How far is Southport from Liverpool?

Southport is approximately 18 miles north of Liverpool city centre. By train (Merseyrail Northern line) the journey takes around 50 minutes. By car via the A565 or M57/M58 it takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Is there parking in Southport town centre?

Yes. There are several car parks in and around Southport town centre including the NCP on Nevill Street (PR8 1LB), the Tulketh Street multi-storey (PR8 1EL), and surface car parks along Marine Drive (PR8 1RQ) near the seafront. On-street parking is also available on many side streets.

Can I cycle to Southport?

Southport is well connected by the Trans Pennine Trail and the Sefton Coastal Path, both of which run through the town. Arriving from Liverpool, the coastal cycle route via Crosby and Formby is around 20 miles and mostly flat and traffic-free.

Southport railway station with Merseyrail train

TransportSouthport · PR8 1QW

Getting toSouthport

Q: How do I get to Southport by train?

Take Merseyrail from Liverpool Central to Southport. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and trains run every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day. The station is in the town centre, five minutes from Lord Street.

Q: How do I get to Southport from Manchester?

From Manchester, the easiest route by car is via the M60 and M58, approximately 50 to 60 miles and around 60 to 80 minutes depending on traffic. By train, change at Liverpool Central or Wigan for Merseyrail services to Southport — allow around 90 minutes total.

Q: What is the postcode for Southport town centre?

The postcode for Southport train station is PR8 1QW. Lord Street (the main shopping boulevard) is PR8 1PX. The seafront and Marine Drive is PR8 1RQ. For the Atkinson arts centre: PR8 1DB.

Train from Liverpool in 50 minutes. Car from Manchester in 90. Here is every way to get here — with postcodes, timings, and no filler.

By Train By Car By Bus

Key journey times

From	Time	How	Notes
Liverpool Central	50 min	Train	Merseyrail Northern Line. Direct, no changes. Trains every 15-30 min.
Wigan Wallgate	55 min	Train	Direct Merseyrail service. Hourly.
Manchester Victoria	90 min	Train + change	Change at Wigan Wallgate or Liverpool Central.
Preston	60 min	Train	Change at Wigan or direct on some services. Check timetables.

By Train

Southport is on the Merseyrail Northern Line, which runs directly from Liverpool Central. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and trains run every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day, seven days a week.

Southport station is the terminus of the line. You cannot miss your stop. The station sits in the town centre, a five-minute walk from Lord Street, the beach, and most of the main attractions.

From Manchester: You have two options. Via Wigan Wallgate (change to Merseyrail, total around 90 minutes) or via Liverpool Central (change at Liverpool, total around 100 minutes). Check National Rail for the best connection on your travel date.

From Preston: Change at Wigan Wallgate for Merseyrail to Southport. Some direct services exist — check the timetable.

Southport station postcode: PR8 1QW. For timetables and tickets: merseyrail.org

By Car

From Liverpool: Take the A565 (Formby Bypass) north through Crosby, Formby, and Ainsdale into Southport. Around 18 miles, 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

From Manchester: M60 to M58, then A570 or A565 north into Southport. Around 50 to 60 miles, 60 to 90 minutes.

From Preston: M6 south to M58 or A59 via Ormskirk. Around 25 miles, 35 to 50 minutes.

Once in Southport, the main car parks are:

Marine Drive Seafront Car Park

PR8 1RQ

Closest to the beach. Fills quickly on sunny days.

NCP Nevill Street

PR8 1LB

Multi-storey near Lord Street. Covered. Open daily.

Tulketh Street

PR8 1EL

Town centre multi-storey. Good for shopping.

Kew Street

PR8 1HB

Surface car park, central, often available.

Full parking guide for Southport

By Bus and Coach

Local bus services connect Southport to Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, and surrounding towns. The main bus station is on Lord Street / Eastbank Street in the town centre. Arriva and Stagecoach operate the main routes.

National Express and other coach operators do not serve Southport directly. The nearest National Express hub is Liverpool (Liverpool ONE bus station), from which you would need to take the train or a local bus.

For local bus timetables and Merseytravel network maps: merseytravel.gov.uk

By Bike

The Trans Pennine Trail and the Sefton Coastal Path both pass through Southport, providing largely traffic-free cycling routes along the coast.

From Liverpool, the coastal cycle route via Crosby Beach, Formby, and Ainsdale is approximately 20 miles and almost entirely flat. It is one of the better urban-to-coastal cycling routes in the north-west.

Bike parking is available at the train station and in the town centre. The seafront promenade has cycle paths running its full length.

Once you're here

Southport Beach guide Parking in Southport Lord Street guide Things to do

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get to Southport by train from Liverpool?

Approximately 50 minutes on the Merseyrail Northern Line from Liverpool Central, direct, no changes. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes.

What is the postcode for Southport town centre?

Southport station is PR8 1QW. Lord Street is PR8 1PX. The seafront and Marine Drive is PR8 1RQ. The Atkinson arts centre is PR8 1DB.

Is there parking at Southport station?

There is limited short-stay parking immediately outside the station. For longer stays, the NCP car park on Nevill Street (PR8 1LB) is a short walk and covered. See the full parking guide for all options.

How do I get to Southport from Manchester?

By car via the M60 and M58, around 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. By train, change at Wigan Wallgate or Liverpool Central for Merseyrail to Southport, total journey around 90 minutes.

Can I get to Southport without a car?

Yes, easily. Merseyrail runs frequent services from Liverpool Central directly to Southport. Once in Southport, the beach, Lord Street, and main attractions are all walkable from the station.

Southport Businesses

Relevant Listings

Featured businesses related to this guide.

Parking

Marine Drive Parking

On-street and surface parking on Marine Drive with views towards the beach. Pay and display. Direct access to the promenade and the sand. One of the closer spot

★5.0

Parking

Sefton Road

Sefton Road is a car park in Formby. Free to use.

★5.0

Parking

RSPB Marshside

Car park for RSPB Marshside nature reserve, on Marshside Road north of Southport. Free to use for RSPB members and visitors to the reserve. The marshes here are

★5.0

Parking

Andrews Lane Car Park

Surface car park on Andrews Lane in Formby village, a short walk from the local shops on Chapel Lane. Free to use. Handy if you're visiting the village rather t

★5.0

Transport