THE timetable for the brand new direct train line from Wrexham to Liverpool has been released.

The service, beginning Monday, May 20, is the first train service to run direct from North Wales to Liverpool for over 40 years, with Transport For Wales describing it as a "major economic boost" for the region.

The project follows decades of hard work by local campaigners and significant work and investment by DfT, Welsh Government, Liverpool City Region, Merseytravel and Network Rail.

The Monday to Friday timetable is:

  • Wrexham General depart 06.35
  • Liverpool Lime Street arrive 07.59
  • Liverpool Lime Street depart 17.37
  • Wrexham General arrive 18.50
  • Wrexham General depart 19.09
  • Liverpool Lime Street arrive 20.14

The Saturday Timetable is:

  • Wrexham General depart 06.19
  • Liverpool Lime Street arrive 07.31
  • Liverpool Lime Street depart 17.37
  • Wrexham General arrive 18.39
  • Wrexham General depart 19.10
  • Liverpool Lime Street arrive 20.24

Prices are now in retail systems and a ticket from Wrexham General to Liverpool Lime Street Anytime Day Return is priced at £11.50.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said “This is great news and this service will be welcomed by rail users in Wrexham and North Wales. I hope it is the first of many new routes connecting the region with Liverpool, including Liverpool Airport.”

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Metro Mayor, said: “One of the Combined Authority’s key priorities is the delivery of major improvements in connectivity for our area.

“The Halton Curve is one of many ambitious rail schemes across the Liverpool City Region that have been delivered by the Combined Authority, working together in partnership with a number of organisations.

“Thanks to this, there are now more frequent trains between Liverpool and Chester and the first direct services between the city and Wrexham since 1975.

“With future plans to expand further into North Wales and an aspiration for direct Liverpool to Cardiff services, this is just the start of us realising the potential benefits that re-opening the Halton Curve will bring.”

The service will be in addition to another new service running hourly from Chester which will travel via Helsby, Frodsham and Runcorn.

In July 2017, work began on the much anticipated Halton Curve project following £14.4 million investment from the Local growth Deal and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority funded scheme to re-open the 1.5 miles of track to regular passenger services between Liverpool, Cheshire and North Wales.