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Search for the best car hire deals in Liverpool
A city of passion that’s famed for its friendliness, Liverpool is renowned for live music, maritime history and a sporting heritage. It’s exciting and intriguing in equal measure.
Although compact and well-served by public transport options, renting a car in Liverpool can make getting from A to B that little bit easier, as well as giving you access to Merseyside’s surrounding attractions. It’s also a great access point to other parts of the UK, such as North Wales and Cheshire.
Fast facts about hiring a car from Liverpool Airport
If you are flying into Liverpool, airport pick-up is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get your rental car. The airport is just half an hours’ drive away from the city centre.
There are seven major car hire operators at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), and they are all open seven days a week (opening times vary, so always check with your individual company before you set off).
The car rental centre is just opposite Arrivals. It’s located on the ground floor of the multi-storey short-stay car park. You can walk over from the terminal building, following the signs for express drop-off and pick-up car park.
Car rental companies that have desks at Liverpool Airport include:
- Avis and Budget (Tel: 0844 544 6019)
- Europcar (Tel: 0151 486 8401)
- Enterprise Rent-a-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo (Tel: 0151 486 6600)
- Hertz Rent a Car (Tel: 0151 486 1999)
When you return your car, simply drop it off at the car rental car park, which will be signposted as you approach the airport by road (take the third exit off the roundabout).
Driving in Liverpool city centre
As a relatively small city, navigating Liverpool shouldn’t be too difficult for confident, experienced drivers.
Generally, the speed limit in Liverpool city centre will be 30mph, the limit for built-up areas in the UK. However, do note that a number of residential roads in Liverpool are 20mph. Outside of the city, single carriageways are 60mph, while dual carriageways and motorways are 70mph.
If you take one of the two Mersey road tunnels, bear in mind that they have different speed limits. Queensway tunnel is 30mph, while Kingsway tunnel is 40mph. Changing lanes and overtaking are prohibited.
Besides the tunnels, bus lanes are another thing to be mindful of. There are currently four main bus routes in the city centre:
- Lime Street (Renshaw Street to Elliot Street)
- St John’s Lane/Old Haymarket
- Strand Street (northbound, when turning right onto James St)
- Strand Street (southbound, from James St to the L1 Bus Station)
Driving in these lanes during prohibited times will result in a fine. Each lane is restricted at different times, which should be clearly signposted.
In terms of parking, there are thousands of parking spaces available across the city, as well as a number of multi-storey car parks (prices start from just £1 per hour, while some charge just £3 for the day).
Liverpool attractions you can drive to
While you don’t need a car for some of the city’s sights – the Liver Building, Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral and Albert Dock can be reached easily on foot or by public transport – having your own wheels is very convenient for others.
If you’re a sports fan, Liverpool and Everton football clubs’ stadiums are a short drive out of the centre to the north east. Getting a ticket on match day is incredibly difficult, but both stadiums provide tours.
Meanwhile, at Crosby Beach, to the north of the centre, you can see Antony Gormley's controversial statues. A short drive takes you to the stunning Sefton Park with its landscaped parklands, or Croxteth Hall and Country Park, home to the botanical gardens and many historic buildings.
Recommended day trips from Liverpool
Chester
The old city of Chester is less than an hour’s drive from Liverpool. With its Roman ruins, city walls, two-level high street and beautiful Tudor buildings, it’s a history buff’s dream. The city’s brilliant zoo is also worth a visit.
Snowdonia
Mount Snowdon, Wales’ tallest peak is just an hour and a half away from Liverpool centre. Hike to the top in a few hours or, if you’re feeling lazy, take the train and enjoy the remarkable vistas of North Wales with minimal effort.
Formby
This wild, windswept beach, with dramatic dunes and a red squirrel reserve, is less than an hour north of Liverpool – perfect for a day trip if the sun is out.
