Merseyrail has announced significant changes to its services this week to accommodate spectators attending The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The tournament, which returns to the Southport course for the 11th time, runs from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, with the final round on Sunday. The rail operator will introduce more frequent trains and express services to handle the influx of golf fans.
Timetable Adjustments for Liverpool and Hillside
Between Thursday, July 16 and Saturday, July 18, a 20-minute service will operate between Hillside and Liverpool Central/Moorfields stations, increasing to a 10-minute service during peak periods: 6am to 11am towards Hillside (before the golf) and 3.30pm to 8.30pm towards Liverpool (after the golf). Some trains will call at all stations, while express services will stop only at Sandhills, Waterloo, Hall Road, and Formby.
On Sunday, July 19, a 20-minute service will run between Hillside and Liverpool Central/Moorfields, with 10-minute frequencies from 7am to 11am towards Hillside and 3.30pm to 8pm towards Liverpool. Express services will again call at Sandhills, Waterloo, Hall Road, and Formby only.
Wirral Line Passengers Advised to Change at Moorfields
For passengers travelling from the Wirral line, Merseyrail recommends changing at Moorfields station onto a Southport-bound train to Hillside. This is described as the easiest route to the championship.
Southport and Hillside Service Enhancements
From Thursday to Saturday, a 20-minute service will run between Southport and Hillside, increasing to 10-minute intervals at peak times: 6am to 11am towards Hillside and 3.30pm to 8.30pm towards Southport. On Sunday, the same pattern applies, with peak 10-minute services from 7am to 11am towards Hillside and 3.30pm to 8pm towards Southport.
Other Line Changes
On the Southport and Hunts Cross lines, an amended timetable runs until Wednesday, July 15. From Thursday to Saturday, a 20-minute service will operate throughout the day, but a 40-minute service applies for Cressington station. On Sunday, a 20-minute service runs from start until approximately 8.30pm, then a 40-minute service until end of service; Cressington station will have a 40-minute service all day.
The Ormskirk line will have a 20-minute service from Thursday to Saturday, and a 40-minute service on Sunday. No direct services between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross will operate; passengers should change at Moorfields or Liverpool Central.
On the Headbolt Lane line, a 20-minute service runs from Thursday to Saturday, and up to two trains per hour on Sunday. Passengers are advised to check the Merseyrail website or app before travelling.
The Wirral Line (Chester and Ellesmere Port) will run to an amended timetable from Thursday to Sunday, with slightly different arrival and departure times compared to normal.
