How to get to Aintree Racecourse – all travel options considered

If you’re planning a trip to Aintree Racecourse, here’s complete guide on how to get there so that you can make your journey as stress-free as possible.

Where is Aintree?

Aintree Racecourse is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, Merseyside, bordering the city of Liverpool. The best postcode for sat navs is L9 5AS.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by train

The best, and easiest, way to reach the racecourse is normally by train to Aintree Station, which is directly opposite the racecourse – less than a five-minute walk.

Merseyrail trains run between Liverpool Central and Aintree Station every 15 minutes on standard racedays. There are more frequent services (every 7.5 mins) running for the Grand National Festival between 11:00–13:00 (before the races) and 16:30–20:30 (after the races).

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by car

If you’re attending for the races, follow the instructions below and you’ll pick up the signs for the races. If you’re attending for a conference or an event, the main entrance to the racecourse via Grand National Avenue is just off Ormskirk Road (A59) – use L9 5AS for sat navs.

From the south, leave the M6 at Junction 21A and join M62 west. Leave M62 at J6 to join M57 — follow signs for races.

From the north, leave M6 at J26 and join M58 — follow signs for races.

From the Mersey Tunnels, follow signs for Preston, then for A59 and then signs for races.

Where to park

There is free car parking available at Aintree on non-Grand National meetings – follow the signs for the spectator parking at West Tip.

Car parking is limited for the Grand National Festival and must be purchased in advance at thejockeyclub.co.uk – you may have already added this on when purchasing Grand National tickets.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by bus

The racecourse can be reached by bus on services 300, 310 and 345 — both to and from Queen’s Square Bus Station in Liverpool.

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by coach

National Express are providing coach travel directly to the racecourse on Grand National day (Saturday 11 April, 2026) from the following locations:

• Birmingham
• Blackpool
• Bradford
• Chesterfield
• Dudley
• Leeds
• Manchester
• Nottingham
• Preston
• Sheffield
• Stoke-on-Trent

For more information, visit nationalexpress.com

How to get to Aintree Racecourse by air

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest airport to the racecourse and is a 20 minute drive away.

Manchester Airport is approximately a 45 minute drive.

When to arrive at Aintree Racecourse

While you may be eager to avoid traffic, you will not be able to access the racecourse until the gates open, which is usually a couple of hours before the first race. Check Aintree’s official website for details specific to your race meeting.

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