How to get to and from Aintree for Grand National Festival 2025 

We can’t wait for the Grand National Festival 2025 and while we’re all doing our homework on the horses and jockeys who might be there, there’s another thing we need to mug up on too – our travel.

No-one wants to get stuck in the stalls on any of the Grand National race days, so it’s always good to have a think about how you’re going to get there.

The advice, as always, is plan ahead.

From rail to road, there’s a few options from wherever you are across the Liverpool City Region.

Trains 

There’ll be a special timetable from Merseyrail

Liverpool

The easiest way to get to Aintree is by train and, as always, Merseyrail will be running a special timetable for the National with a seven-and-a-half-minute frequency of service between Liverpool City Centre and Aintree station before and after the races on each day of the festival.

Trains on the Northern line will run to a slightly amended timetable to provide the best possible service and it’s always an idea to check the journey planner on Merseyrail’s website or app for up-to-date times before you set off.

On all three days, the seven-and-a-half-minute service will run between Aintree and Liverpool Central/Moorfields stations at the following times:

• Liverpool city centre to Aintree, from approximately 11am – 1pm
• Aintree to Liverpool city centre, from approximately 4.30-8.30pm

Ormskirk line

Trains will run to a slightly amended 15-minute timetable and stations between Liverpool City Centre and Ormskirk will have a 15-minute service. However, to enable extra trains to operate, Aughton Park station and Town Green station will be served by a 30-minute service.

Southport line

Trains will run to a slightly amended 15-minute timetable, with arrival and departure times different to the normal timetable.

Kirkby line

Services between 11am and 2pm, and between 5pm and 9pm will start and terminate at Sandhills. Anyone going to Moorfields or Liverpool Central, or those making the return journey to Rice Lane, Fazakerley, Kirkby, or Headbolt Lane, will have to change at Sandhills during these times.

Wirral line

Services will run to the normal timetable. Customers travelling to the festival from any Wirral line stations are advised to change at Moorfields for an Aintree-bound train.

Find up-to-the-minute information here.

Bus

Aintree can be reached by bus with the 300, 310 and 345 services going to and from Queen Square Bus Station, Liverpool.

Find more information here or call 0151 236 7676. Alternatively you can go on the Arriva website here.

By road

Aintree Racecourse is situated on the A59, just a mile from the M57 and M58. Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the yellow/tourism signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks. If you’re using Sat Nav, the postcode is L9 5AS.

There is car parking for the racecourse costing from £25 but you need to book it online via https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/the-grand-national/plan-your-day/travel/

Taxi

A taxi is always a good idea but don’t leave it until the day before you’re going to the races to try and book – do it now. The likes of Delta and Alpha will be taking bookings.

By air

If you are travelling from further away than Merseyside and getting there by plane, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and a 20-minute drive by road.

Or, you can get the bus to Liverpool South Parkway station and catch a train to Aintree, changing at Liverpool Central or Moorfields onto the Ormskirk train.

Top travel tips 

• Use public transport where you can – roads will be busy and parking limited
• Make sure you check routes and plan ahead
• Check operator websites and social channels for up-to-date timetables – they can change
• Allow extra time for your journey as services will be busier than usual
• Buy tickets in advance 
• Don’t plan for the last service home – you’ll be stuck if you miss it!

Everything we know so far about the Randox Health Grand National 2025 HERE.