Busy Network Anticipated Due to Aintree Races and Football Match on December 6

Everton are set to take on Nottingham Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 6 December, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

Essential information

•  We expect the network to be busy due to the football match and a race meeting at Aintree Racecourse.

•  For fans travelling to Hill Dickinson stadium, Sandhills is the closest station, approximately 15-minute walk.

•  A 15-minute timetable will be in operation across the network before and after the match.
 
•  As is normal on matchdays, some temporary timetable changes will be in effect on the Southport line. As a result, between 14:45 and 20:15, Liverpool-bound services will arrive and depart at different times to those of the usual timetable.

•  Cressington station will be closed all day to help us run the most efficient service possible, including more 8-car trains.

•  A rail replacement bus service will be running between Cressington and Liverpool South Parkway stations. Bus times can be found in our Journey Planner. 

•  The car park at Aintree station will also be closed due to the Aintree races event.

Travel advice for Football Fans

For those who prefer to walk to the match, the Old Hall Street exit at Moorfields station will be open before and after the match. It's approximately a 25-minute walk to the stadium.

Customers travelling to the game are advised to check the times of their train using our Journey Planner here.

Like stations near other major football stadiums in the UK, Sandhills station will be very busy on matchdays. We encourage fans to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and have alternative travel options in case of unexpected disruption.

To help fans queue safely and comfortably, a dedicated fan management zone will be in place at Sandhills station. This system worked well during the test events.

Please follow any advice given by our team, who are there to keep everyone safe and ensure smooth travel through the station.

As supporters develop new matchday travel habits, Merseyrail will continue doing everything we can to keep services running smoothly and make your journey easier.

Accessibility information

Sandhills station has step-free access from the platform to the rest of the station via a lift. You can book assistance in advance by calling our customer services team on 0151 555 1111 or by speaking to a member of staff when you arrive at the dedicated fan management zone. 

Everton F.C. offer an Accessible Shuttle Service for supporters travelling to and from the Hill Dickinson Stadium on matchdays.

The shuttle operates between Sandhills station and Boundary Street, approximately 175 metres from the stadium. This service runs pre-match and post-match, starting three hours before kick-off and continuing after the final whistle. It must be booked in advance and will not be available on a ‘turn up and go’ basis.

To book the shuttle service or for more information please click here.

For more information about accessibility arrangements at other stations on our network please visit our assisted travel page here.

Help and Support

If you wish to contact us and need a quick response, the fastest way to do this is by our X (formerly Twitter) or by sending us a message on WhatsApp (0151 555 1111).

The team is available from 06:00 – 23:30 Monday to Saturday & 10:00 - 18:00 on Sundays and are able to resolve most queries or issues very quickly.

During your journey, Merseyrail staff are located at stations and on trains and are there to assist you when travelling on the network.