Europe > United Kingdom > Liverpool (LPL)
The Car or no Car advice for Liverpool can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Liverpool ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Liverpool ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Liverpool?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Liverpool without a car 🚶♂️🚆
Liverpool city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Albert Dock, the Waterfront, the Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool, and the historic commercial district all sit close together. Walking is often the quickest way to get around.
Public transport is strong by UK standards. Merseyrail provides fast, frequent electric trains across the city region, including easy links to Southport, Crosby (for Antony Gormley’s Another Place 🗿), and the Wirral. Local buses fill the gaps well. Lime Street station sits right in the centre and offers direct mainline trains to Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Scotland.
Arriving by air is straightforward. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is smaller than Manchester but easy to navigate, with bus links into the city. For many international visitors, Manchester Airport remains the main gateway, followed by a simple train transfer.
When a car becomes useful 🚗🌿
A rental car starts to make sense if you plan to explore further afield. North Wales is within easy reach, including Snowdonia, Conwy, and Anglesey. The Peak District is also realistic for a day trip. Even the Lake District can work for a longer outing.
Within the wider Liverpool City Region, however, a car is rarely essential. Parking costs can add up, and traffic around the centre is slow at peak times.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Liverpool? ✅
For exploring Liverpool itself, no—the city is walkable and well served by trains and buses. For countryside, coastal, or Welsh road trips, yes, renting a car adds freedom and flexibility once you leave the urban area behind.
