The Open Championship & Major Golf Events: Your Rail Travel Guide
Major golf tournaments are some of the biggest sporting events in the UK calendar. From The Open Championship to regional and international tournaments, thousands of spectators travel each year to watch world-class golf.
Whether you're heading to a single event or planning to attend more than one this season, travelling by train is often the simplest way to get there. It helps avoid traffic, removes the need to find parking, and makes large event days far easier to manage.
With The Open Championship 2026 taking place at Royal Birkdale, and several other major tournaments happening across the UK each year, here’s how to plan your rail journey with confidence.
Travelling to The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale
The Open Championship returns to Royal Birkdale Golf Club from 12–19 July 2026, bringing thousands of spectators to the North West of England.
The nearest railway station to the course is Hillside railway station, which sits within walking distance of the venue. Southport railway station is also nearby and offers additional services.
On tournament days, clear signage and stewarded walking routes are usually in place to guide visitors between the station and the course.
Getting to Royal Birkdale by train
Royal Birkdale is well connected by rail, making train travel one of the easiest ways to attend The Open.
Typical route options include:
- Liverpool → Southport
Frequent Merseyrail services run from Liverpool Central railway station to Southport railway station. - Manchester → Southport
Direct services connect Manchester Victoria railway station to Southport. - London → Southport
Travel to Liverpool Lime Street railway station or Wigan North Western railway station, then connect onwards to Southport.
Allowing extra time for connections is recommended, particularly during peak arrival periods.
Image credit: Mikhail Nilov | Pexels
Other Major Golf Events Worth Planning For
While The Open Championship at Royal Portrush is one of the biggest highlights of the golf calendar, several other major tournaments take place across the UK each year. These events attract large crowds and can lead to busy roads and limited parking making train travel a smart choice.
Here are some of the key golf events taking place in 2026, along with helpful rail travel notes.
Genesis Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland
9–12 July 2026
The Genesis Scottish Open is one of the most popular events in the lead-up to The Open Championship. Held at The Renaissance Club, the tournament draws international players and large crowds to Scotland’s East Lothian coast.
Getting there by train:
- The nearest rail station is North Berwick railway station
- Direct trains run regularly from Edinburgh Waverley railway station
- Shuttle buses or local transport options are typically available to the course
Why train travel works well:
North Berwick can become busy during tournament days, and rail travel helps avoid congestion on local coastal roads.
Senior Open Championship
The King’s Course, Gleneagles, Scotland
23–26 July 2026
The Senior Open Championship returns to Gleneagles, a well-known venue surrounded by scenic countryside. The King’s Course provides a classic championship setting and attracts visitors from across the UK.
Getting there by train:
- The nearest station is Gleneagles railway station
- Direct services connect from major Scottish cities such as Edinburgh Waverley railway station and Glasgow Queen Street railway station
- The station is located close to the resort, making arrival straightforward
Why train travel works well:
With rural surroundings and limited road access, train travel offers a reliable and convenient way to reach Gleneagles.
AIG Women’s Open
Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire, England
29 July – 2 August 2026
The AIG Women’s Open heads to Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, a historic venue known for hosting major championships. Spectator demand is typically high, especially across weekend rounds.
Getting there by train:
- Nearby stations include Ansdell & Fairhaven railway station and Lytham railway station
- Services connect via Preston railway station, a major rail hub
- Shuttle buses may operate depending on event arrangements
Why train travel works well:
Roads around coastal Lancashire venues can become congested during large tournaments, making rail a more predictable option.
BMW PGA Championship
Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England
17–20 September 2026
The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club is one of the UK’s most recognisable golf events. Located within easy reach of London, it attracts strong spectator numbers each year.
Getting there by train:
- The nearest station is Virginia Water railway station
- Regular services run from London Waterloo railway station
- The course is within walking distance of the station
Why train travel works well:
Rail travel makes visiting Wentworth straightforward without needing to drive through busy Surrey roads.
Major events fill up quickly
Planning your journey early gives you more choice of trains and helps avoid last-minute pressure on busy event days.
Why travelling by train makes sense for golf events
Major golf tournaments often take place in coastal or countryside locations where road access can be limited.
Rail travel offers several clear advantages:
- Avoid heavy traffic near venues
- No need to search for parking
- Reliable connections from major cities
- Easy return travel after the day finishes
For longer journeys, travelling by train also allows time to relax rather than focusing on the road.
Image credit: Mike Norris | Pexels
Planning your journey on event day
Large sporting events bring predictable spikes in demand, so a few simple steps can help make your journey smoother.
Travel early where possible
Morning services often become busy as spectators head to the venue.
Allow extra time for connections
Shuttle buses and walking routes may take longer than expected.
Check return journeys before leaving home
Evening services can become busy once play finishes.
Keep tickets ready
Digital tickets help speed up entry through busy stations.
Popular events reward early planning
Major sporting events attract large crowds, so checking routes and fares early helps avoid last-minute stress.
Saving money on longer-distance travel
Golf events often involve longer journeys, which makes fare planning especially important.
Here are a few ways to reduce travel costs.
Use split ticketing
Split ticketing divides your journey into smaller sections without requiring you to change trains. In many cases, this reduces the total cost of travel.
This approach is particularly useful for:
- Cross-country journeys
- Long-distance travel
- Multi-leg routes
For events like The Open, where visitors travel from across the UK, splitting tickets can make a noticeable difference.
Make your journey go further for less
Split ticketing can reduce the cost of longer journeys without requiring you to change trains.
Book in advance
Advance tickets are often released weeks ahead of travel and can be cheaper than buying on the day.
Popular event routes can sell quickly, so booking early improves your chances of finding better fares.
Consider off-peak travel
If your plans allow flexibility, travelling slightly earlier or later can reduce both fares and crowding.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android search for TrainSplit in your app store.
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What to expect when you arrive
Golf tournaments involve large numbers of spectators arriving within short time windows.
When you arrive at Portrush, expect:
- Clearly marked walking routes to the course
- Busy platforms during peak arrival times
- Increased foot traffic near the venue
- Event stewards guiding visitors
Comfortable footwear is recommended, as you may spend much of the day walking or standing.
Railcards and longer journeys
If you're planning to attend The Open or other golf events this season, a Railcard can help reduce the cost of travel.
Digital Railcards can be stored on your phone alongside your tickets, keeping everything in one place and easy to access.
For longer journeys to golf tournaments, these savings can add up quickly.
Planning your return journey
Many spectators leave at similar times, particularly after the final rounds. Preparing your return travel in advance helps avoid delays and crowded services.
Helpful tips include:
- Check your return train before travelling
- Consider leaving slightly earlier if flexibility allows
- Allow extra time to reach the station
- Keep alternative routes in mind
Plan the journey home as well
Checking return trains in advance helps avoid long waits after the final round.
Need help planning your journey?
Large sporting events are exciting but they also require careful travel planning.
Checking routes, comparing fares, and exploring split ticket options ahead of time gives you the best chance of finding convenient journeys at good value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to The Open Championship 2026 at Royal Birkdale by train?
The nearest station to Royal Birkdale Golf Club is Hillside station, which is within walking distance of the course. Southport station is also nearby, with frequent services from Liverpool and connections from across the UK.
Are trains busier during major golf events?
Yes, trains to nearby stations are usually busier than normal, particularly in the morning and after play finishes. Travelling earlier and planning return journeys in advance can help avoid the busiest periods.
Can split ticketing help reduce the cost of travelling to golf tournaments?
Yes, split ticketing can often reduce fares, especially for longer-distance journeys to major events such as The Open Championship or the Scottish Open.
What station should I travel to for Royal Birkdale?
Hillside station is the closest station to Royal Birkdale Golf Club. Southport station is also commonly used and offers additional connections from major cities.
Should I book train tickets in advance for golf events?
Booking in advance is recommended, as major sporting events can increase demand and reduce availability on popular services.
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