Merseyrail is the name given to the electric commuter train network centred on Liverpool in the county of Merseyside. The name was used as the official brand for the network in the days of British Rail, and has stuck through several franchise holders, although the name was not used by the previous operator Arriva. Merseyrail is referred to as “Merseyrail Electrics” by National Rail Enquiries and as “Serco/Ned Railways Merseyrail” by Merseytravel.

The name Merseyrail is also used by the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive to describe other railway services on Merseyside. These do not form part of the Merseyrail franchise. They are referred to as ‘City Line’ services which are made up of the following services:

• Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool South Parkway, Crewe & Birmingham/Rugby/London (operated by London Midland)
• Liverpool Lime Street to St Helens Central, Wigan & Blackpool (operated by Northern Rail)
• Liverpool Lime Street to Newton-le-Willows & Manchester Airport (operated by Northern Rail)
• Liverpool Lime Street to Hunts Cross & Manchester Oxford Road via Warrington Central (operated by Northern Rail and also a limited service by East Midlands Trains)
• Liverpool Lime Street to Earlestown & Warrington Bank Quay (operated by Northern Rail.)
• Manchester Piccadilly to Newton-le-Willows, Chester and Llandudno/Holyhead (operated by Arriva Trains Wales