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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Formby

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London Waterloo East to Formby by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Formby? The trip usually takes about 7hrs 39 mins, covering approximately 188 miles (303 kilometres). With roughly 16 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £31.50, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Formby Key Stats

Arrival Station

Formby

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

16trains
per day

Journey Time

from6hrs 6 mins

Changes

4-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

00:53 / 23:32

Distance

188miles
(303 km)

3 Routes

6 Train Operators

Prices

from£31.50

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Formby by Train

Jump on a Train from London Waterloo East to Formby – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from London Waterloo East to Formby? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 7hrs 39 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 6hrs 6 mins. With approximately 16 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 188-mile (303 km) route usually requires just one change, with Merseyrail, Thameslink, First TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Southeastern providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!

The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £31.50, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.

Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Formby!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Formby

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Formby? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between London Waterloo East and Formby by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Formby by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 7hrs 39 mins & the fastest journey takes 6hrs 6 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between London Waterloo East and Formby by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Formby is 6hrs 6 mins.

How much does the train from London Waterloo East to Formby cost?

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Formby can start from as little as £31.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Formby?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Formby vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 16 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:53, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:32.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between London Waterloo East and Formby?

First class tickets on trains between London Waterloo East and Formby typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between London Waterloo East and Formby?

Amenities on trains between London Waterloo East and Formby can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Formby by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between London Waterloo East and Formby. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Formby, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from London Waterloo East to Formby?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Formby. However, there are 16 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from London Waterloo East to Formby?

Merseyrail, Thameslink, First TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, London North Eastern Railway and Southeastern are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Formby.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Formby?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Formby, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are London Waterloo East to Formby Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Formby on Thursday 12th June 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Thursday 12th June
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:44 London Waterloo East12:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 8 mins Get Tickets
07:46 London Waterloo East13:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
08:42 London Waterloo East14:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
09:42 London Waterloo East15:51 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
10:43 London Waterloo East16:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
11:42 London Waterloo East17:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
12:42 London Waterloo East18:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
13:42 London Waterloo East19:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
14:42 London Waterloo East20:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
15:42 London Waterloo East21:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
16:42 London Waterloo East22:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 10 mins Get Tickets
17:46 London Waterloo East23:52 Formby4 changesLondon Bridge
Stevenage
Doncaster
Liverpool South Parkway
6 hrs 6 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Formby journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from London Waterloo East to Formby start from as little as £31.50

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from London Waterloo East to Formby start from £77.40 one way, or £110.60 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from London Waterloo East to Formby are available for £176.50 one way, or £353.00 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about London Waterloo East Station

Exploring London Waterloo East Train Station: A Convenient Gateway to Discover the City

Looking to explore the vibrant city of London and beyond? London Waterloo East train station is your perfect starting point. Conveniently situated, the station serves as a vital link, connecting you to numerous destinations within London and across the UK. Let’s dive into the details of what London Waterloo East has to offer and why it's an ideal choice for your travel plans.

Facilities and Amenities at London Waterloo East

Though London Waterloo East is a bustling hub, it provides essential amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. While it lacks a traditional ticket office, fear not—ticket machines are readily available for both purchase and collection of pre-booked tickets. Accessibility is thoughtfully catered for, with accessible ticket machines and step-free access via lifts from Waterloo Main station. Need assistance? Help points are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

For those traveling with youngsters or seeking some comfort, the station hosts heated waiting rooms and accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities. CCTV surveillance is in place to ensure a secure environment throughout your journey. Hungry or in need of caffeine fix? Grab a snack or a hot drink from the coffee shops and vending machines on site—no worries about missing the news as newspapers are available too!

Onward Travel: Connecting You Further

Transportation links play a crucial role in making your journey seamless. London Waterloo East does not disappoint with its comprehensive connections to other parts of the city. The bus alighting point on Sandell Street ensures easy access to local transit and rail replacement services. If you're planning an onward journey by train, numerous exciting routes can spark your travel imagination.

Popular Routes: Embark on an Adventure

Dreaming of exploring iconic locations within and around London? London Waterloo East provides access to some fantastic destinations. Whether you're commuting or planning a day trip to explore new locales, this station links you to areas such as London Bridge, London Charing Cross, and Hither Green. With easy routes to places like East Croydon or Tonbridge, your adventures are just a train ride away.

Why Choose London Waterloo East?

As a commuter or an explorer, stepping through the doors of London Waterloo East gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel with ease. Whether it’s the convenience of arriving at London Bridge or the cultural allure of reaching London Charing Cross, this station offers it all. Its facilities cater to your needs, including accessibility and necessary travel support.

Embark on Your Journey Today!

Booking your ticket is the first step to countless experiences waiting at your fingertips. With easy access to online ticket collection, friendly staff to assist, and comprehensive travel links, London Waterloo East is not just a station—it's the beginning of your next adventure. Time to pack your bags, hop on board, and embrace the journey!

Everything you need to know about Formby Station

Welcome to Formby Train Station

Sitting comfortably as a vital cog in the Merseyside transport network, Formby Station offers travellers a key gateway to the picturesque town of Formby and its surrounding areas. Known for its charming red squirrels and expansive sand dunes, Formby cozies up to the Irish Sea and offers a blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities. The station reflects this balance with both essential services and accessibility for all passengers.

Station Details & Facilities

Formby Station is equipped with various facilities aimed at making your journey seamless. For purchasing tickets, you can take advantage of their ticket office, which opens early at 5:38 AM during the weekdays and stays open until 12:21 AM, ensuring ample time for travellers to organize their trips. If you prefer more independent solutions, ticket machines are also available and cater to smartcard users with both card issuance and validation options. However, do note the absence of accessible ticket machines, which might require some travellers to seek assistance from the staff. Fortunately though, an induction loop is in place to aid those with hearing difficulties.

Accessibility at Formby Station is commendable, with step-free access across the station. This ease of movement is further complemented by available ramps for train boarding. Facilities like toilets, including baby-changing amenities, are provided, though accessible toilets are currently not available. The station is also stocked with a seating area, so you can wait in comfort for your train. Additionally, while no Wi-Fi is present, you can find a food vending machine, although shoppers and cash-seekers might need to plan their needs before arrival since there are no ATMs or shops.

Accessibility and Transportation Links

Transportation to and from Formby Station is straightforward. For those looking to connect to other forms of transit, options are diverse if you plan ahead. The nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and you can conveniently purchase a combined rail/bus ticket from any Merseyrail station. Bus routes like the 86A or 80A link Liverpool South Parkway with the airport, taking merely 10 minutes.

Although there's no dedicated taxi rank at Formby Station, alternative arrangements can be made via ride-shares or local taxi services. Further transportation options include rail replacement services departing from Formby Bridge, in case of any unforeseen travel disruptions. For up-to-the-minute travel plans by bus, information is readily available online or through the Traveline contact number.

Popular Routes to Explore

Formby Station provides rail links to numerous intriguing destinations. Whether you're commuting or exploring, you're spoilt for choice. Head over to the bustling city center with trains from Formby to Liverpool Central, or enjoy a coastal escape with trains to Southport. Short hops to nearby stations like Waterloo (Merseyside) or longer jaunts to Manchester Piccadilly provide ample opportunities to discover the region.

Plan Your Visit to Formby Station

With its serene surroundings interwoven with convenient transport links, Formby Station acts as an ideal starting point for those looking to traverse Merseyside or even venture further afield. With easy access to nature and nearby urban centers, passengers can relish the balance between relaxation and opportunities to explore. Whether you're a local resident or simply passing through, Formby ensures your journey is as smooth as possible.

So as you gear up for your next adventure in the UK, consider Formby Station as your launchpad for a well-connected travel experience. Don’t forget to plan and purchase your tickets well ahead to avoid any last-minute hitches. Bon voyage!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East