Blackpool Tramway Network & Timetable

Blackpool Tramway

Ride the Blackpool Tramway along the Lancashire Coast

Blackpool tram, Lancashire, UK. — Illuminated tram

The 18-km long Blackpool Tramway runs between Starr Gate near the airport in Blackpool in the south to the Ferry Terminus in Fleetwood to the north. The line began in 1885 and is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world.

Tram to the southern terminus of Starr Gate. — Tram to the southern terminus of Starr Gate

History

The Blackpool Tramway, opened on September 29, 1885, and was Britain's first electric street tramway designed to serve the booming tourist industry in the town at the time.

The Blackpool Electric Tramway Company first launched the system on a short two-mile line from Cocker Street to South Shore later expanded to Fleetwood. Initially using an underground conduit system, the line struggled with the coastal elements and was upgraded to 550V overhead wiring in 1899.

In 1920 Blackpool Corporation took over operation of the system.

Blackpool's tramway became an enduring symbol of the town. In 1933, its iconic illuminated trams - such as the Rocket and the Wild West Train - were introduced, offering visitors a unique way to experience the renowned Blackpool Illuminations. While many British cities replaced their tram networks with buses during the 1960s, Blackpool preserved its tramway, ensuring its continued place at the heart of the town's identity and heritage.

In 2012 the network had an upgrade. Following a multi-million-pound investment, the system was modernized. The tracks were rebuilt, accessibility improved, and the aging double-deckers were replaced by modern Bombardier Flexity 2 trams.

The system runs the modern low-floor fleet for daily public transport. However, vintage double-deckers are carefully preserved and still run regularly as part of the official Heritage Tram Tours.

The tram runs mainly along the coast. — The tram runs mainly along the coast

Route

The route has 42 active stops along its primary route, running 11 miles (about 18 km) from Starr Gate in the south up to Fleetwood Ferry in the north.

Some of the major stops are as follows:

Southern Terminus: Starr Gate

Central & Attractions: Pleasure Beach, South Pier, Central Pier, Blackpool Tower, and North Pier

Town Centre Interchange: Blackpool North Station (added in a 2024 extension)

Northern Stops: Bispham, Cleveleys, and Rossall

Northern Terminus: Fleetwood Ferry

Illuminations Tour tram. — Illuminations Tour tram

Timetable, Fares & Information

Blackpool Tramway
www: blackpooltransport.com/blackpool-tramway
Tel: 01253 473001 (General Enquiries)

Trams run from Fleetwood Ferry heading south from 5.55 am (7.30 am on Sundays) to 12.35 am approximately every 15-20 minutes. The journey takes about 50 minutes.

From Starr Gate trams run to Fleetwood from 5 am (6.30 am on Sundays) to 11.30 am approximately every 15-20 minutes.

Fares

Adult Single: £3.20 (any single journey on the tram)
Bus £2
Child Single (Under 16): £1.80
1-Hour Hopper: £3.50 for adults (£2.00 for under-16s), allowing
unlimited travel on buses and trams for 1 hour
Adult Day Saver: £6.60 for unlimited travel on buses and trams for one day
Family Day Saver: £15.00 (valid for up to 2 adults and 3 children)
Duo Day Saver: £10.00 (valid for two people) [1, 2, 3, 4]
Contactless: You can use contactless "Tap & Go" at validators.
NoWcard holders: English National Concessionary travel passes
(NoWcard) issued by Blackpool Council travel free on trams from 9.30 am to 11 pm on weekdays and all-day on weekends/bank holidays.
Heritage Trams: Vintage heritage trams operate separately and have
their own fare structures

Accessibility: All modern light-rail Flexity trams feature level, step-free boarding and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Class 2 mobility scooters but not Class 3 can ride on the trams.

Heritage tram in Blackpool. — The Western Train - a heritage illuminated tram

Getting To Blackpool

Blackpool North Station is the main point of access and has onward connections with both buses and trams.

There are services from Blackpool North to Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Bolton, Preston, Wigan North Western, Salford Crescent, Deansgate, Blackburn and York Station via Leeds.

For Manchester Victoria in Manchester change at Bolton, Manchester Oxford Road, Salford Crescent or Piccadilly.

Blackpool North also has two trains a day to London Euston.

Blackpool's other station, the much less busy, Blackpool South has trains to Preston. There is no connection between the two stations so take a tram to Waterloo Road tram stop.

Blackpool Airport is near to Squires Gate Station (a 10-minute walk from the airport near St Anne's).

Buses that stop near the station or leave from the bus and tram stand at the station include the 3, 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 18, 11, 14, 42 and 400 services.