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The Grand National, one of the world’s most famous horse racing events, is a three-day festival which sees hundreds of thousands attend in person and millions tune in globally. If you’re planning on experiencing this thrilling event, arriving by train is your best bet. And, since Aintree station is located just across from the Racecourse, you can avoid the hassle of traffic and parking problems that go hand in hand with such in-demand events. Read on for everything you need to know ahead of the race day!
When and where is Grand National 2026?
When is the Grand National?
The Grand National usually takes place in April each year, and this year’s event is no different, occurring from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 April 2026.
● Opening Day, Thursday 9 April, sees four unmissable Grade One races, as well as a wide range of entertainment, food and drink, and music. Expect a fun-packed kick-off for true racing aficionados!
● Day 2 is Ladies Day, the day for dressing up in your finest race day attire. High-stakes racing meets fine fashion, with the best-dressed guests competing for coveted Style Awards. This day is for the social butterflies and fashionistas!
● And the grand finale – Grand National Day, where the most skilled jockeys and horses compete in the world’s most famous steeplechase. The main event could see anything happen, with underdogs frequently pipping established legends to the post in this rollercoaster of a race. This day is for everyone!
What time does the Grand National 2026 start?
Schedule of Grand National 2026 key times
● Opening Day: Gates Open: 11:00; First Race: 13:45
● Ladies Day: Gates Open: 10:30; First Race: 13:45
● Grand National Day: Gates Open: 10:00; First Race: 13:20
Grand National location
Aintree racecourse is located about 8 km (5 miles) north of Liverpool city centre, making it easy to reach via Merseyrail services on the Ormskirk line. But with over 150,000 people attending the event each year, it’s essential you plan your travel arrangements in advance.
Getting to Aintree by train
Rail services are the simplest and most efficient option for arriving at Aintree for the 2026 Grand National. Below you will find how to get from Liverpool to Aintree, as well as route information for stations further afield.
Liverpool to Aintree train: Merseyrail trains run from Liverpool Central every 10–15 minutes, with journeys taking approximately 17 minutes. Fares are a fixed price of £4.85.
Merseyrail usually runs a special timetable for the Grand National Festival. A frequent service runs every 7.5 minutes between Liverpool city centre and Aintree during the festival.
More popular routes to Aintree:
● From London Euston: Take Avanti West Coast services to Liverpool Lime Street (approx. 2 hr 15 min, from £41 direct), then change to Merseyrail at Liverpool Central.
● From Manchester Piccadilly: To get the train from Manchester to Aintree, you’ll find direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Liverpool Lime Street that take approx. 1 hr. Fares can be found for as low as £3. You’ll then have to connect to Merseyrail for Aintree.
● From Birmingham New Street: Take the train to Liverpool Lime Street with West Midlands Railway for about 1 hr 45 min (tickets from £12 to £30), then continue to Aintree via Merseyrail.
Train travel tips for Grand National Week
● Book in advance: If you’re travelling to Liverpool from further afield, make sure to plan and book your train tickets in advance. Trains to Liverpool sell out early for Grand National weekend.
● Travel early: Particularly relevant for catching the Merseyrail services. Gates open at 11 am, so try to arrive not long after this, as Merseyrail trains to Aintree can get quite packed the closer you travel to the Grand National start times.
● Allow time for connections: If you need to transfer from Lime Street to Central Station, allow yourself plenty of time. Lime Street station can get quite crowded at peak arrival times.
● Use Off Peak or group travelcards on Merseyrail to save money.
● Stay overnight in Liverpool: Ideal for visitors travelling from further afield, especially if you’re planning to attend multiple days of the Grand National Festival. Here are some hotel options from Trip.co we’d recommend checking out!
Alternative travel options
While train travel is certainly the most convenient option for arriving to the Grand National 2026 – it offers a quick, comfortable, reliable service that avoids race day congestion – there are other options if rail doesn’t meet your needs.
● Coach: National Express runs a Grand National service to Aintree from several pick-up points, including Sheffield, Manchester and Blackpool.
● Driving: Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the yellow/tourism signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks. Parking is limited and must be booked in advance.
- When and where is Grand National 2026?
- Getting to Aintree by train
- Train travel tips for Grand National Week
- Alternative travel options
