Fans travelling to Liverpool's Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Arsenal at Anfield should be aware that there are planned rail closures during the festive period.

Supporters are advised that there will be no rail services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day on the rail network.

Merseyrail – Wirral Loop Line

As part of Merseyrail’s platform upgrade, work will start on the Wirral Loop Line on Thursday December 27. During the work, Wirral Line trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North and Birkenhead Central. Rail replacement buses will run between Birkenhead and Liverpool stations.

  • From December 27 to January 2, New Brighton and West Kirby trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead North.
  • From December 27 to January 1, Ellesmere Port and Chester trains will start and terminate at Birkenhead Central.

For further information, please click here.

Liverpool South Parkway Main Line

Over the festive period there will also be engineering works across the main line rail network. During this time, the following services will be affected.

  • Northern Rail will be running rail replacement buses, calling all stations from Warrington Central to Liverpool Lime Street down the City Line (West Allerton, Mossley Hill etc.)
  • West Midland Trains will be terminating at Runcorn station, with rail replacement services to Liverpool South Parkway and Merseyrail train service into the city centre.
  • Virgin Trains will be diverted via Warrington into Lime Street Station, resulting in slightly longer journey times.

For further information, please visit the following websites.

Important information

For both games, fans are advised to consider the below checklist.

  • Check before you travel – closures are taking place at different locations at different times on the network so it’s important to keep checking what is happening and when.
  • Plan ahead – use journey planners.
  • Leave more time for your journey – some timetables may change.
  • Don’t take the car, stick to public transport.
  • Consider avoiding travelling at peak times where possible.
  • Consider your options – other public transport options, including Mersey Ferries and commercial buses, may be a good alternative.