Driving from Manchester Airport to Liverpool
Famous worldwide for its musical heritage, stunning maritime history, and vibrant culture, Liverpool is a highly popular destination for visitors arriving in the North West. Located roughly 35 miles (56 km) from Manchester Airport, hiring a car gives you a direct, comfortable way to reach the city without relying on trains or carrying heavy luggage through stations.
The journey from the Car Rental Village is very straightforward, utilizing the region's main motorway network to connect you straight to the heart of Merseyside.
The Standard Route
The most direct and commonly used route is to take the M56 motorway westbound from the airport, transition briefly onto the M6 northbound, and then join the M62 westbound. Under normal traffic conditions, this drive takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes.
Step-by-Step Driving Directions
After you have picked up your economy hatchback or spacious SUV from a provider like Enterprise or Europcar, follow these steps to reach Liverpool:
- Join the M56: Exit the Car Rental Village onto Ringway Road and follow the signs for the M56 (West) towards Chester and North Wales.
- Transition to the M6: Continue on the M56 for roughly 10 miles. Look for signs for the M6 North (Preston/Liverpool) and take the slip road to join the M6.
- Join the M62: Stay on the M6 for a few miles, then take the exit for the M62 West, signposted for Liverpool.
- Entering the City: The M62 will take you all the way into the outskirts of Liverpool, eventually becoming Edge Lane (A5080), which leads directly towards the city centre and the waterfront.
A Note on Tolls
The primary route (M56 to M62) is completely free of tolls. However, if your accommodation is on the Wirral peninsula (like Birkenhead or Wallasey), you may need to use the Mersey Tunnels (Queensway or Kingsway). These tunnels require a toll payment. Make sure to pay this toll (often accepted via contactless card at the booth) to avoid admin fees from your rental company.
Parking in Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool is a busy, historic city, and on-street parking in the centre is highly restricted and heavily enforced. If your hotel does not offer dedicated parking, we recommend using one of the city's large, secure multi-storey car parks.
Some of the most convenient and centrally located parking options include:
- Q-Park Liverpool ONE: Situated right under the main shopping district, this is perfect for retail trips and accessing restaurants.
- Albert Dock Parking: Ideal if you are visiting the Tate Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, or The Beatles Story.
- NCP Moorfields: A good central option close to the commercial district and Moorfields train station.
Top Destinations to Visit by Car
Having a rental car means you can easily explore areas slightly beyond the walkable city centre:
- Anfield and Goodison Park: If you are visiting for a football match, driving to the stadiums is easy, though parking on match days requires advance planning.
- Crosby Beach & Antony Gormley's 'Another Place': A short drive north of the city centre takes you to this stunning beach, featuring 100 cast-iron figures spread across the sands.
- Knowsley Safari Park: Located just outside the city, this is a fantastic family day out that requires a vehicle to drive through the animal enclosures.