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Public transport

Blackpool has a great public transport network, including:

  • Bus services provided by Blackpool Transport Services Ltd, Stagecoach Bus, Transpora and Preston Bus
  • Railway lines to the north and south of the town providing direct links to London, Preston, Manchester, York and Liverpool. Change at Preston for services beyond
  • Tramway with a frequent tram service between Starr Gate and Fleetwood. A new extension connecting Blackpool North railway station to the Pleasure Beach and Bispham has been operating since June 2024
  • Taxi and private hire vehicles
  • Coach services

By bus

Bus services are better than ever, offering contactless card and 'tap on tap' off payment. Smartphone apps have real time information, journey planning, ticket purchase including discounted ticket bundles and season product purchase. No change needed.

From the start of January 2025, a £3 bus fare cap per single journey will apply

All Blackpool's bus operators are taking part in the government’s £3 fare cap scheme. This means that any operator single journey will cost you no more than £3. Many fares are below the £3 cap.

Currently operators are offering £1 single fares on a Sunday.

Blackpool Transport Services Ltd

Is a local bus operator serving the Fylde coast with a high frequency bus network linking:

  • Lytham
  • St Annes
  • Blackpool
  • Bispham
  • Fleetwood
  • Cleveleys
  • Poulton
  • Knott End

The network is a cost-effective way of travelling around the Fylde coast area, using high quality buses and easy to follow timetables to make your journey easy and pleasurable.

Blackpool Transport website

Stagecoach Bus

Stagecoach Bus runs the:

  • Number 42 service between Blackpool and Lancaster via Garstang
  • Number 61 services between Preston and Blackpool via Wrea Green and Kirkham
  • Number 68 service between Preston and Blackpool via Warton and Freckleton.

Stagecoach website

Archway Travel

Archway Travel runs the Number 76 between Blackpool and St Anne's via Victoria Hospital.

Archway Travel website

Transpora Buses

Transpora Buses operate:

  • Service 21, sea front bus operates from Cleveleys to North Promenade, Blackpool
  • Service 24, Blackpool town centre to Fleetwood.

Transpora Buses website

A multi-operator smartcard, the AnyBus card, has now been launched and provides one-ticket seamless bus travel across the Fylde Coast area. 

Bus and tram route information and timetable information is available by contacting Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, or use the web-based journey planner.

By tram

The frequent and reliable tram service provides a comfortable and energy efficient mode of transport connecting residents and visitors to all major leisure, retail and businesses along the 11 mile stretch of coastline between Starr Gate and Fleetwood and to Blackpool North railway station.

Trams are conductor operated and able to take cash and card payments. Bus/tram day and season products are available, including through the app.

Heritage tram trips have been suspended but are scheduled to return in October 2025 with a programme of Illuminations tours.

By rail

Blackpool enjoys up to five train departures an hour from Blackpool North railway station, with a further hourly service from Blackpool South. Direct routes provide destinations including:

  • Preston
  • Manchester Piccadilly and then Airport
  • York
  • Liverpool Lime Street
  • London Euston.

Change at Preston for further trains to London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Colne, Birmingham New Street and many other destinations.

Check out our operators' sites for journey planning and offers:

Northern Railway

Avanti West Coast | Buy Train Tickets | No Booking Fee

Trans Pennine Express - provide connecting services from Preston.

With the Blackpool North railway station tramway extension in place, rail passengers have the option of close to seamless rail access to seafront attractions and hotels, including the Pleasure Beach, and Cleveleys and Fleetwood. Walk through the underpass to the right as you exit the station, to find the tram stop. Conductors are available to advise on fare options and contactless payment is available.

Northern Railway is working towards through ticketing from train to Blackpool Transport Services Ltd bus and tram services. Ask for this when you buy your train ticket for seamless public transport into and around the resort.

In recent years a number of charter train excursions have come to Blackpool, some using steam locomotives.

By taxi

Taxis and private hire vehicles play an important role in supporting the visitor and night-time economies. Horse drawn landaus provide promenade pleasure trips.

Taxis and private hire vehicles reduce the need for car ownership for the occasional car user. They provide an essential link between transport hubs, hotels and attractions. Hackney carriage stands are provided throughout the town centre.

For the weekly shop and a bit of extra exercise, walk or bus to the store and call a taxi to take you home.

Taxi companies are increasingly using smartphone apps to enable booking.

By coach

National Express coaches and a number of city operators bring services into the Blackpool Central Coach Station.

Modern coach vehicles are highly specified, rivalling rail for comfort, and fares are often very good value.