Alright, let’s rewind. Back in 2010, when I first launched the Merseyside Bus Blog, I was all about the nitty-gritty—the bus routes, timetables and the little details that make our transport system tick. Over the years, though, the blog’s evolved. My focus has broadened, but today, I’m taking it back to where it all began—to those small but meaningful details that make my local transport system work.
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| Tom Harrison (Bus Ambassador) |
Going back to my roots for this post, I’m diving into something close to home: Christmas Day buses. It’s easy to get lost in the bigger conversations about decarbonisation and sustainability, but today, I’m remembering why I started blogging in the first place—because transport, at its heart, is about connection.
Christmas Day. Everything slows down. No trains. Most buses take the day off. But Christmas Day Buses? They’re still running. Free buses. All day. No tickets. No faff. Just hop on and go. These buses make sure you can get to work, visit family, or take a moment for yourself. And, honestly, that’s priceless.
What bus services are running?
The 10A connects Liverpool to St Helens, passing through Page Moss and Whiston Hospital. If you’re visiting family in St Helens or heading to Whiston Hospital for work, this one’s your lifeline. The first bus from Liverpool Queen Square to St Helens leaves at 1:04 pm, while the first bus from Page Moss to Liverpool Queen Square leaves at 12:29 pm. The last bus from Liverpool Queen Square to Page Moss departs at 6:33 pm, and the last bus from Liverpool Queen Square to St Helens leaves at 5:34 pm.
The 12A links Liverpool with Huyton, taking in Stockbridge Village. It’s perfect for getting to family gatherings in the suburbs or heading out to work in Huyton. The first bus from Liverpool Queen Square to Huyton leaves at 1:00 pm, and the first bus from Huyton to Liverpool Queen Square departs at 11:55 am. The last bus from Liverpool Queen Square to Stockbridge Village leaves at 6:30 pm, and the last bus from Huyton to Liverpool Queen Square leaves at 5:25 pm.
The 21A runs from Liverpool One to Kirkby, looping through Walton Vale, Fazakerley and Quarry Green. The first bus from Liverpool One to Kirkby departs at 12:41 pm, and the first bus from Kirkby to Liverpool One leaves at 12:38 pm. The last bus from Liverpool One to Kirkby leaves at 5:11 pm, and the last bus from Kirkby Tower Hill to Liverpool One departs at 6:08 pm.
The 44 runs from Formby to Crossens, passing by Southport Hospital along the way. Whether you’re working at the hospital or just want a quiet walk on the beach, this route’s perfect. The first bus from Formby to Southport and then Crossens departs at 1:00 pm, and the first bus from Crossens to Formby leaves at 2:00 pm. The last bus from Formby to Crossens departs at 3:00 pm, and the last bus from Crossens to Formby leaves at 4:00 pm.
The 62A covers Crosby, Bootle and Aintree University Hospital. It’s essential for getting to the hospital or if you live around these areas and want to head into the city or out to the coast. The first bus from Crosby to Aintree leaves at 11:55 pm, and the first bus from Aintree to Crosby departs at 13:05 pm. The last bus from Crosby to Aintree departs at 5:25 pm, and the last bus from Aintree to Crosby leaves at 6:35 pm.
The 102 covers Broadgreen Hospital to Aintree University Hospital, with key stops at Alder Hey along the way. This route is crucial for healthcare workers and anyone visiting the hospitals on Christmas Day. The first bus from Broadgreen to Aintree departs at 12:23 pm, and the first bus from Aintree to Broadgreen leaves at 12:45 pm. The last bus from Broadgreen to Aintree departs at 5:53 pm, and the last bus from Aintree to Broadgreen leaves at 6:15 pm.
The 201 runs from Liverpool Queen Square to Speke. This one’s perfect for those visiting Royal Liverpool Hospital or Liverpool Women’s Hospital and for anyone in Speke heading to the city. The first bus from Liverpool Queen Square to Speke leaves at 12:40 pm, and the first bus from Speke to Liverpool Queen Square departs at 13:20 pm. The last bus from Liverpool Queen Square to Speke leaves at 6:10 pm, and the last bus from Speke to Liverpool Queen Square departs at 5:50 pm.
The 410 serves New Brighton to Clatterbridge Hospital, passing through Birkenhead along the way. If you’re heading to Clatterbridge for work or visiting family, this route makes it easy. The first bus from New Brighton to Clatterbridge leaves at 11:58 am, and the first bus from Clatterbridge to New Brighton departs at 12 noon. The last bus from New Brighton to Clatterbridge leaves at 5:28 pm, and the last bus from Clatterbridge to New Brighton departs at 5:30 pm.
The H1 runs between Mill Park and New Brighton, stopping at Arrowe Park Hospital. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll or a hospital visit, this route’s ideal. The first bus from New Brighton to Mill Park leaves at 12 noon, and the first bus from Mill Park to New Brighton departs at 12:29 pm. The last bus from New Brighton to Mill Park leaves at 5:30 pm, and the last bus from Mill Park to New Brighton departs at 5:59 pm.
The H2 and H3 are circular routes, linking Whiston Hospital and St Helens Hospital, as well as other local spots. Great for getting around St Helens on Christmas Day. The first bus from St Helens to Whiston Hospital leaves at 12:10 pm, and the first bus from Whiston Hospital to St Helens departs at 12:37 pm. The last bus from St Helens to Whiston Hospital departs at 5:40 pm, and the last bus from Whiston Hospital to St Helens leaves at 6:03 pm.
Errors and omissions excepted. See the official Merseytravel timetable before travelling.
Why These Routes Matter
Christmas isn’t easy for everyone. For some, it’s a reminder of loved ones who are no longer here, and others might just need a break from the festive frivolities. These buses give you freedom—to visit, to work, or to take a quiet moment to yourself.
Healthcare workers, families and friends alike will appreciate these services. Whether you’re commuting or heading out for some fresh air, these routes help make the day a little easier. And it’s all free.
It’s easy to overlook the little things when we think about Christmas Day. The cards, the food, the music. But think about the people who rely on public transport every day—those who don’t get a ‘day off’ just because it’s Christmas. These buses are for them. They’re for the unsung heroes—those doing their rounds in hospitals, those visiting loved ones in care homes, or those who need a bit of space from the chaos.
Also, let's not forget: no other bus, train or ferry services run in the Liverpool City Region on Christmas Day. So, if you’re out and about, Merseytravel’s Christmas Day buses are your only option. This is a reminder that when everyone else is winding down, Merseytravel is still ensuring that you can get where you need to go.
A Christmas Gift for Us All
Merseytravel’s Christmas Day buses don’t just keep the wheels turning—they keep us connected. They’re there for everyone, whether you’re off to work, visiting family, or simply getting some space to reflect. It's a little gift to us all—especially for those who might need it most.
These services provide more than just a means of getting from A to B; they’re a reminder that we’re all in this together. That even on a day when so many services shut down, Merseytravel is there, making sure that we’re not left behind.
So, this Christmas Day, take a moment to appreciate the simple act of getting from one place to another. The bus might just be the connection you didn’t know you needed. No tickets, no hassle, just a journey that makes a difference.
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