Liverpool is the undisputed capital of football, and on matchdays, the city breathes a different kind of energy. Whether you are heading to the iconic Anfield for a Liverpool FC game or visiting Goodison Park (Hill Dickinson Stadium), getting there from Lime Street requires a bit of planning.
With the highly anticipated Merseyside Derby taking place on Sunday, 19 April 2026, here is the best way to navigate the “Matchday Rush.”
1. The “917” Express Bus
The most common public transport option is the 917 express bus service.
- Where: Departs from Commutation Row, just a 2-minute walk from Lime Street.
- The Reality: It’s cheap (£5–£6 return), but the queues can be enormous. You’ll often stand for the entire 15-minute journey, and after the final whistle, waiting for a return bus can take over 45 minutes in the wind and rain.
2. The Soccerbus (Via Merseyrail)
You can take a local train from Lime Street Underground to Sandhills Station. From there, a dedicated “Soccerbus” runs to both Anfield and Goodison.
- The Reality: This involves two separate legs of travel. It’s great for avoiding road traffic, but it’s a lot of “stop-start” travel that can be stressful if you are running close to kick-off.
3. Walking the “Fan Route”
It is approximately 2.5 miles from Lime Street to the stadiums.
- The Reality: It takes about 50 minutes. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere and see the murals, but it’s a long trek if you are carrying bags or wearing your matchday best.
4. Why Fans are Switching to Private Transfers
For many supporters—especially those travelling in groups or visiting from out of town—the stress of the “917 queue” isn’t worth it. Pre-booking a private transfer offers a “Third Way”:
- Door-to-Dixon: Get dropped off at a designated point within a short walk of the turnstiles.
- Post-Match Peace of Mind: The hardest part of matchday is getting away from the stadium. With a pre-booked transfer, you have a set meeting point and a driver waiting for you, so you can bypass the thousands of fans waiting for buses or searching for a black cab.
- Luggage Friendly: If you’ve just arrived at Lime Street from London or the airport, you can’t take large bags into the stadium. A private transfer allows you to drop your bags at your hotel first, then head straight to the ground.
Reach the Goal with Manpool Transfers
Don’t let transport delays make you miss the first whistle. Whether it’s a Premier League clash, a European night, or the Merseyside Derby on 19 April, Manpool Transfers is the local expert in matchday travel.
We offer fixed-price journeys for fans and groups. Our drivers know the matchday road closures inside out and will ensure you get to the ground—and back to Lime Street or your hotel—comfortably and on time.
- WhatsApp: +447377339872
- Email: info@manpool.co.uk
- Website: manpool.co.uk