Rail and bus services on course for Open Golf at Royal Birkdale
Publish date
Thursday, June 25, 2026
- More than 300,000 people set to attend Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale
- Increased frequency on Merseyrail services to help get golf fans to and from the course
- Journeys will be busier than usual – make sure you plan ahead
Rail services are set to be stepped up and dedicated park and ride options put in place for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next month.
With more than 300,000 golf fans expected at the world-famous event across the week, event organisers, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and local partners, including transport operators, are working hard to make sure journeys are as smooth as possible for residents and visitors.
Merseyrail services on the Southport line which serves Hillside station - just a short walk from the spectator entrance to the course - will operate at increased frequencies at the busiest times. Commercial bus services with stops close to the course will also be available throughout the championship.
Alongside this, event organisers have arranged a dedicated park and ride operation service, giving spectators another convenient option to travel to and from the course.
With roads expected to be particularly busy and no public parking available near the course, people are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and consider all available travel options before they set off.
Travel advice and information can be found on the Merseytravel website at: www.merseytravel.gov.uk/customer-information
“The Open Championship is one of the biggest and most prestigious sporting events in the world, and we are proud to once again welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Liverpool City Region.
“We are working closely with our partners and transport operators to help people get to and from Royal Birkdale as smoothly as possible, including enhanced rail services and dedicated park and ride options.
“With services expected to be extremely busy, it’s important that spectators plan ahead, check routes and allow extra time for their journeys.
“We want everyone to enjoy their visit, so we’d also ask people to be patient, follow travel guidance and be respectful of fellow passengers and the staff working hard to support this major event.”Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee
Top travel tips
- Use public transport wherever possible – roads will be busy with no parking available close to the course
- Make sure you check routes and plan ahead
- Check operator websites and social media channels for up-to-date timetables
- Be prepared for last minute changes to services
- Allow extra time for your journeys – services will be much busier than usual
- Buy tickets in advance if possible – or use Tap and Go with your bank card on all Merseyrail services for speed and the cheapest ticket for your journey
- Don’t plan for the last service home - you’ll be stuck if you miss it!
- Be kind to transport staff - they will be working hard to get you there and back