Blackpool has three National Rail stations: Blackpool North, Blackpool South and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Waterloo Road is the former name of Blackpool South, not another station; for a Blackpool to Lancaster train journey, check the route and connections before setting out.
- Blackpool North is the town’s main station, with direct trains to several destinations.
- Blackpool South serves the South Fylde line via St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham.
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach is the next station along the line from Blackpool South.
- Tram, bus and taxi connections are available at North and South.
Blackpool North, South and Pleasure Beach compared
Choose a station by its rail route and the part of Blackpool you need to reach. Blackpool North is the main station, while Blackpool South serves the South Fylde line and Pleasure Beach station is next along that line.
Northern manages both Blackpool North and Blackpool South. North has regular direct services to destinations including Preston, Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Blackburn, Leeds and York. South trains run to and from Preston via St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham; South is the terminus of the South Fylde line.
For travel to Lancaster, the facts here do not establish a direct service or a particular connection. Check the National Rail journey options for your travel date rather than assuming the best station from the destination name alone. A Blackpool to Lancaster train or bus day trip can help you think through the wider journey.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach is adjacent to Pleasure Beach Resort. If that is your destination, it may be useful to compare its station with the South Fylde line service before choosing where to board or alight.
Arriving near the south seafront
Blackpool South is the station to consider for the south side, and Waterloo Road is its former name. It opened as Waterloo Road station on 30 May 1903 and took the name Blackpool South on 17 March 1932.
Community Rail Lancashire describes the station as a short walk from the promenade and Golden Mile, and close to Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool Football Club.
For a south-seafront visit, the one-day Blackpool itinerary from the south seafront puts the area into a wider plan.
The South Fylde line ends here, so you will need to use another mode of transport to continue north by rail through Blackpool.
From Chadberry House, Waterloo Road station is about a 6-minute walk and Blackpool South is about a 10-minute walk. The hotel offers Bed and Breakfast rooms.
How do you change trains and continue across town?
Blackpool’s tram, bus and taxi connections can help you continue from either Blackpool North or Blackpool South. The best choice depends on your destination and the services running when you travel.
One piece of local railway history explains why old references can be confusing: Blackpool South was once a junction with the Marton Line. The route north from South to Blackpool Central closed in 1964, and the Marton Line closed to regular traffic in 1965.
When planning a trip, first identify the station used by your train, then check how you will cover the remaining part of town. If your journey involves Lancaster, confirm the full rail itinerary and any changes before choosing a local connection.
Checking services before travel
Check the official site before you go, because station facilities and train services can change. Use National Rail for current service information and station details.
Both North and South have step-free access to all platforms, with platforms level with each station’s main entrance; neither station has lifts. Passenger Assistance meeting points are available at both. Staff help is available at North, but not at South.
North has toilets, accessible toilets, Changing Places toilets and baby-changing facilities. South has the same toilet facilities, but no ticket office. North has 30 parking spaces, including 6 accessible spaces; South has no station parking spaces. Both stations have a drop-off and pick-up point, bicycle storage and bicycle hire.
Check the details that matter for your trip, especially assistance, accessibility and parking. Station information is subject to change, so use the current National Rail information before travelling.
FAQs
Is Waterloo Road a separate station in Blackpool?
No. Waterloo Road is the former name of Blackpool South, which was renamed in 1932.
Which station is Blackpool’s main railway station?
Blackpool North is the town’s main station and has regular direct trains to several destinations.
Does Blackpool South have trains to Preston?
Yes. Blackpool South trains run to and from Preston via St Annes-on-the-Sea and Lytham.
Is Blackpool Pleasure Beach station next to the resort?
Blackpool Pleasure Beach station is adjacent to Pleasure Beach Resort.