- Recommended
Touchstones Rochdale
Rochdale’s main museum explores local history, art and natural heritage inside a restored historic building in the town centre.
The table below shows live departures for Southport to Rochdale trains for today, Friday 31 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NT219800 · P24145 | On time 12:25 Southport station (SOP) | 2h51 | 15:16 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G30376+ L89357+ G15953 | On time 12:51 Southport station (SOP) | 2h38 | 15:29 Rochdale station (RCD) | 2 changes | |
NT221000 · L89269 | On time 13:05 Southport station (SOP) | 2h45 | 15:50 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G30377 · G77617+ G15953+ L89357 | On time 13:06 Southport station (SOP) | 2h23 | 15:29 Rochdale station (RCD) | 3 changes | |
G30380+ L89269+ W84825 | On time 13:21 Southport station (SOP) | 2h29 | 15:50 Rochdale station (RCD) | 2 changes | |
G30381 · G77612+ L89269+ W84825 | On time 13:36 Southport station (SOP) | 2h14 | 15:50 Rochdale station (RCD) | 3 changes | |
NT220900 · L89272 | On time 14:05 Southport station (SOP) | 2h44 | 16:49 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G30384 · G77606+ L89369+ G15950 | On time 14:06 Southport station (SOP) | 2h23 | 16:29 Rochdale station (RCD) | 3 changes | |
G30386+ L89272+ W84830 | On time 14:21 Southport station (SOP) | 2h28 | 16:49 Rochdale station (RCD) | 2 changes | |
NT219700 · P24116 | On time 14:25 Southport station (SOP) | 2h51 | 17:16 Rochdale station (RCD) | 1 change | |
G30387 · G77601+ L89272+ W84830 | On time 14:36 Southport station (SOP) | 2h13 | 16:49 Rochdale station (RCD) | 3 changes | |
G30389+ L89318+ G15948 | On time 14:51 Southport station (SOP) | 2h38 | 17:29 Rochdale station (RCD) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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Trains from Southport to Rochdale run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 22:21. The fastest train covers the 56 km distance in 1h 37m.
Distance 56 km |
Average train duration 1h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 5:49 |
Last train 22:21 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Rochdale — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochdale trip today.
Rochdale’s main museum explores local history, art and natural heritage inside a restored historic building in the town centre.
A working heritage railway with exhibitions, restored carriages and station displays, popular for scenic steam journeys from Heywood.
A local heritage venue covering the co-operative movement and social history linked with nearby Toad Lane and Rochdale pioneers.
A dramatic reservoir and moorland landscape popular for walks, birdwatching and broad Pennine views not far from central Rochdale.
A landscaped town-centre square by the town hall, used for events and a practical stop for architecture, photos and people-watching.
A historic street associated with the co-operative movement, worth visiting for its heritage buildings and role in social history.
A black pudding linked to nearby Bury and eaten across Greater Manchester. This blood sausage is a classic breakfast and market staple in the Rochdale area.
A hearty beef and vegetable stew long associated with Lancashire mill towns. It is traditional comfort food in Rochdale and the wider historic county.
Crumbly cow’s milk cheese from Lancashire, often eaten with oatcakes or pies. It is one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
Long-established Indian restaurant in Rochdale, popular for curries, grills and a relaxed dining room suited to groups and families.
Smart restaurant and bar in the town centre serving modern British and European dishes, cocktails and a polished but approachable atmosphere.
Traditional pub on Rochdale’s historic square, known for cask ales and classic British pub food in a characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Rochdale is usually cheaper than Manchester for hotels, meals and local transport, making it good value for day trips and short stays.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips, but spare change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southport to Rochdale by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rochdale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Southport to Rochdale trains use the Southport to Rochdale station pair, with some services arriving at Castleton. Use this guide to compare Southport and Rochdale train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Southport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Southport.
ATMs are available at Southport.
Ticket office support is available at Southport. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Southport: Parking, WC.
Available at Southport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Ticket office is step free. Both platforms accessed via concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Birkdale is 1 km from Southport city centre. Public transport options include:
Birkdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Birkdale.
Ticket office support is available at Birkdale. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Birkdale: Parking, WC.
Available at Birkdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birkdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform.” Although a footbridge links platforms, both platforms can be accessed via a level crossing. Staff are on hand to assist those passengers requiring it, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Rochdale has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Rochdale.
Ticket office support is available at Rochdale.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rochdale: Parking, WC.
Available at Rochdale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochdale: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to the station and platforms via lifts, which are available during station staffing hours, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Castleton is 3 km from Rochdale city centre. Public transport options include:
Castleton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Castleton: Parking.
Available at Castleton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Castleton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, From Manchester Road down 41 steps to Manchester platform or 42 steps to the Rochdale platform. From the station approach roads, there is level access onto both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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