buses, use a contactless bank card, Apple/Google Pay, or the Arriva app. For Merseyrail trains, use a contactless bank card or purchase a paper ticket.
I'm staying in the city centre. What's the best route?
If your hotel is in Liverpool City Centre, take the Airport 500 Express bus directly to Sir Thomas Street. From there, you can easily walk, take a local bus, or a short taxi to your hotel. On matchday, you can then travel to Goodison from the city centre.