Merseyrail will operate a special timetable to support the Randox Grand National Festival, ensuring racegoers and passengers can travel smoothly during one of the busiest events of the year.
The three‑day timetable will run on Thursday 9, Friday 10, and Saturday 11 April, with frequent services between Liverpool City Centre and Aintree, along with changes on several lines across the wider network.
To help customers get to and from the event, Merseyrail are running a 7½‑minute service between Liverpool Central and Moorfields stations in the city centre and Aintree at the following times:
- Liverpool Central & Moorfields to Aintree: around 10:00–13:00
- Aintree to Liverpool Central & Moorfields: around 16:30–20:30
Getting to Aintree racecourse by train is now even quicker and easier with Merseyrail’s Tap & Go.
There is no need to queue for a train ticket; simply tap in and tap out with your bank card or smart device, and you’ll automatically be charged the cheapest fare.
Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:
“We’re delighted to once again provide a special timetable for The Randox Grand National Festival.
“As one of the biggest events in the Liverpool City Region, Merseyrail is proud to play a key role in helping people enjoy their day at the races and with Tap & Go now available across our network, travelling is easier than ever.”
Essential Network Changes and Line Updates
To keep the network running reliably during the festival, the following changes have been made to the usual timetable:
Ormskirk line
Services will arrive and depart at different times than normal. Between 16:30 and 20:30, services towards Liverpool will not stop at Orrell Park or Walton. There will be no direct services between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross; customers should change at Moorfields.
Southport & Hunts Cross lines
Services will arrive and depart at different times than normal. Trains will run between Southport and Hunts Cross throughout the festival, though some services will not stop at Cressington station.
Headbolt Lane line
A 30‑minute service will run across the line during all three days. Between 10:00–13:00 and 16:30–20:30, services will start and finish at Sandhills. Customers travelling towards the city centre or back towards Headbolt Lane should change at Sandhills during these times.
Wirral line
Services on the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines will arrive and depart at different times than the normal timetable between 07:00 and 19:00. Racegoers from the Wirral are advised to change at Moorfields for Aintree‑bound services.
Famous Flip-Flops and Festival Entertainment
As usual, a range of entertainment is planned to welcome those using the rail network to attend this exciting event in the City Region’s calendar, with some surprises in store.
Merseyrail staff will also be on hand to distribute their famous flip-flops to anyone with sore feet after a long day at the races.
Customers can find the latest departure times by using the journey planner on the Merseyrail website or mobile app.
Alternatively, they can speak to a team member at their local staffed station for assistance.
