Trains to Blackpool arrive at Blackpool North or South stations, served by Northern Rail, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast from across the UK.
The city attracts around 13 million visitors annually for its iconic attractions — Blackpool Tower, the Pleasure Beach with world-famous roller coasters, Sandcastle Waterpark, beaches and seafront arcades. Whether you're seeking thrills, family fun or classic seaside entertainment, Blackpool has something for everyone. Keep reading for the cheapest ways to book and what to do when you arrive.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Blackpool
Advance tickets are the cheapest option on most routes to Blackpool. When you book 12 weeks ahead, typically when tickets first go on sale, you save an average of 61%* compared to buying an Anytime ticket on the day of travel. Below are five ways to save further.
1. Book tickets to Blackpool in advance
Advance train tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks before departure and are the cheapest option on most routes. The earlier you book, the lower the price. If you can't plan 12 weeks ahead, sign up for Ticket Alerts and we'll email you as soon as Advance tickets release for your route.
Tip: Check if a return ticket is cheaper than two singles.
2. Get a Railcard
If you travel by train more than a few times a year, a National Railcard saves 1/3 on most fares and costs just £35 per year — it pays for itself pretty quickly if you're making regular journeys. Railcards are available for different age groups and circumstances: Senior, Disabled Persons, 16–25, 26–30, and others. Combined with an Advance ticket booked 12 weeks ahead, a Railcard gives the strongest saving available on most routes. Check eligibility and purchase on our Railcards page.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
Off-Peak tickets are valid outside peak commute times (usually Monday–Friday 09:30–16:00 and 19:00 onwards, plus weekends) and cost less than Anytime fares. When you search in our Journey Planner, we'll highlight which journeys are Off-Peak. If an Off-Peak Advance ticket is available, it will be the cheapest option. You can combine Off-Peak with a Railcard for even greater savings. See our Off-Peak tickets page for full details and peak-time windows by operator.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
If you're heading to Blackpool with 3–9 people, GroupSave gives 1/3 off Off-Peak fares. You don't need a physical Railcard — GroupSave appears in the Railcard dropdown when booking. All passengers must travel together on the same day and be booked in a single transaction. See our GroupSave page for full terms.
5. Split your train tickets
On some routes, splitting your journey into multiple separate tickets costs less than a single through-ticket. Our SplitSave feature automatically finds and combines cheaper ticket combinations without requiring you to change trains. Look for the SplitSave icon when searching in the Trainline app.
Popular train routes to Blackpool
Travelling by train is the fastest, easiest and greenest way to get to Blackpool from the other UK destinations.
| Route | Fastest journey | Train operator |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester to Blackpool | 1h 10m | Northern, TransPennine Express |
| Glasgow to Blackpool | 2h 46m | TransPennine Express, Northern |
| Liverpool to Blackpool | 1h 16m | Northern, Merseyrail, TransPennine Express |
| Preston to Blackpool | 20m | Avanti West Coast, Grand Central Railway |
| Leeds to Blackpool | 2h 5m | Northern, TransPennine Express |
Things to do in Blackpool
Blackpool is known for seaside attractions and entertainment. Most are within 10–15 minutes' walk or a short bus ride from Blackpool North or South stations. Here's what to explore.
Blackpool Tower and attractions
The Blackpool Tower is the city's most iconic landmark and houses five separate attractions: a circus, the Dungeon, a soft play area, a 4D cinema and the world-famous ballroom. If you're up for it, take the lift to the top for views over the Irish Sea and surrounding area. It's a 10-minute walk from Blackpool North station.
Rides and thrills
The Pleasure Beach is packed with roller coasters, including the iconic Pepsi Max Big One. If you prefer water-based thrills, Sandcastle Waterpark features the longest indoor roller coaster waterslide in the world. Both are walkable from South station.
Animals and nature
Blackpool Zoo sits on 32 acres of parkland with over 1,000 animals including birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates — and is only a short bus ride from either station.
Marine life
SEA LIFE Blackpool has over 50 displays showcasing the underwater world with over 1,000 aquatic creatures — sharks, turtles, reef fish, seahorses and rays. You can get up close to the animals at various viewing points. It's located on the seafront, minutes from Blackpool South station.
Beach and seafront
Blackpool's beaches and seafront promenade are free to access and offer traditional seaside activities, paddling, sunbathing, arcades and fish and chips. Both stations are close to the seafront.
Getting from the train station to Blackpool beach
Once you arrive, it's really easy to get from Blackpool station to the beach, when you leave Blackpool North station, head towards High Street, then turn left onto Springfield Road and keep walking until you reach the beach. There's also a dedicated train station for the much-loved amusement park, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which shares a name with the seaside attraction.
Frequently asked questions
Which train stations serve Blackpool?
You'll arrive at Blackpool North station, which is on the edge of the town centre. There's also Blackpool South station depending on which operator and route you're using.
Which train companies run to Blackpool?
Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Northern all operate services to Blackpool from different parts of the UK.
How long does it take to travel to Blackpool?
Journey times vary by origin and operator. From Manchester it's around 1h 20m; from Liverpool about 45 minutes; from Preston roughly 30 minutes. Check the Journey Planner for your specific starting point.
How do I get from the train station to Blackpool beach?
Blackpool North station is very close to the seafront, only a short walk or bus ride away. Head northwest from the station towards the town centre and you'll quickly reach the promenade and beach.
Do trains run to Blackpool every day?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Blackpool, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Blackpool.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Blackpool?
If you're eligible, most Railcards save 1/3 on eligible fares and the 16–17 Saver even saves up to 50%. Types of Railcard include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.
What happens if my train to Blackpool is delayed?
If your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more, you're likely entitled to compensation under the Delay Repay scheme. Whether you claim from the operator or Trainline depends on your ticket type. See our Delay Repay page for full details.
What's the cheapest way to book a train to Blackpool?
Advance tickets (booked 12 weeks ahead) save around 61%* compared to Anytime fares. If you can also use a Railcard or travel Off-Peak, you'll save even more. Groups of 3–9 can use GroupSave for another 1/3 discount on Off-Peak travel.
*Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.