Train Strike: Getting to Aintree for the Grand National needn’t be a night-mare

While hopes are high for a resolution to the disputes, we provide you with transport options across coach, train and plane to help racing enthusiasts overcome any hurdles and book their journeys to Liverpool as cheaply as possible, ensuring those hoping to have a flutter on their favourite on 8th April will not be disrupted, even if their trains are.

Whether looking for an alternate route or simply looking to save a bit of extra cash for the horses, these travel solutions ensure travellers won’t be hanging around furlong…
 

Rail strike affected routes

Southern Rail

If you’re travelling from the South East and are affected by Southern Rail strikes on 8th April, either take a direct coach or for the cheapest option go via London/Manchester using these alternative routes:

• Brighton to Liverpool – via London: from £12.2 (train & coach)
• Portsmouth to Liverpool – via Manchester: from £45 (2 coaches)
• Southampton to Liverpool – via London:: from £8 (2 coaches)

Arriva Trains North

If your journey takes you across the North, coaches might be the best solution to avoid the rail disputes:

• Bus from Blackpool to Aintree racecourse: from £34.5
• Bus from Bradford to Aintree racecourse: from £33
• Bus from Leeds to Liverpool: from £6.9
• Bus from Manchester to Aintree racecourse: from £22.5
• Bus from Preston to Aintree racecourse: from £30.5
• Bus from Sheffield to Aintree racecourse: from £34.5
• Bus from Stoke-on-Trent to Aintree racecourse: from £34.5
• Bus from Sunderland to Liverpool: from £8.5

Money saving tips

Even if your journey is unaffected by the rail strikes, there are still savings to be made by taking a coach:

• Bus from Birmingham to Aintree racecourse: from £34.5
• Bus from Bristol to Liverpool: from £12.5
• Bus from Edinburgh to Liverpool: from £24.2
• Bus from Glasgow to Liverpool: from £26
• Bus from Leicester to Aintree racecourse: from £41.5
• Bus from London to Liverpool: from £1.5
• Bus from Newcastle to Liverpool: from £8.5
• Bus from Nottingham to Aintree racecourse: from £41.5

Some of the journeys are already sold out so you’ll need to be quick to book your ticket:
 
> Find your ticket to get to the Grand National
 

All routes and costs available via gopili, fares observed on March 31st. All costs are inclusive of booking fees. Featured image credits: Paul, licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.