Arriva set to double number of services to Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Merseyside’s leading bus operator Arriva is increasing services at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

From Sunday, September 1, 2024, Arriva will be doubling the frequency of its popular 86A service, which runs between the airport and city centre.

It will be increased from every 15 minutes to up to every 7/8 minutes.

This will give customers an additional 260 journeys per week with the first bus arriving at the airport at 05:04 and last bus departing at 23:36 Monday-Saturday.

As well as improving access to the airport for passengers, the 86A is an important service for employees based at the airport too, with the increased frequency helping to make public transport a more attractive travel option.

Airport passengers from the UK or abroad who want to  travel by rail services from across the City Region, the North West and beyond that call at nearby Liverpool South Parkway will now have faster and easier onward journeys. 

The 86A improvements will also mean better frequencies for customers travelling to the airport and Speke Retail Park from Liverpool City Centre, Wavertree, Penny Lane and Allerton.

In addition, connectivity will be improved for customers travelling by rail with the 86A linking to the Airport with Liverpool South Parkway Station.

Richard Hoare, area director for Arriva North West, said:

“The importance of linking a major, growing airport with the people who live near and far is a core part of our business because it’s so important to our customers.

“That’s why we’re ready, willing and able to offer that doubling in frequency on route 86A to support the growth of the airport.

“The Liverpool City Region bus network is vast and it continues to grow and we’re happy to work with our other transport partners to make sure public transport is the best option for people.”

Robin Tudor, head of PR and communications for Liverpool John Lennon Airport said:

“We work closely with our transport partners to look at ways to make public transport access for our passengers and our employees more attractive and we are therefore delighted to see the increased frequency on the important 86A service.

“The many new services and airline operations from the airport over the past 18 months means more and more passengers are now choosing to fly from Liverpool and Arriva’s continued commitment to their airport services will further enhance the transport options for airport users traveling locally by bus, or from further afield by rail to Liverpool South Parkway.”

As well as the 86A, Arriva operates the 500 express service operating to Liverpool in up to 31 minutes with the route serving Liverpool One before operating to Elliot Street where customers can connect with rail services at Liverpool Lime Street.

Arriva also operate several other services which connect the airport with Runcorn, Widnes, Bootle and St Helens.

Due to the change on the 86A service, customers at Garston Village travelling towards Liverpool will now have to use the Island Road South bus stop on Horrocks Avenue, as the 86A will not stop at Garston Village.

Find more information on the Arriva website.

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