Grand National: Road closures and public transport
PA MediaThe Grand National festival will once again showcase three days of racing at Aintree from 3–5 April 2025 with the world's most well-known steeple chase taking place at 16:00 BST on the Saturday.
Last year's race was won by bookies' favourite I Am Maximus, and more than 150,000 people are expected to attend the event.
Aintree racecourse has hosted the festival since 1839.
How do I get there?
Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6.
Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the yellow/tourism signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks - which must be booked in advance.
Racegoers are advised to plan ahead, use public transport where possible and leave plenty of time.
How can I get there by rail?
Merseyrail will operate a service between Liverpool city centre and Aintree stations on the Merseyrail Northern Line before and after the races.
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 10:00 – 13:00
- Aintree to Liverpool city centre, from approximately 16:30 – 20:30
To accommodate the more frequent services between Liverpool city centre and Aintree there will be reduced services to some stations on the Ormskirk branch of the Northern Line and a slightly amended 15-minute timetable on the Southport branch of the Northern Line.
On the Headbolt Lane branch of the Northern Line, services between 11:00 and 14:00, and then between 17:00 and 21:00 will terminate at Sandhills with passengers having to change trains to complete their journeys from here.
The Wirral Line will operate a normal timetable during the festival. Passengers travelling to the festival from any Wirral line stations are advised to change at Moorfields for an Aintree-bound train.
How can I get there by bus?
The 300, 310 & 345 services run regularly between Queen Square bus station and the Aintree area.
Stagecoach will be operating a regular shuttle bus service from Liverpool city centre to Aintree Racecourse on all three days of the festival.
Shuttle buses will depart Elliot Street [Stop GE].
Return shuttles will depart from Park Lane (opposite Aintree rail station) - return trips will be running on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April only.
Which roads are closed?
A number of diversions and traffic management measures will be in place including temporary closures. Heavy traffic is expected on the A59.
Ormskirk Road, as well as Park Lane between Bridle Road and Ormskirk Road, will be closed between 15:00 and 21:00 on all three festival days.
Melling Road will be closed at the junction of Seeds Lane to Aintree Lane.
What are the police saying?
Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton from Merseyside Police said: "It's going to be busy, it's the biggest horse race in the world, so plan properly before and after.
"I would urge anyone to use public transport.
"Give yourself extra time to travel and look after your property, and if you see anything suspicious, speak to an officer."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.