Trains to Blackpool
| Main train stations | Blackpool North, |
| Train companies | Avanti West Coast, Northern |
| Main attractions | Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool North Pier, Sea Life Centre |
Heading to Blackpool for a sunny day at the beach? Trains to Blackpool can whisk you there in no time, so you’ll be sunbathing on the beach or enjoying the rides in no time. Dominated by the famous Blackpool Tower, Blackpool sets the standard for British seaside resorts, with around 13 million tourists a year visit this popular summer destination.
We’re here to be your one-stop-shop for cheap train tickets, times and info about how to get to Blackpool (and the beach) by train. If you want to get straight to booking, start a search for times and tickets above, or keep reading to find out more about trains to Blackpool.
How to buy cheap train tickets to Blackpool
There are a few ways you can save money on train travel this summer. Some of our top tips for booking cheap train tickets to Blackpool include:
Travel Off-Peak
Tickets are usually cheaper to Blackpool if you travel during Off-Peak hours. This is normally outside of rush hours during Monday to Friday, and anytime during the weekend. We’ll highlight whether a journey is during Off-Peak train times as your search for tickets.
Book in advance
Train tickets to Blackpool normally go on sale around 12 weeks in advance, usually at their cheapest price. If Advance train tickets aren’t on sale yet, why not sign up to our Ticket Alert tool, and we’ll email you as soon as you can buy tickets for your chosen date.
Save up to 1/3 with a Railcard
Railcards can save you to 1/3 on the price of eligible train tickets to Blackpool. Costing just £30 for one year, it doesn’t take long to make your money back either. Find out if you qualify for one and buy a Railcard online with us today.
Save up to 34% with GroupSave
If you’re heading to Blackpool with three to nine of your favourite pals, we’ll let you know if you qualify for GroupSave when you search. This discount allows groups that are travelling together to save up to 34% on rail fares.
Split your train tickets
Splitting your journey into several sections and buying tickets for each part can sometimes be cheaper than buying a single ticket on longer journeys. Our ticket-splitting app feature, SplitSave, does the hard part for you.
Why not check out our train deals and discounts guide to discover the latest offers from train companies you can book with us.
London to Blackpool (and the beach) on the West Coast Main Line
The fastest trains to Blackpool take under three hours to reach Blackpool North, the town’s main station. While there are direct services available, the fastest journeys involve one change at Preston station. You’ll travel on the West Coast Main Line on an Avanti West Coast train from London Euston to Preston, and then hop on a 20-minute train to Blackpool. The West Coast Main Line is one of the major lines in the UK, linking London with Manchester, Blackpool, and Glasgow.
Avanti use Class 390 Pendolino trains and Super Voyager trains on this route. Both contain comfortable seats, free WiFi and a snack trolley. There is luggage storage at the ends of carriages and above seats. First Class is extra-spacious, with plug sockets at every seat and an at-seat meal service.
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.
All in all, it's super-easy to travel to Blackpool for a day out by train. Start a search for train tickets to Blackpool in our Journey Planner.
Popular train routes to Blackpool
Travelling by train is the fastest, easiest and greenest way to get to Blackpool from the other UK destinations. Northern, TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast are some of the main train companies running services to and from this seaside resort. Have a look at our table below for more information about the most popular routes to Blackpool, or start your search for a different station in our Journey Planner at the top of the page.
| 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
As a seaside resort, Blackpool offers a huge array of entertainment, including the Tower with five attractions that incorporate a circus, the Dungeon, a huge play gym, a 4D cinema experience, and the world-famous ballroom. Visitors with a head for heights can take an exhilarating lift ride right to the top where, as might be expected, the views over the Irish Sea are sensational.
Fans of white-knuckle rides can head for the Pleasure Beach for rollercoaster rides of a lifetime, including the iconic Pepsi Max Big One. Water lovers can get a taste of more thrills at Sandcastle Waterpark, which boasts the longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide in the world.
A more sedate time can be had at Blackpool Zoo. With 32 acres of park and spacious natural enclosures, there are opportunities to see over 1,000 animals, from birds and mammals to reptiles and invertebrates.
Being by the sea means that an obvious attraction will be marine-related, and SEA LIFE Blackpool does the job. There are over 50 fascinating displays showcasing the underwater world and with over 1,000 aquatic creatures visitors can get up close with sharks, turtles, colourful reef fish, seahorses, and rays.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Blackpool?
The main train station in Blackpool is Blackpool North station. It's located on the edge of the town centre.
Which train companies run trains to Blackpool?
There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Blackpool, including Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express and Northern.
How do I get from the train station to Blackpool beach?
It only takes 7 minutes to walk from Blackpool station to the beach. Simply head out of the station and walk north-west towards High Street, turn left onto Springfield Road and walk down to the end of the street until you see the beach.
Are trains running to Blackpool?
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?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Blackpool, these 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.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Blackpool?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Blackpool. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.