England’s Golf Coast is one of the most accessible golfing regions in the UK, with world-class courses sitting just a short journey from two major international airports, strong rail links and excellent local transport. Whether you prefer the ease of a chauffeur-driven transfer, the freedom of self-drive, or the simplicity of public transport, getting to and around England’s Golf Coast is refreshingly straightforward. Here’s a guide to the best transport options for golfers planning their next trip.
Arriving by Air: Manchester & Liverpool
Most international golfers will arrive through Manchester Airport (MAN) or European through Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)— both ideally positioned for quick and seamless access to Southport, Formby and the wider Golf Coast.
Manchester Airport
As the North’s largest international hub, Manchester offers outstanding global connectivity, with direct routes from the USA, Canada, the Middle East, Asia and across Europe. Transfer times to the heart of England’s Golf Coast are typically:
- Southport: 1 hour
- Formby: 50 minutes
- Royal Birkdale & Hillside: around 50 minutes
Liverpool Airport
Smaller and exceptionally easy to navigate, Liverpool is perfect for arrivals from many European cities. Approximate transfer times:
- Southport: 50 minutes
- Formby: 40 minutes
- Royal Liverpool (Hoylake): 40 minutes
Both airports offer fast baggage handling and excellent road connections, making them ideal gateways for a relaxed start to your golf trip.
Rail Connections: Liverpool, Manchester & Southport
For golfers already in the UK—or those who prefer rail over road—train travel to England’s Golf Coast is simple and comfortable.
Key Stations for Golf Travellers
- Liverpool Lime Street (major national hub)
- Manchester Piccadilly & Victoria
- Southport Station (the region’s main seaside base)
- Formby, Freshfield, Birkdale, Hillside & Ainsdale (local stations near many golf clubs)
Direct trains run frequently from both Liverpool and Manchester into Southport in under an hour. The Merseyrail network reliably connects Formby, Hillside, Birkdale and Hoylake, putting golfers within minutes of many championship links.
Rail is a great option for smaller groups or golfers combining their trip with a stay in Liverpool city centre.
Self-Drive Hire Cars
If you enjoy complete flexibility, self-drive is a popular and cost-effective option.
Both airports offer a wide selection of rental companies and vehicle types, from standard hatchbacks to spacious people carriers large enough for clubs and luggage. Roads into Southport, Formby and Hoylake are well-signed and easy to navigate, with most journeys using simple motorway and coastal routes.
Self-drive suits golfers who like exploring beyond the courses — whether that’s restaurants, pubs or sightseeing along the coastline.
Chauffeur-driven luxury transport service
For the most seamless, stress-free experience, many groups choose our chauffeur-driven luxury transport service.
At Southport Golf Tours, we provide:
- Modern, spacious executive vehicles
- Professional drivers familiar with all golf clubs and hotels
- Ample luggage space for clubs & trolleys
- Door-to-door service from airport to hotel to course
- No parking, no navigation, no stress
This is by far the most relaxing way to travel — perfect for groups wanting to focus purely on the golf and enjoy their time together.
Final Thoughts
Whether you fly into Manchester or Liverpool, take the train, hire a car or enjoy the comfort of our chauffeur-driven fleet, England’s Golf Coast is incredibly easy to reach and navigate. With transport sorted, all that’s left is to enjoy the exceptional links golf that awaits.
Created by Southport Golf Tours, the leading specialist in Luxury Bespoke Golf Trips to England’s Golf Coast. When you’re ready to plan your next golf adventure, reach out — we’ll build a trip you’ll never forget.
About the Author
This blog was put together by Peter Griffiths, our Director of Golf here at Southport Golf Tours. Peter’s a lifelong member of one of the area’s most prestigious clubs, and he’s spent most of his golfing life playing the incredible links along England’s Golf Coast.
While this stretch of coastline is very much his home turf, he’s also teed it up at many of the UK’s top courses — and plenty overseas too. Peter loves sharing his experience, local insight, and passion for great golf, both in the tours he helps design and in the blogs he writes.