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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Rainhill

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London Waterloo East to Rainhill by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Rainhill? The trip usually takes about 10hrs 6 mins, covering approximately 173 miles (278 kilometres). With roughly 2 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 £34.00, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Rainhill Key Stats

Arrival Station

Rainhill

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

2trains
per day

Journey Time

from9hrs 50 mins

Changes

5-5no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

23:40 / 00:03

Distance

173miles
(278 km)

2 Routes

3 Train Operators

Prices

from£34.00

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Rainhill by Train

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

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

Typically, the trip takes about 10hrs 6 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 9hrs 50 mins. With approximately 2 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 173-mile (278 km) route usually requires just one change, with Southeastern, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast 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 £34.00, 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 Rainhill!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Rainhill

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Rainhill? 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 Rainhill by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Rainhill by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 10hrs 6 mins & the fastest journey takes 9hrs 50 mins.

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

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Rainhill is 9hrs 50 mins.

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

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Rainhill can start from as little as £34.00 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 Rainhill?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Rainhill vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 2 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 23:40, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:03.

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

First class tickets on trains between London Waterloo East and Rainhill 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 Rainhill?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Rainhill 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 Rainhill. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Rainhill, 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 Rainhill?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Rainhill. However, there are 2 possible journeys which require a change.

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

Southeastern, Northern Rail and Avanti West Coast are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Rainhill.

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

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

When are London Waterloo East to Rainhill Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Rainhill on Thursday 1st May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Thursday 1st May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
16:51 London Waterloo East21:30 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
17:31 London Waterloo East22:21 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
17:51 London Waterloo East22:30 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
18:02 London Waterloo East00:05 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Liverpool Lime Street
6 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
19:02 London Waterloo East00:35 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Liverpool Lime Street
5 hrs 33 mins Get Tickets
20:02 London Waterloo East06:21 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Liverpool Lime Street
10 hrs 19 mins Get Tickets
20:21 London Waterloo East06:30 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
10 hrs 9 mins Get Tickets
23:40 London Waterloo East09:30 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Manchester Piccadilly
9 hrs 50 mins Get Tickets
23:59 London Waterloo East10:21 Rainhill5 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
Liverpool Lime Street
10 hrs 22 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Rainhill 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 Rainhill start from as little as £34.00

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 Rainhill start from £76.30 one way, or £109.00 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 Rainhill 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 Rainhill Station

Welcome to Rainhill Train Station

Nestled in the heart of Merseyside, Rainhill Train Station offers a gateway to a rich tapestry of destinations across the UK. This station, while modest, packs a punch when it comes to connectivity and functionality, making it a vital hub for both local commuters and traveling adventurers. Whether you're planning a day trip to bustling cities, or a leisurely journey exploring the quiet countryside, Rainhill station serves as an important passage in your travel itinerary.

Facilities and Amenities at Rainhill Station

When it comes to conveniences, Rainhill Station is equipped with essential facilities to ensure a smooth travel experience. The ticket office operates from 6:00 AM to 11:50 PM on weekdays and 8:45 AM to midnight on Sundays, and is complemented by accessible ticket machines, although tickets bought online cannot be collected here. Induction loops for the hearing impaired and clear departure screens add to the station's accessibility. However, note that there are no waiting rooms, so travelers should plan accordingly during cold weather.

Although there is step-free access to both platforms, passengers needing to buy tickets before their journey on platform 2 should allow extra time for crossing over from platform 1. For more inclusive transport needs, Rainhill station provides an induction loop, but it does lack wheelchair availability on site. While luggage storage isn't provided, the station ensures safety with comprehensive CCTV coverage.

Onward Travel Links

For those looking to continue their journey from Rainhill, there are multiple transport links available. The station is serviced by rail replacement services, providing pickups and drop-offs right at the bus stop outside the station entrance. Taxis are readily available and can be booked through Northern Railway’s dedicated service, Cab 4 You. While there currently isn't a bicycle hire option at the station, bus services can be accessed through Busline at 0871 200 2233.

Popular Destinations from Rainhill

Rainhill’s strategic location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring both vibrant cities and serene landscapes. Whether you fancy a trip to the cultural hub of Liverpool Lime Street or a venturesome jaunt to Manchester Piccadilly, your options are plenty. Other popular destinations include London Euston for those travelling to the capital and Chester for a touch of historical ambiance.

Would-be travelers can easily plan their routes with Rainhill as their starting point, exploring nearby spots like Lea Green or venturing further afield to Manchester Airport for international travel.

An Inviting Close

Although Rainhill Station might not offer luxurious amenities or an array of shops, it does embody the charm of simplicity and efficiency, making it a favorite for regular commuters and one-off travelers alike. With its robust network connections, the station is perfectly poised to help you embark on your next journey be it near or far. So, take a leap, purchase your tickets, and start your adventure from Rainhill Train Station today!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East