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Liverpool John Lennon Airport

About the Airport

Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is perhaps the most musical air hub in the world, where the spirit of the "Fab Four" is felt from the moment you arrive. It is the first airport in the United Kingdom to be named after an individual, and its motto is the famous line from the song Imagine: "Above us only sky", which can be seen on the terminal roof. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere prevails here, turning the start of any journey into a continuation of a cultural tour through the heritage of The Beatles.

Beyond its cult status, the airport is renowned for its incredible convenience and speed of service, often winning awards as the country's best airport according to passengers. The compact terminal allows you to clear all formalities in a matter of minutes, avoiding the endless queues characteristic of giant hubs.

IATA Code LPL
ICAO Code EGGP
City Liverpool
Distance to centre ~12 km
Status International
Annual passengers ~4.3 million (2023)

Airport Features and Highlights:

Unique Atmosphere: The terminal is decorated with quotes from Lennon's songs, and a bronze statue of the musician greets passengers in the departure hall. At the airport entrance, a large-scale replica of the Yellow Submarine has been installed, becoming a popular spot for photographs.

Speed and Comfort: Liverpool Airport positions itself as "Faster, Easier, Friendlier". The average security clearance time here is significantly shorter than in neighbouring Manchester, making it an excellent choice for those who value their time.

Transport Accessibility: The airport has established links with the Liverpool South Parkway railway station, from where you can easily reach not only the centre of Liverpool but also other major cities in the region.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Liverpool John Lennon Airport. We recommend always checking the accuracy of the data on the official airport website before travelling.

  • Official Website: You will always find the most complete and up-to-date information on the airport's official portal: www.liverpoolairport.com.
  • Information Service Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +44 151 288 4000. Please note that calls may incur charges and line operating hours may be limited.
  • Airport Address: Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Speke Hall Ave, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1YD, United Kingdom.
  • Email: The airport prefers processing requests via contact forms on the official website. This is the most reliable way to get an answer to your question.
  • Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. They can usually be found by searching for "Liverpool John Lennon Airport" or via the handle @LPL_Airport.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during a flight, you should first contact your airline's baggage tracing service. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please use the "Lost Property" section on the airport website.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance, including information for passengers with reduced mobility, it is recommended to visit the "Help" or "Contact Us" section on the official website, where all necessary contacts and instructions are provided.

Getting to the Airport

Getting to John Lennon Airport (LPL) from the centre of Liverpool or other areas of the city is possible in several ways. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. The airport is located approximately 12 km southeast of the centre of this famous city in the United Kingdom.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the terminal. Although there is no direct rail or metro link to the airport, the bus network makes up for this effectively.

  • Buses: Several routes run regularly between the city centre and the airport. The most popular are 86A and 80A, which depart from the Liverpool ONE bus station and Liverpool South Parkway railway station. The 500 Airport Flyer route is an express service providing a faster connection to the centre. A bus journey from the centre usually takes 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
  • Train + Bus: For those arriving in the city by train, a convenient option is to travel to Liverpool South Parkway station. This is the major railway hub closest to the airport. From there, buses (routes 80A and 86A) run regularly to the terminal, with the journey taking only about 10-15 minutes.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer maximum comfort and are the fastest option. A taxi ride from the centre of Liverpool to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes, though it will be the most expensive method. You can hail a famous black cab directly on the street or book a car via popular apps. It is recommended to book a transfer in advance if you need a car at a specific time (for example, for an early departure) and at a fixed price.

If you are travelling by private or rented car, getting to the airport is straightforward — simply follow the road signs for LPL. The airport has several types of parking: Short Stay right by the terminal, convenient for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, and Long Stay, which is located further away and is better value for longer trips. We advise booking a parking space online in advance — this is almost always significantly cheaper than paying upon arrival.

Terminals and Map

John Lennon Airport in Liverpool (LPL) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and compact structure, making it very convenient for travellers. Its main feature is a single passenger terminal that serves all flights, both domestic and international. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or taking shuttles — all services are under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has several levels, but two are key for passengers. The Ground Floor is the arrival and check-in zone. Here you will find check-in desks, baggage drop points, and the arrivals hall with baggage reclaim belts. The Upper Floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. After check-in, you go upstairs to pass through security control and enter the spacious departure lounge with shops, restaurants, and boarding gates.

The process of clearing formalities at Liverpool Airport generally does not take much time. Due to the compactness of the terminal and the efficient work of the staff, queues here are usually shorter than at major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2 hours before departure for flights within Europe and 3 hours for other international destinations, especially during peak morning and evening hours or the holiday season.

Navigation inside the terminal is straightforward. Signs are clear and highly visible, easily guiding you from the check-in desks through the security zone to the required boarding gate. All gates are within walking distance of the main departure lounge. Such a simple and logical layout makes Liverpool Airport one of the most friendly for passengers in the United Kingdom, allowing you to avoid unnecessary stress before your flight.

Airport History

The history of Liverpool Airport is a fascinating journey from a modest airfield to a modern international hub with a unique character. The official opening took place in 1933, when it was known as Speke Airport. Its emergence was dictated by the growing popularity of air travel and the city's desire to strengthen its transport links.

The airport played a significant role during the Second World War when it was converted for the needs of the military industry, specifically for assembling bombers. However, the brightest mark in its history was undoubtedly left by the era of the 1960s. It was here that The Beatles flew in and out while at the peak of their fame. The airport became a silent stage for legendary scenes of "Beatlemania" with crowds of enthusiastic fans, forever inscribing it into the cultural code of not only the United Kingdom but the entire world.

After a period of some quiet in the 70s and 80s, a new round of development began with privatisation in 1990. But the key moment that defined its modern appearance and philosophy was the renaming in 2001. The airport received the name of the legendary founder of The Beatles and became known as Liverpool John Lennon Airport. This was the first instance in the UK where an airport was named after a specific individual. The motto served was the famous line from the song "Imagine": "Above us only sky".

The change of name was followed by large-scale modernisation. In 2002, a new, spacious, and modern passenger terminal was opened, which significantly increased capacity. This coincided with the rapid growth of budget airlines, transforming the airport into an important European hub. Today, it is a dynamically developing transport complex that honours its rich past and looks confidently into the future.

Services and Facilities

John Lennon Airport in Liverpool (LPL) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Regardless of the purpose of your trip to the United Kingdom, here you will find everything necessary for a pleasant start or end to your journey.

The terminal houses numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants to suit every taste — from quick snacks and coffee to full hot meals. You can grab a bite at well-known chains such as Starbucks or Burger King, or relax in a dining venue offering traditional British refreshments. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty-Free zone where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs, as well as other shops featuring clothing, accessories, and books.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Numerous sockets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices. If you are looking for enhanced comfort, the Aspire Lounge is at your service. Here you can rest in a peaceful environment, enjoying complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as fresh press, away from the main bustle of the terminal.

For financial matters, the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points where you can withdraw cash or exchange money before your trip. These services are conveniently located both before and after security control, allowing passengers to access them easily. Regarding medical services, staff are on duty at the airport around the clock, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

The airport takes care of its youngest guests: special mother and baby rooms are equipped for changing and feeding. Comprehensive support is provided to travellers with disabilities. It is recommended to notify your airline in advance (at least 48 hours before departure) of the need for special assistance so that airport staff can meet you and ensure comfortable movement through the terminal.

For those who need to rest before an early departure or after a late arrival, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, including Hampton by Hilton and Premier Inn. Although there are no specialised conference halls within the airport itself, nearby hotels often offer business services and rooms for holding business meetings.

Where to Eat

At John Lennon Airport in Liverpool, travellers will find a decent selection of establishments for a snack or a full lunch. Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the departure zone after security control, but there are also several options in the public area of the terminal.

In the Airside zone, after security control:

The main dining points are concentrated here, where you can spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight. For a full lunch or dinner, The Kissing Gate (part of the Wetherspoon network) is excellent, serving classic dishes of the United Kingdom, including traditional English breakfast, fish and chips, and burgers, as well as a wide assortment of beverages. For family relaxation, the restaurant Frankie & Benny's with American-Italian cuisine is suitable. If time is limited, for a quick snack you can choose Burger King, known for its burgers, or the coffee shop Starbucks, where coffee, sandwiches, and desserts are always available.

In the Landside zone, before security control:

The choice here is more modest but quite sufficient for those meeting passengers or arriving at the airport early. Typically, you can find a Starbucks coffee shop and the popular British bakery Greggs, offering fresh pastries, sausage rolls, sandwiches, and drinks at relatively affordable prices.

Dietary options and prices:

Most establishments offer vegetarian dishes. Finding vegan or gluten-free options is also possible, especially in large chain restaurants — it is recommended to study the menu on the website in advance or check with staff. Travellers requiring Halal options are advised to enquire directly at individual outlets. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city. A full hot lunch with a drink will cost approximately £15-25 per person, while coffee with pastries will cost around £7-10. Most dining points open with the first flights and operate until late evening.

Traveller Tips

To ensure your journey through John Lennon Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, make use of these proven tips. A little preparation will help save time, money, and nerves, allowing you to focus on pleasant impressions from your trip to Liverpool.

Arrival time and check-in. Generally, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. The airport in Liverpool is not the largest, but it is better to have a buffer of time. To avoid queues, complete online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24-48 hours before departure. This allows you to go straight to the baggage drop desk or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Passing security and hand luggage. Be prepared for security checks: remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage in advance. Remember the rule for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, such as scissors or penknives, are prohibited. Every airline, especially budget ones, has strict restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage — be sure to check them before leaving home to avoid extra charges.

Seat selection and transfers. If the airline allows you to select a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival. If you have a connection in Liverpool, follow the "Flight Connections" signs. Clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage.

Customs control and saving money. When arriving in the United Kingdom from abroad, have your passport and boarding pass ready for border control. To save money, book airport parking or taxis online in advance — this is often cheaper. Bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security, instead of buying expensive water.

If the flight is delayed. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information and to clarify your rights (including possible provision of food or accommodation). The airport has cafes, shops, and paid business lounges where you can spend time comfortably. Monitor updates on information screens and in your airline's app.

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