Merseyrail is rolling out a special timetable for the Randox Grand National Festival to keep passengers moving smoothly during one of the busiest events of the year. The three-day schedule runs from Thursday, 9, to Saturday, 11 April, with frequent services between Liverpool City Centre and Aintree and adjustments across several lines.

Racegoers can catch trains every 7 minutes between Liverpool Central, Moorfields, and Aintree, with morning departures to the course from around 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and evening returns from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

To maintain reliable service across the network, other lines will see temporary changes. Ormskirk line trains will run at different times, skipping Orrell Park and Walton in the evening and requiring a change at Moorfields for travel to Hunts Cross. Southport and Hunts Cross lines will also operate on an adjusted timetable, with some trains bypassing Cressington.

The Headbolt Lane line will run every 30 minutes, with services starting and finishing at Sandhills during peak festival hours. On the Wirral line, Chester and Ellesmere Port services will run on a modified schedule, with passengers advised to change at Moorfields for Aintree-bound trains.

Travellers can check the latest departure times via the Merseyrail website or app, or speak with staff at staffed stations.

Fans arriving by train can also enjoy special festival entertainment and Merseyrail’s iconic flip-flops for sore feet. Getting to Aintree has been made easier, thanks to Tap & Go, allowing passengers to tap in and out with a card or smart device for the cheapest fare, no ticket queues required.

“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.”

Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail.