How long is the wait for a liver?


This page provides general guidance on average waiting times, but every patient is different. Your waiting time may be much shorter or longer

Key points

  • The average wait for a liver transplant from a deceased donor in the UK is 3-4 months
  • Not all donated livers are the same – some carry more risk than others
  • If you are willing to accept higher risk livers, you are likely to have a shorter waiting time
  • Your transplant team will try to predict how long you might wait for a liver

What is the average wait for a liver transplant?

The average wait for a liver transplant in the UK is 3-4 months.

Some patients wait much longer than average, some wait a shorter time.

Find out about going on the transplant waiting list

More information



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