Famous with tourists for decades for its attractions and the Pleasure Beach. No trip to the North West would be complete without a visit to Blackpool. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going for a day trip, a weekend away, or spending a week-long summer holiday at this famous Northern holiday spot, Blackpool is easy to visit by rail from Manchester.
It only takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from Blackpool North to Manchester Deansgate. On your journey, you’ll be taken north from Greater Manchester to Blackpool on the Lancashire Coast facing the Irish Sea.
Northern operates trains across the North of England, including the North East, the North West, and the Yorkshire and Humber regions. Northern serves a diverse range of passengers from regular urban commuters to suburban and rural holidaymakers, connecting major cities like Newcastle, Hull, and Leeds with smaller regional stations.
Departing from Deansgate
The best way to get from Manchester to Blackpool by rail is to travel from Deansgate station. It’s located in the city's South West, and is situated near where Castlefield intersects with Deansgate and Whitworth Street West.
Deansgate is wholly operated by Northern and the station only serves routes to destinations in the North West of England, such as Liverpool Lime Street and Lancaster.
Main stops
Overall, there are thirteen stops from Manchester Deansgate to Blackpool North. These are: Salford Crescent, Bolton, Lostock, Horwich Parkway, Blackrod, Adlington, Chorley, Buckshaw Parkway, Leyland, Preston, Kirkham & Wesham, Poulton-Le-Fylde, and Layton.
Although it’s worth considering that these stations might change due to weather, faults, or engineering works, so it’s worth checking before you depart.
To buy cheap train tickets, getting them early on sites like TrainPal is best. If you have a Railcard, you’ll get an even bigger discount.
Arriving at Blackpool North
The train from Manchester to Blackpool will arrive at Blackpool North station on Talbot Road, which is usefully located just a short walk from the North Pier at the beach. This means you’ll be situated near all the city’s top tourist attractions, including Blackpool Tower and Madame Tussauds, the zoo, and the beautiful gardens near Stanley Park. The station is easily accessible by buses and taxis, too.
Northern is the sole operator from this station and conducts services between major cities like Manchester and Preston.
Northern train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: Northern does not have any First Class sections on any of their trains.
Northern train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to book a space.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.