
Liverpool were founded in 1892 and are one of the most successful clubs in English and European football. Based at Anfield, the club are known globally for their trophies, European nights and the anthem You'll Never Walk Alone. Liverpool were founder members of the Premier League and have one of football's most famous rivalries with Everton, as well as a major sporting rivalry with Manchester United.
Anfield is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world and remains a ground built around emotion, history and atmosphere rather than simply size. It sits in a dense residential part of north Liverpool, close to Stanley Park and only a short distance from Everton's former Goodison Park home. The stadium has been heavily expanded in recent years, but it still feels like a traditional English football ground with streets, houses, pubs, murals and supporter landmarks tight around it.
The four main stands are the Kop, Main Stand, Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and Anfield Road Stand. The Kop is the iconic home end behind one goal and is the spiritual centre of Liverpool's support. The Main Stand is the largest side stand and was redeveloped into a huge modern structure with hospitality, media and premium facilities. Opposite is the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, while the Anfield Road Stand at the other end has also been expanded and contains the away section.
Anfield's atmosphere is most famous on European nights and major Premier League fixtures, but the stadium experience is not only about noise. The approach along Anfield Road, the Hillsborough memorial, the Shankly Gates, the Paisley Gates and the club murals all form part of the visit. For neutrals, the side stands offer the best view, while the Kop is the heart of the Liverpool home support.
A rivalry built on the historic competition between Manchester and Liverpool as cities, then magnified by two of England’s most successful football institutions.
Manchester United
LiverpoolOld Trafford, Manchester | Premier League
Liverpool’s two senior clubs share the same city and Stanley Park, making this a family-and-neighbourhood rivalry as much as a football one.
Away supporters at Anfield are normally located in the lower tier of the Anfield Road Stand, in the corner nearest the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand. The standard Premier League away allocation is usually around 3,000, although cup allocations can differ depending on competition rules and safety arrangements. Following the Anfield Road Stand redevelopment, the stand is larger, but away supporters remain in a segregated lower-tier area.
The view from the away section is generally good, especially compared with older restricted-view away ends, although lower rows can be flatter and the corner angle means you are not directly behind the goal. The away concourse can become extremely busy when the full allocation travels, particularly close to kick-off and at half-time.
Away supporters should use the entrance details given by their own club and Liverpool's visiting-supporter information. Anfield is in a tightly controlled residential area on matchdays, and police or stewards may manage routes around the Anfield Road end. Supporters should also allow extra time for security checks and for walking from transport drop-off points.
From the north, use the M6 and connect towards Liverpool via the M58/A59 or M62 depending on route, then follow signs towards Anfield. Liverpool strongly advise public transport on matchdays and official parking is limited and must normally be pre-booked. If driving, arrange parking before travelling and expect residential restrictions around the stadium.
From the south, approach via the M6 and M62 into Liverpool, then follow city routes towards Anfield. The stadium sits in a residential area and roads are busy well before kick-off. Do not rely on finding street parking near Anfield; use pre-booked parking or park further out and use shuttle/bus routes.
From Manchester, Yorkshire or the east, the M62 is the main route into Liverpool. Continue towards the city and then follow Anfield signs or your pre-booked car park instructions. Traffic leaving the M62 and crossing the city can be slow on matchdays, so leave plenty of time.
From the Wirral or North Wales, use the Mersey tunnels or M53/M56 routes into Liverpool, then head north towards Anfield. Tunnel and city traffic can be heavy, and parking restrictions apply near the ground. Pre-book parking away from the stadium or use Merseyrail/bus options for the final leg.
Sandhills is the main Merseyrail station for supporters using the Soccerbus to Anfield. Merseyrail promotes Soccerbus from Sandhills on matchdays, giving a direct link towards the stadium before kick-off and back after the match. It is useful for supporters already on the Northern line or changing from the city-centre Merseyrail network.
Kirkdale is a Merseyrail station within walking distance of Anfield and can be useful for supporters who prefer to walk rather than use Soccerbus. It is not as direct for many visitors as Sandhills plus Soccerbus, but it can be a helpful alternative after matches if Sandhills queues are heavy. Check your route carefully because some passengers need to change at Moorfields.
Liverpool Lime Street is the main long-distance station for supporters travelling to Anfield from outside Merseyside. From Lime Street, continue by bus, taxi, walk, or connect into the Merseyrail network for Sandhills and Soccerbus. It is not the closest station to the ground, but it is the key arrival point for national rail journeys.
From Sandhills, most supporters should use the Soccerbus to Anfield when it is operating. Walking is possible but not the normal recommended route, taking around 35 to 45 minutes through north Liverpool. If walking, plan the route in advance and allow extra time.
From Kirkdale Station, walk towards Walton Breck Road and Anfield. The walk usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes and is one of the more practical rail walking routes to the stadium. It can be useful after the match if the Soccerbus and Sandhills are heavily crowded.
Walking from Liverpool Lime Street to Anfield takes around 40 to 50 minutes depending on route and pace. Many supporters use buses, taxis, Soccerbus via Merseyrail, or a combination of rail and shuttle services instead. If walking, head north out of the city centre towards Everton Valley and Walton Breck Road.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the best airport for Liverpool matches at Anfield. Buses link the airport with Liverpool city centre and Liverpool South Parkway, giving onward access to rail, Merseyrail and bus connections. For Anfield, travel into the city centre, then use local buses, taxi, or Merseyrail to Sandhills for the Soccerbus when operating. A taxi direct to Anfield is also realistic, but allow for matchday traffic.
Manchester Airport is a realistic alternative for Liverpool because of its wider flight network and direct public transport options towards Liverpool. Trains run from Manchester Airport towards Liverpool Lime Street, or you can travel via Manchester Piccadilly. From Lime Street, continue to Anfield by bus, taxi, or Merseyrail/Soccerbus via Sandhills. It is not as local as Liverpool John Lennon, but it is very usable for supporters flying internationally.
Arriva service 926 runs direct from Liverpool ONE to Anfield for Liverpool matches and major events. It is a useful city-centre option for supporters who do not want to use Merseyrail and Soccerbus.
Arriva service 927 is the return service from Anfield back towards Liverpool ONE after matches and events. It is designed to move supporters back into the city centre without needing to walk or search for taxis around Walton Breck Road.
Taxi One operate a matchday taxibus / shuttle-style service from Commutation Row in Liverpool city centre direct to Anfield for some events, and also offer normal taxi/private hire services. It is useful if you want a booked city-centre transfer, but check matchday availability in advance.
North Liverpool Academy offers matchday parking for Liverpool home games, typically around £10 cash only. It is close enough to walk to Anfield and opens around three hours before kick-off, but spaces cannot normally be pre-booked, so arrive early. The postcode is L5 0SQ and it closes after the match, so do not leave the car there beyond the event window.
There is no easy turn-up stadium parking at Anfield, so pre-booked private spaces around Anfield, Kirkdale or Everton Valley are a sensible option. Choose somewhere with a clear walking route and avoid roads immediately beside the stadium where closures and crowds make access difficult. Prices vary heavily by fixture and distance.
Parking in Liverpool city centre and using bus, taxi, Merseyrail/Soccerbus or a long walk to Anfield can be easier than trying to park near the ground. This works well if you are spending time in the city before or after the match. Check car park closing times for evening fixtures and allow time for the onward journey.
Well-known pub close to Anfield and commonly used by away supporters. It gets very busy on matchdays, so arrive early and expect queues, especially for large away followings.
Historic Liverpool football pub close to Anfield. It is popular with home fans and tourists, but can be part of the wider matchday pub scene. Away supporters should check colours and door policy.
Pub on Walton Breck Road close to Anfield and often mentioned in matchday pub guides. It is very convenient but busy, and away-fan access may depend on the fixture.
Cafe close to Anfield and a practical option for breakfast, lunch or quick food before the match. Useful for early arrivals around the stadium area.
Community bakery next to Anfield and one of the best-known matchday food stops around the ground. Famous for pies and local football identity, but expect queues.
Official-style sports cafe at Anfield, useful around stadium tours and match visits where available. Check opening and booking rules around matchdays.
Boutique-style hotel very close to Anfield, making it one of the most direct overnight options for Liverpool away trips. Book early for major fixtures.
Hotel and pub close to Anfield with strong Liverpool football links. Very convenient for the stadium, though the area is extremely busy on matchdays.
Modern hotel between Liverpool city centre and Anfield. Useful for supporters who want a city base with a shorter taxi/bus journey to the stadium than waterfront hotels.
Liverpool strongly encourage supporters to plan their route to Anfield in advance and use public transport where possible. The stadium is not served by a nearby mainline station, so many supporters arrive through Liverpool Lime Street and then use buses, taxis, Soccerbus-style services or walking routes from the city centre and surrounding areas.
Driving close to Anfield is not recommended unless you have pre-booked parking or official arrangements. The surrounding streets are residential and subject to matchday traffic controls, parking restrictions and road closures. If you are visiting for the first time, arrive early enough to see the outside of the ground, but do not leave entry late because Anfield's turnstile and security areas become very busy.
Away fans should be sensible around pubs and colours, particularly for high-profile fixtures. The area around the ground is heavily Liverpool-orientated, and many pubs are home-supporter venues. After full-time, expect slow movement around the Anfield Road end and allow time to get back to the city centre or rail connections.
Liverpool home tickets are among the hardest in English football to obtain through normal routes. Premier League tickets are sold through Liverpool's official ticketing system, usually involving membership, ballots, sales windows, local sales or ticket exchange depending on the fixture and ticket category. General sale is rare for league matches.
For neutrals, the Main Stand or Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand give the best overall view and a more balanced matchday experience. The Kop is the most famous home end and the best place for Liverpool atmosphere, but it is not a neutral area and availability is extremely limited. Seats close to the away section in the Anfield Road Stand can be more lively and are not the obvious choice for a quiet visit.
Away tickets are sold by the visiting club, not Liverpool. Travelling supporters should follow their own club's loyalty-point, ticket-collection and digital-ticketing instructions. Away fans should not buy in home areas, as segregation is enforced and entry may be refused if away support is identified in the wrong section.
Anfield operates standard Premier League ground regulations, including searches on entry, no pyrotechnics, no pitch encroachment, no discriminatory behaviour and no alcohol in view of the pitch. Supporters must use the correct entrance and should arrive for the entry time or guidance issued with their ticket.
Liverpool operate strict safety and security procedures, including bag checks and prohibited-item rules. Supporters should travel light and avoid bringing large bags or luggage to the stadium. Flags and banners may be allowed if they meet club rules, but large displays or items with poles may need approval and must comply with safety standards.
The areas around Anfield include memorials and residential streets, so supporters should behave respectfully before and after the match. Police and steward instructions should be followed around the Anfield Road Stand, especially where away and home supporter routes are separated.
Liverpool provide a dedicated Accessibility Hub with information on accessible ticketing, wheelchair spaces, ambulant seating, personal-assistant tickets, audio descriptive commentary and access services at Anfield. Disabled supporters should register the necessary documentation with the club where required and arrange tickets through the correct access-ticketing process.
Away disabled supporters should book through the visiting club and confirm the exact Anfield Road Stand entrance, viewing position and companion-seat arrangements. Because the away section is in a busy part of the stadium, it is important to check arrival routes and post-match exit guidance before travelling.
Anfield has improved significantly through redevelopment, but it remains in a tight urban location. Supporters with mobility needs should plan transport, parking or drop-off in advance and allow extra time for crowds around the stadium, especially after the match.
Liverpool offer regular Anfield stadium tours and museum access. The LFC Stadium Tour usually includes behind-the-scenes areas such as the dressing rooms, players' tunnel, This Is Anfield sign, pitchside and the club museum, subject to matchday and operational restrictions. Specialist tours and legend-led options may also be available on selected dates.
The stadium tour is advertised as accessible to wheelchair users, with lift access through the tour route and ramp access for pitchside areas. Tours should be booked through Liverpool's official channels, and visitors should check availability carefully around matchdays, European fixtures and stadium events.
Liverpool’s stadium tour is the obvious football attraction at Anfield. Check tour availability around matchdays, as access may be restricted close to fixtures.
Large park between Anfield and Goodison Park, useful for a walk around the local football landscape before the match.
Major Liverpool waterfront attraction with museums, food, bars and shops. Better for early arrivals before taking a bus, taxi or Soccerbus to Anfield.
Official Liverpool ticketing page for match tickets, membership sales, hospitality, accessibility information and fixture-specific ticket updates.
Official website for Liverpool. Useful for tickets, travel updates, accessibility information, stadium rules and matchday announcements.
Useful starting point for information about Anfield, including visitor details, stadium facilities and matchday guidance where available.
Overall: 3.0/5 ★★★☆☆
Worst Away Day I've had