Passengers travelling between Liverpool and London are set to benefit from a major rail boost, as Avanti West Coast rolls out its new December timetable, bringing more frequent services and improved connectivity across the Liverpool City Region.
Launched this week, the updated timetable increases capacity on the Liverpool route, with customers now able to enjoy up to two trains per hour for most of the day between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston.
Direct London trains now calling at Liverpool South Parkway
A key highlight of the new timetable is the introduction of direct Avanti West Coast services calling at Liverpool South Parkway for the first time.
From Monday to Saturday, an hourly service will connect local communities directly to London in just over two hours, with 170 Avanti services per week now scheduled to stop at the station.
This enhancement also strengthens links between rail and air travel, offering a seamless connection for passengers flying from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Liverpool South Parkway provides a frequent shuttle bus to the airport every 10–20 minutes, making it easier than ever to reach over 60 international destinations.
More seats, faster journeys and better trains
The December uplift builds on timetable improvements introduced in May and September, delivering over 20,000 additional seats per week. In total, 2,083 Avanti services are now scheduled weekly, the highest level ever seen on the West Coast Main Line.
These enhancements have been made possible by Avanti’s £350 million Evero fleet investment, which includes:
- 13 bi-mode Class 805 trains
- 10 electric Class 807 trains
The new Class 807 trains offer larger luggage racks and more space between seats, making them ideal for airport connections and longer journeys.
Benefits beyond Liverpool
The timetable changes also improve connectivity for smaller communities along the route. Additional Liverpool–London services will now call at Tamworth and Lichfield Trent Valley, further strengthening links to the capital.
Elsewhere, a new weekday return service between Hartford and London connects east Cheshire to the capital in under two hours, with a morning southbound departure at 08:10 and an evening return at 18:43 — ideal for business travellers.
You can book and check train schedules here.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said:
“We’re delighted to be delivering on our promise to increase our services between Liverpool and London. The introduction of services at Liverpool South Parkway station and the new direct link to the capital will add a huge benefit to the wider region.
“The uplift in services means that we are now running more services than ever across the West Coast Main Line. We’re continuing to grow our timetable in a measured and sustainable way – maintaining the standards our customers rightly deserve.”
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“The introduction of these additional Avanti West Coast services between Liverpool and London is fantastic news for our city region.
“Additional transport links to the capital can only have a positive effect on our city region economy and the addition of an hourly stop at Liverpool South Parkway means more of our residents will enjoy improved connections to intercity routes and the great opportunities that can bring.
“We’re really excited to see the contribution these services will make to our plans for a more sustainable transport network and how they will help to connect communities across the country.”
READ MORE: Record £1.6bn investment set to revolutionise transport across the Liverpool City Region
