Getting Around

So you have arrived in Liverpool, how do you get about the city? Basically, you have the choice of taxi, foot, bus and train. Of course, if you want to cross the river, there is also the ferry.

TAXI
Many visitors are amazed by the number of black cabs in Liverpool. If the yellow 'for hire' light is on, you may flag them down. There are also taxi ranks dotted around the city. The fare you have to pay is displayed on the meter which should be visible. There are also private hire cars (known in London as mini-cabs) which tend to have their company's phone number on the side of the door. The law requires that these are booked in advance.

FOOT
If you are planning a day's sightseeing, it might be easier to start at the top of the city centre (near the cathedrals) and work your way downhill towards the river...unless you like walking uphill. Just like San Francisco.

BUS
Information on routes and times is available from The Merseytravel information centre which is located in the Queen Square Centre. Conveniently, this also houses the official tourist information centre. Across the road, there is a long row of yellow bus stops for services to many parts of the city. Phone Merseytravel on 0151 236 7676.

TRAIN
The Mersey Underground was built around 100 years ago to link Liverpool with the Wirral. The four city centre underground stations (Liverpool Central, Lime Street, Moorfields and James Street)are part of the Merseyrail system that encompasses around 60 stations, including Aintree, Southport, Port Sunlight and Chester. Phone Merseytravel on 0151 236 7676.

FERRY
Sailings across the Mersey to Wirral, stopping at Seacombe and Birkenhead Woodside before returning to the Pier Head, Liverpool. Fifty-minute-long heritage cruises sail on the hour from the Pier Head on weekdays from 10am to 3pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm. A commuter service operates before 10am, and from 4.15pm to 7.15pm on weekdays. www.merseyferries.co.uk

Public transport in the Liverpool area is co-ordinated by Merseytravel, a public agency which acts in partnership with private bus and rail operators. Timetables for services can be found on its website. www.merseytravel.gov.uk