Rail passengers travelling to Liverpool Lime Street and Aintree for the Grand National 2026 are being urged to follow key travel advice as the world-famous horse racing festival gets underway on 9 April.

With large crowds expected from 9 to 11 April, rail users are advised to plan journeys in advance and check services before travelling. Passengers should allow extra time for return journeys, as later services are expected to be extremely busy, with queuing systems likely to be in place to help ensure safe and orderly travel during peak periods.

Network Rail’s guidance to “be safe, be patient, be kind” remains in effect throughout the event.

More than 100,000 journeys were recorded to and from Aintree during last year’s festival, and similar demand is anticipated in 2026.

To support the increased passenger numbers, Merseyrail will operate a frequent service of approximately every 7.5 minutes between Liverpool Central and Moorfields stations, and Aintree.

Trains will run from Liverpool Central and Moorfields to Aintree between around 10:00 and 13:00, and return services from Aintree to Liverpool Central and Moorfields will operate between approximately 16:30 and 20:30.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming Grand National-goers back to Liverpool Lime Street and helping them travel safely to and from Aintree.

“I’ve got three top tips for passengers travelling to Aintree: plan ahead and know what train you want to catch before the day of the races. Allow more time than you might do usually to get on the train – there will probably be queues. And finally, please respect each other and our staff while travelling. We want everyone to safely enjoy their rail journey to and from the races free from any bad behaviour.” 

Rachel Rahbarzare, Liverpool Lime Street’s station manager.