17 days to go: New matchday travel routes announced
Liverpool FC has today announced a range of new matchday travel routes and options for fans ahead of the first game at the redeveloped Anfield next month.
Supporters are encouraged to plan how they will travel to and from matches, as Anfield gets ready to welcome thousands more through the turnstiles with the opening of the redeveloped Main Stand.
Liverpool FC, Merseytravel and transport operators have been working together to help make matchday travel more convenient for supporters heading to the stadium this season.
The focus is on helping fans understand all of the available travel options to get them to and from the game quickly and safely, while easing congestion on the city’s transport routes.
The additional capacity will mean more supporters travelling to and from the stadium – and using public transport will be the easiest and most efficient way to attend the match, with no additional parking being available in the local area.
Click here for a detailed transport map and see below for a summary of the services available.
Buses
Fans will be able to catch the 917 express bus services, which will run direct from St Johns Lane in Liverpool city centre to Anfield up to every 10 minutes.
Matchday staff will also be on hand to assist fans using buses departing straight after the game. A £12 return ticket will be available for groups of four.
Parking
Free parking facilities will be available for supporters at A580 East Lancashire Road – a key route into the city. From here, fans can catch the 19 bus to Anfield.
Only fans with a pre-booked car parking pass will be able to park near the stadium, where a resident parking scheme will be in operation.
Taxis
New taxi pick-up points have been installed outside the stadium and on major routes, making it easier to get home after the final whistle.
Walking
New walking routes will also be signposted from Liverpool Lime Street station and nearby Sandhills and Kirkdale stations to assist fans who travel to the game using local Merseyrail services.
Supporters using rail services to Sandhills can also connect to the Soccerbus, which will operate direct to the stadium.
Cycling
The free Cycle Hub will return to Stanley Park for the new season. The hub allows fans who cycle to the game to park their bike safely and securely with an attendant.
Soccerbus
The Soccerbus runs between Sandhills station and the stadium for approximately two hours before kick-off and 50 minutes after the final whistle.
Merseyrail passengers can add a return Soccerbus ticket on to their rail travel for just £1.60 for adults and 80p for children at any staffed station.
Fans are also encouraged to avoid the crowds and get to Anfield early to enjoy the new facilities. The fan zones on Anfield Road or in the Main Stand public realm open four hours before kick-off and are ideal for enjoying the pre-match build-up.
Andrew Parkinson, the club’s operations director, said: “This season we’re welcoming an additional 8,500 fans to Anfield.
“That’s a lot more people to get to the stadium and home again, so we’re advising people to think about their transport options now. We encourage fans to use public transport where possible and to consider park and ride, or our free Cycle Hub facilities.
“Safe and efficient travel is an important part of the matchday experience and we hope that these new services will make public transport the first choice on a matchday.”
Liz Chandler, Merseytravel director and chair of the Liverpool city region’s major events transport board, said: “We’ve been working with Liverpool FC and transport operators to improve links to and from the ground and to ensure that travel information and advice makes clear all the options available.
“With the stadium and surrounding area likely to be busier, we want fans to perhaps think differently about how they travel, or at least ensure they can make an informed choice and get to and from the game quickly, easily and safely.”
For advice and more details on travelling to Anfield, please click here.