Liverpool John Lennon Airport Guide - Features, Services & Facilities

Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional airports, handling around 6 million passengers annually. Located just 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre, this single-terminal facility is renowned for its Faster, Easier, Friendlier motto and serves as a major base for easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2.com.

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Introduction: The North West's Friendliest Hub

Liverpool John Lennon Airport has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. In late 2025, Ancala Partners became the majority owner (94.2%), marking a new chapter of investment after the exit of The Peel Group. The airport is celebrating its busiest period in history, driven largely by the arrival of Jet2.com in 2024, which has firmly established LPL as a premier holiday gateway.

Unlike its larger neighbour Manchester, Liverpool Airport offers a compact, stress-free experience. Passengers can typically walk from the car park to the departure gate in under 15 minutes. The terminal pays homage to its namesake, John Lennon, with a 7-foot bronze statue overlooking the check-in hall and the famous lyric "Above us only sky" adorning the ceiling.

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Recommended Check-In Times

Liverpool is famous for its speed, but queue times can peak during the morning first wave (05:30–07:30).

• Jet2.com / TUI: Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure.
• easyJet / Ryanair: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
• Desk Closing Times: Desks typically close strictly 40 minutes before flight time.
• Fast Track: Liverpool offers a dedicated Fast Track security lane, which can be pre-booked for approximately £5.00 - £6.00 per person.

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How to get to LPL Airport?

The airport is located in Speke, accessible via the M57 and M62 motorways.

By Car

• From the North/East (M62): Follow the M62 West to the end, then follow signs for the A561 (Speke Boulevard) directly to the airport.
• From Liverpool City Centre: Take the A561 south-east. The drive takes approx. 20–25 minutes.
• From the Wirral/North Wales: Use the Mersey Gateway Bridge (toll applies) or the Kingsway Tunnel.
• Sat Nav Postcode: L24 1YD.

By Bus

• Arriva 500 (Airport Express): The fastest link to Liverpool City Centre (Liverpool One Bus Station). Runs every 30 minutes. Journey time is ~25 minutes. Cost is approx. £2.00–£3.00 (Contactless).
• 80A / 86A: Connects the airport to Liverpool South Parkway and the city centre (slower, stopping service).
• Arriva 204: Connects to Belle Vale.

By Train

There is no railway station at the airport itself.

• Liverpool South Parkway: This is the nearest rail hub (approx. 3 miles away). It connects to Merseyrail (Northern Line) and national mainline services (East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains).
• The Link: You must take a bus (80A or 86A) or a taxi from the station to the airport (approx. 10-15 mins).

By Car Hire

The Car Rental Centre is located a short walk from the terminal terminal. Operators include Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Follow the signs for Car Rental on the internal airport roads.

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What is the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedure?

Liverpool offers distinct zones to manage traffic. Choosing the wrong one can be expensive.

1. Express Drop-Off & Pick-Up (Paid)

Located directly opposite the terminal entrance (1-minute walk).

• Cost: £6.00 for up to 10 minutes (Updated Jan 2026).
• Overstay: £11.00 for up to 20 minutes; £26.00 for up to 1 hour.
• Payment: Contactless card at the exit barrier.
• Note: This is a Red Route no-stopping zone outside the barriers. Fines apply for stopping on the roadway.

2. Drop Off 2 (Free Zone)

For drivers who want to avoid the fees.

• Location: Designated car park approx. 400 metres from the terminal.
• Cost: Free for up to 40 minutes.
• Transfer: A 5-10 minute walk via a dedicated pedestrian path.
• Restrictions: No return within 2 hours to prevent commercial misuse.

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Which Destinations Does LPL Airport Cover?

Liverpool connects to over 70 direct destinations, focusing heavily on European city breaks and Mediterranean holidays.

Destination Highlights

The airport offers high-frequency city breaks to Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and Krakow. For sun seekers, there is extensive coverage of Spain (Alicante, Malaga, Majorca), Portugal (Faro), and Turkey (Antalya, Dalaman). Winter sun routes include the Canary Islands and Egypt, while routes to Reykjavik (PLAY) offer connections to the USA.

Complete List of Direct Destination Categories (2026)

Region	Primary Destinations Served
UK & Ireland	Belfast International, Dublin, Derry, Isle of Man, Jersey.
Spain (Mainland)	Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia.
Canary Islands	Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria.
Balearics	Majorca (Palma), Ibiza, Menorca.
Portugal	Faro, Porto, Madeira.
Turkey	Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum.
Greece	Corfu, Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes, Zante, Kos.
Central/East Europe	Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Berlin, Krakow, Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, Bucharest, Sofia, Gdansk.
Nordics	Reykjavik (PLAY).
North Africa	Marrakech, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Enfidha.

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Which Airlines Fly from Liverpool Airport?

LPL is a low-cost carrier stronghold.

1. easyJet: The largest operator, basing multiple aircraft here for routes across Europe and the UK.
2. Ryanair: A major base offering budget flights to Ireland and Continental Europe.
3. Jet2.com: Established a major base in 2024, offering package holidays and flights to the Mediterranean.
4. Wizz Air: Focuses on Eastern European routes (Poland, Romania, Hungary).
5. PLAY: Icelandic airline offering flights to Reykjavik with connections to the USA.
6. Aer Lingus Regional: Flights to Dublin (connecting to US Pre-Clearance).
7. Loganair: Flights to Derry and Isle of Man.

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What Parking Options Are Available at LPL Airport?

Liverpool Airport has a simplified parking layout. All official car parks are Park Mark® secure.

• Long Stay: The best option for 1-2 week holidays. It is a 5-minute walk from the terminal (no bus required).
• Multi-Storey: Covered parking located directly opposite the terminal (1-minute walk).
• Fast Track Parking: Premium spaces located closest to the building, including complimentary Fast Track security passes.
• Meet & Greet: Drop your keys at the dedicated desk, and staff park your car for you.

SaveOnPark Exclusive: We provide the best Liverpool Airport parking deals. Official turn-up rates can be high. By booking via our platform, you can save up to 70% on Long Stay and Multi-Storey products. We also compare trusted off-site providers like Imagine Park & Ride and APL, which are often cheaper for longer trips.

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What Facilities Does LPL Airport Provide?

Recent investments have upgraded the departure lounge and dining options.

• Shopping: World Duty Free, JD Sports, Boots, WHSmith, Accessorize, With Love from Liverpool.
• Dining: Sable & Co Bar and Kitchen, Burger King, Starbucks, Greggs, Subway, Kissing Gate.
• Lounges: Aspire Lounge (Airside). Offers complimentary food, drinks, and runway views.
• Hotels: Hampton by Hilton (opposite terminal), Premier Inn (5-min walk), Travelodge (nearby).
• Water Fountains: Free water refill stations are available after security.

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