Getting Around Blackpool
- Wednesday 25th January 2023
Everything you need to know about transport in Blackpool, from trains and parking to travel via Blackpool’s heritage trams.
What You Need to Know About Getting Around Blackpool
There are a lot of great options for transport in Blackpool
Blackpool trains give you a range of destinations to choose from
There are a lot of great options for transport in Blackpool
Blackpool is a popular seaside resort with a large variety of activities available across the town, so an optimised Blackpool public transport network is provided for ease of getting around. There are large number of bus routes connecting different communities, and there is also a tramway that runs along Blackpool promenade, all the way to Fleetwood; there is no short of access to the major areas across the Fylde Coast.
There is a wide range of tickets that can be purchased to suit the needs of visitors and locals alike, from day tickets to monthly passes as well as 1-hour tickets that allow passengers to travel on any number of buses and trams within an hour. Tickets can be purchased on board using cash or contactless across transport in Blackpool or at PayPoint Outlets; look out for local shops with the PayPoint sign.
There is also a Blackpool Transport mobile app where tickets can be purchased and stored. Tickets are scanned as visitors board a bus or tram; Contactless is also available on board both services.
Further information on tickets and fares can be found on the Blackpool Transport website.
Blackpool trains give you a range of destinations to choose from
Blackpool North station
Blackpool North station is the main station with the most regular services and resources for customers. It the closest train station to the town centre and the north end of the Golden Mile. This station provides visitors with easy access to Blackpool’s top family attractions including the iconic Blackpool Tower, SEA LIFE Blackpool, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play, Central and North Pier, and amusement arcades such as Coral Island.
The station is only a stone’s throw away from the town centre, where the Grand Theatre and Winter Gardens are located, which is ideal for visitors attending events or shows.
Blackpool South station
Blackpool South station is much smaller than Blackpool North however provides visitors with easy access to some more family attractions located at the south end of the Golden Mile. The station is only a 12-minute walk from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Waterpark and the South Pier. The beach is a short 6-minute walk from the station.
Blackpool has other public transport options as well!
Blackpool buses can give you more flexibility
Getting around Blackpool is easy enough thanks to the diverse bus network. All routes travel via the town centre so visitors can access the main areas of the Fylde Coast with ease. Frequency varies depending on the route, time of day and day of the week. It is recommended that visitors look at bus times prior to making their journey. They can be accessed on the Blackpool Transport website.
Here are some of the key bus routes for tourists in Blackpool:
The number 1 bus route travels from Blackpool town centre all the way north to Fleetwood which provides visitors the opportunity to access several areas of the Fylde coast, including Bispham, where the famous Illuminations display begins, Cleveleys which is home to a beautiful stretch of beach and plenty of shops, as well as the Affinity Outlet in Fleetwood.
For visitors staying at Marton Mere Caravan Park, the 3, 4 and 6 bus routes provide access to the town centre, with a short 10-minute walk from the caravan park to the bus stops.
The number 11 route travels from Blackpool town centre to Lytham St Annes, where visitors can swap the hustle and bustle for a more easy-going seaside experience.
Visitors wanting to visit Blackpool Pleasure Beach can board the number 18 which stops at the back of the theme park. This route is also located close to the Great Promenade Show, perfect for a gentle stroll along the sea front.
Try the trams in Blackpool
The tram network runs between Starr Gate and Fleetwood, providing visitors with access to all areas of the sea front. The tramway travels along the south promenade, as well as the central promenade where visitors will find popular family attractions, including The Blackpool Tower. Alighting at The Blackpool Tower will also provide passengers with easy access to the town centre which is home to plenty of shops, restaurants and theatres.
The tramway continues north all the way to Fleetwood along the coast; on a clear evening, passengers will have the opportunity to drink in a beautiful view of the sunset.
During peak season, the frequency of the trams is every 15 minutes and every half and hour off-peak.
Prices start at £2.90 for a single adult ticket and £5 for a return, which can be purchased on board using cash, or tap and go with contactless payments. Saver tickets can also be purchased for use across all trams and buses.
Where can you travel on Blackpool’s heritage trams?
While the tramway was modernised back in 2012, visitors can still take a step back in time and enjoy a ride along the sea front on the Blackpool Heritage Trams. There is a selection of tours available, as well as themed tours including Afternoon Tea Tours, Evening Tours and Fish & Chip Tours. Further details on Heritage Tram Tours can be found on their website.
The tours depart from the Heritage Tram Stop next to the Tourist Information Centre, located between The Blackpool Tower and North Pier on the promenade.
Driving in Blackpool
Getting to Blackpool via car
Blackpool is located at the end of the M55, which connects to the M6. At the end of the M55, visitors can take the second exit at the Roundabout which will take them towards the town centre.
Blackpool can also be accessed by the A583 from Preston, which joins the M55 at junction 4.
Planning for parking in Blackpool
There are plenty of car parks located throughout Blackpool, the closest to the town centre and central promenade are Central Car Park and Hounds Hill. There is also street parking available in Blackpool.
Parking in Blackpool can become difficult during the summer holidays and Illuminations season due to the large number of tourists during these times. If travelling to Blackpool during these times, it is essential that visitors plan ahead.
For further information on parking, please visit the Blackpool Council’s website.
FAQs about getting around Blackpool
Is there free street parking in Blackpool?
Free street parking is available in various locations across South Shore in Blackpool, including Harrowside, Balmoral Road, Arnold Avenue, Broadway and Bentinck Avenue. Visitors should be prepared for these parking spaces to be booked up quickly during peak seasons.
Can you get a direct train to Blackpool?
Visitors can get trains to Blackpool North direct from other northern towns and cities however visitors travelling from further afield can board a connecting train at Preston or Manchester.
Trains to Blackpool South are less frequent with limited direct routes, and there are no trains that travel from Blackpool North to Blackpool South, so if visitors would like to travel from one side of town to the other, they will need to hop on a bus or tram.
How far is Blackpool beach from the train station?
Blackpool South station is only a 6-minute walk from the beach and Blackpool North station is an 8-minute walk.
