Blackpool public transport includes three railway stations, trams along the Fylde Coast and local bus services. Blackpool North is the main station, and the tramway links Starr Gate with Fleetwood through the town centre.
- From Oak Lea: Blackpool North is about a 14-minute walk from Oak Lea, where you can choose among three-star hotel rooms.
- Rail: Blackpool has stations at North, South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
- Trams: The coastal route runs for 11 miles between Starr Gate and Fleetwood.
- Accessibility: Blackpool North has step-free access to all platforms, though the station has no lifts.
Arriving at Blackpool North station
Blackpool North is the town’s main railway station and a useful starting point for rail connections and onward bus journeys. National Rail lists regular direct trains to destinations including Preston, Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Blackburn, Leeds and York.
The station is on Talbot Road and is managed by Northern. All platforms have step-free access, classified as category A, but there are no lifts. Facilities include toilets, accessible and Changing Places toilets, baby-changing facilities, ticket machines, seating, refreshments, customer information screens, announcements and an induction loop.
If you need assistance, check the current arrangements with Northern before travelling. The station has a drop-off and pick-up point, bicycle storage and parking, including accessible spaces.
For rail replacement services, buses pick up and drop off at the station entrance. If your journey starts at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, route options from Liverpool Airport to Blackpool can help you plan the trip.
Using Blackpool's tram network
Blackpool’s tramway follows an 11-mile coastal route between Starr Gate and Fleetwood, passing through the town centre. It connects places along the Fylde Coast, with stops including North Pier, Bispham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood Ferry.
Blackpool Transport describes daytime tram services as running every 15 minutes. Direct full-route trams serving Blackpool North station are described separately as running every 30 minutes, so check the operator’s current timetable when planning a specific connection.
Trams have level boarding at every stop and are wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible. Wheelchair users are asked to board through the double doors marked with wheelchair symbols on the platform. Blackpool Transport’s app provides journey planning, live bus and tram tracking and advance ticket purchases. One-hour Hopper tickets are valid on bus and tram services.
For a day built around the seafront, the tram can connect town-centre stops with the resort area. The station at Blackpool Pleasure Beach is adjacent to Pleasure Beach Resort; planning a full day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach can help you decide how to fit that stop into your visit.
Local bus journeys and route planning
Buses provide another way to travel around Blackpool and connect the town with nearby places. The National Rail onward-travel map identifies stops at Blackpool North station, Market Street bus stands MA2–MA5 and Corporation Street bus stands CO1–CO5.
Visit Blackpool identifies routes 61 and 68 as services between Preston and Blackpool, with route 68 travelling via Lytham St Annes. For current timetables on those routes, consult Stagecoach. Blackpool Transport’s app can help you plan bus and tram journeys, track services and buy tickets in advance.
Ticket options and payment methods can change. Most Blackpool Transport tickets can be bought aboard buses or trams, at PayPoint outlets or through the operator’s app; buses accept contactless payment.
PlusBus is valid on participating buses and on Blackpool Transport trams between Starr Gate and Cleveleys (Thornton Gate), but not on bus routes 24 or 76. Check the current terms before relying on a ticket for a particular journey.
Coach arrivals and onward connections
Blackpool Central Coach Station is named in local travel searches, but the details here focus on connections from Blackpool North railway station. At North, the onward-travel map marks bus stops at the station and nearby stands on Market Street and Corporation Street.
If your journey involves changing from coach to rail or local transport, check the coach operator’s arrival details and the relevant transport operator’s current service information before setting out. For rail replacement buses at Blackpool North, the pick-up and drop-off point is at the station entrance.
Choosing transport for town-centre attractions
For central Blackpool, compare the location of your destination with the railway station, tram stops and bus stands before choosing how to travel. Blackpool North is the main station, while Blackpool Pleasure Beach station sits beside Pleasure Beach Resort.
Blackpool’s other rail stations are Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Trains between Blackpool South and Preston run via St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham. If you are planning several stops in the centre, a town-centre route for one day in Blackpool can help you put the sights in sequence.
Before you go: Timetables, fares and service patterns can change, so check the official site before you go. For trams and local buses, use Blackpool Transport; for rail services and station details, check National Rail or the relevant train operator.
FAQs
How many railway stations are there in Blackpool?
Blackpool has three railway stations: Blackpool North, Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Blackpool North is the main station.
Is Blackpool North station step-free?
All platforms at Blackpool North have step-free access. The station has no lifts.
Where does the Blackpool tram run?
The tramway runs along the Fylde Coast between Starr Gate and Fleetwood, passing through Blackpool town centre.
Can you use PlusBus on Blackpool trams?
PlusBus is valid on participating Blackpool Transport trams between Starr Gate and Cleveleys (Thornton Gate). It is not valid on bus routes 24 or 76.