Manchester to Blackpool train with Northern Rail (3)

Trains from Manchester to Blackpool

Trains from Manchester to Blackpool are available several times a day, seven days a week, with frequent trains departing on average every half hour. Direct trains from Manchester to Blackpool North take about 1h 15min, while services from Manchester that involve at least one change to Blackpool North and Blackpool South have a total time of about 1h 30min.

Manchester to Blackpool Train Time: Daily Departures

From Monday to Friday, the first trains from Manchester to Blackpool normally depart at around 05:00. From about 06:00 onwards, trains generally leave every 25min. The last departures to Blackpool tend to be between 23:00 and 24:00, depending on the day. At the weekends, services begin around 06:00 and run hourly until about 22:00.

How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Blackpool?

Direct services from Manchester Deansgate and Oxford Road to Blackpool North station take about 1h 15min. From Manchester Piccadilly, you will need to change trains in Preston, and the total journey will take around 1h 30min. From all stations except Manchester Victoria, services to Blackpool South station take roughly 1h 30min with at least one change in Kirkham & Wesham. Trains from Manchester Victoria to Blackpool take about 2-3h in total, with a change in Bolton or Preston.

old couple on a train from Manchester. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Blackpool?

Departure train stations: Trains depart from Manchester Deansgate, Oxford Road, Piccadilly and Victoria. While Deansgate and Oxford Road stations are located in the city centre, only a 10-min walk apart, Piccadilly Station is located 1 mile (1.6 km) from the city centre, a short 7-min train ride or 15min by bus from Deansgate. Victoria Station is 2 miles (3.2 km) from the centre, roughly 15min by train and 20min by bus. All stations offer accessible toilets, seating areas and food & drink options.

Arrival train stations:Trains arrive in Blackpool North station and Blackpool South. Blackpool North is located near the city centre, roughly a 10-min walk, and facilities include a coffee shop with food & drink options, accessible toilets, step-free access throughout, telephones and a ticket office. Blackpool South is located 2 miles (3.2km) from the city centre, a 30-min bus journey or 20min by train to the North Pier. This station offers step-free access and has open and covered seating areas.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Blackpool?

Trains to Blackpool are operated by Northern Rail and First Transpennine Express. Northern Rail trains tend to be faster, as they operate both direct and one-stop services, while First Transpennine Express trains always require at least one change, with waiting times to be considered as well.

Night trains Manchester

There are no night trains from Manchester to Blackpool, with weekday services finishing no later than midnight (latest trains arriving in Blackpool around 01:00) and weekend services finishing around 22:00. After the last trains, services resume in the early morning (around 05:00 on weekdays and between 06:00-07:00 at weekends.

Northern Rail trains from Manchester to Blackpool

Northern Rail is the main provider for trains from Manchester to Blackpool, with services departing roughly every 20min on weekdays and every hour at weekends. Direct trains reach Blackpool in 1h 10min, while trains with at least one change take on average 1h 30min.

First Transpennine Express trains from Manchester to Blackpool

Trains run by First Transpennine Express are most frequent at weekends, with departures every hour from Manchester Oxford Road. These trains require at least one change in Preston and take about 1h 30min to Blackpool North. There aren't any direct services with this provider.

Trains from Manchester to Blackpool : Sustainability travel

Trains are one of the most environmentally-friendly and efficient ways to travel. Not only are there drastically reduced carbon emissions when compared with cars and buses, but they tend to be faster and more comfortable, too. Avoid getting stuck in traffic on your way to Blackpool and enjoy your train journey to relax, read a book or watch an episode of your favourite series - all without worrying about keeping your eyes on the road. Browse for all available deals on Omio and find affordable fares to Blackpool. Looking for your next destination? Read our online magazine, The Window Seat, and get inspired by our carefully-crafted travel advice.

Train Manchester to Blackpool: Services on Board

Northern Rail offers standard and first-class seating on their services. Animals and bikes are permitted on board, with a limit of two animals per passenger and two bicycles per service, on a first-come, first-served basis. There isn't a limit on how much luggage you can take, although there are limited spaces in the overhead luggage racks and luggage compartments. Northern Rail also features Assist Travel, a dedicated service equipped to help passengers with mobility and accessibility requirements. First Transpennine Express trains also offer first-class areas, with catering available on most services. You will also be able to take your bike on board, though it is necessary to reserve in advance. There are luggage racks available on all trains and overhead racks for smaller pieces of luggage. First Transpennine Express also features Passenger Assist, a service in which the elderly, disabled and passengers with mobility needs can request assistance on their journey before they travel. Passengers can take up to two animals each on board with them.

How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Blackpool?

Save on train fares from Manchester to Blackpool by booking your tickets in advance and being flexible with your travel dates. Another way to find a good bargain while looking for trains to Blackpool is opting for off-peak travel, which is normally after 10:00 and before 16:00. Direct trains tend to be more expensive, so choosing trains with connections or opting for slower journeys is a useful hack to guarantee a good price. Midweek journeys tend to be cheaper than travelling on Mondays, Fridays, weekends and bank holidays.

Areal view of the tower in Blackpool. Source: Shutterstock

To Blackpool by train—travel tips

A traditional tourist city on the English seaside, Blackpool is particularly popular in the summer, with visitors flocking to Blackpool Beach and the traditional North Pier in great numbers. About half a mile (800m) from Blackpool North station, the beach is easily accessible on foot, only a 10-minute walk. Those with reduced mobility or disabilities can also catch the many buses that go to the beach from Talbot Road. Blackpool is also popular with families who want to visit its many amusement parks, such as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, The Big One and Sandcastle Waterpark. Despite being well-known as a summer destination, Blackpool has a lot to offer throughout the year, even when temperatures drop. In addition to family-friendly theme parks, the city is home to Blackpool Zoo and Sea Life Blackpool, a huge success with the little ones. If you are looking for green spaces, don't miss visiting Stanley Park, the main attraction for anyone seeking some peace and quiet surrounded by nature. For more outdoor activities that get you close to nature, you should visit the Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve, home to hundreds of local species of wildlife. Are you looking for more things to do? Here are five more points of interest you should not miss on your trip:

• Blackpool Tower;
• Blackpool Tower Ballroom;
• Madame Tussauds Blackpool;
• Comedy Carpet;
• Winter Gardens Blackpool;