Before you set off on your trip to Blackpool, make sure you plan ahead.
By Car
Blackpool enjoys the luxury of having a motorway link direct to the heart of the resort – take Junction 32 off the M6, and the M55 will lead you almost to the beach! On the M55, why not see who spots The Blackpool Tower first? The winner wins an ice cream or a stick of Blackpool Rock!
Comprehensive information on current roadworks in Blackpool can be found by using the AA Roadworks Service.
Car Parking
When you arrive in Blackpool, there are plenty of car parks to choose from. Find a Blackpool car park.
Did you know you can also pay by phone at most Council-owned car park facilities? It is a great alternative if you would like to avoid queuing, handling cash and touching payment machines. You can also top up your parking session remotely, without needing to take a trip back to the car. Pay by phone car parking - more information.
By Train
Please note: we strongly recommend wearing a face covering onboard the buses and trams here in Blackpool, especially during busy times.
Blackpool is well-connected to the national railway network. Superfast Avanti trains bring passengers to Preston and there are two services an hour for the onward journey to Blackpool North provided by Northern Rail - we advise you to check with Northern Rail before travelling as this may change. Preston Station has direct services to all major cities including: London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Northern Rail has resumed their Manchester Airport to Blackpool North service and there are also direct services to Blackpool North from Liverpool Lime Street.
If you travel to Blackpool via train, the approximate journey times are:
- Manchester: 1h 27m
- Liverpool: 1h 17m
- Leeds: 2h 36m
- Sheffield: 3h 9m
- Carlisle: 2h 4m
- York: 3h 2m
- Birmingham: 2h 36m
- Newcastle: 4h 7m
- Edinburgh: 3h 40m
- Glasgow: 3h 14
- Bristol: 4h 12m
- Cardiff: 5h 6m
- London: 2h 54m
Find more information for Avanti and Northern Rail who are our main rail operators.
Coach
National Express Coach Services resumed their daily service to and from Blackpool, stopping at Preston, Manchester and Birmingham from 1 July. For more details on their safety measures, head to their website.
Handy tips on staying safe when travelling to and around Blackpool:
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We strongly recommend wearing a face covering, especially in busy times
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Buy your ticket in advance online or pay by contactless
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Wash your hands before and after your journey. If this isn’t possible, use hand sanitiser
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Allow extra time for your journey. If the bus or tram is too busy and you do not feel comfortable boarding, don't hop on. The next tram or bus is only a few minutes away