Getting to Lancashire
Lancashire is easily reached from all over the UK and is well served by international airports, ferry ports and main line rail - you’re just over two hours from London on the West Coast Line with stops in the cities of Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool.
Once here, the M6 motorway along with the M55, M61 and M58 enable quick and convenient car travel to all corners of the county - in less than an hour from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds you could be exploring our beautiful county which is 80% rural.
Local public transport is operated by a range of bus, train and tram providers across the North West and several destinations now offer bike hire on arrival.
By Air
Manchester Airport is well served with flights from North and Central America, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe; and John Lennon Liverpool Airport has frequent flights from Europe.
Manchester Airport has direct trains to many Lancashire destinations every 30 minutes and driving from Manchester Airport to Preston takes approximately an hour.
Manchester Airport is one of Britain's principal airports, handling millions of passengers each year, connecting the North of England with global destinations.
Liverpool is a gateway Airport for the North West of England and North Wales with flights to over 60 destinations in the UK, across Europe and onward worldwide connections. It is the award winning Faster, Easier, Friendlier Airport of choice for passengers and is recognised for its relaxed, hassle free environment and best in class operational performance. It is just 5 minutes from the nearby motorway network, with public transport links to the local and regional rail network too.
By Car
The M6 runs right through Lancashire, connecting to the M61, M65, M55 and a number of major A roads. In less than an hour from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds you could be exploring the Pennine Fells, sitting down to eat a meal in the Ribble Valley or driving along Blackpool’s promenade.
A number of journey planning websites offer planners for car and cycle as well as rail and coach fares information, maps of routes, areas and interchanges
Useful links -
- Live Travel Information in Lancashire by the BBC
- Google maps (for public transport and car journey planning)
- RAC route planner (for car journey planning)
- AA route planner (for car journey planning)
- Traveline (for public transport)
- Cyclestreets (for cycle route planning)
- Ordnance Survey (maps)
- Royal Mail (find a postcode or address)
If you are just passing through, be sure to check out our blog about great places to stop close to the M6.
By Coach
By Coach
The following bus companies provide transport for you to and around Lancashire.
Transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups all in one place bringing you routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry.
Lancashire Bus (TransDev) run local services in and around Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley Pendle and Hyndburn as well as further afield across Lancashire.
The official web-page for the local bus and tram operator in Blackpool, Lytham and Fylde area.
A national bus company linking all the major cities in Britain.
Principal operator of express coach services throughout Great Britain; also operating between the UK and Ireland and mainland Europe (part of the Eurolines network).
By Ferry
The main port of Heysham has regular services to and from the Isle of Man.
The nearby Liverpool Port, and Holyhead also welcome cruise ships from around the world and are within an hour or two of Lancashire
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
- Heysham <-> Douglas
- Holyhead <-> Dublin
- Belfast <-> Liverpool
- Dublin <-> Liverpool
- Belfast <-> Birkenhead (Liverpool)
- Liverpool <-> Dublin
- Cairnryan <-> Larne (Fast ferry - Superferries)
- Troon <-> Larne (Fast ferry)
- Holyhead <-> Dublin
- Holyhead <-> Dun Laoghaire (HSS fastcraft)
- Fishguard <-> Rosslare
- Cairnryan <-> Belfast (Superfast ferry)
- Liverpool <-> Belfast
- Fleetwood <-> Knott End
The Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry Service provides a vital link for visitors and locals between the town of Fleetwood, once a thriving fishing port and Knott End, a quiet village Over Wyre. The ferry journey takes less than 10 minutes and provides great value for money.
Liverpool Cruise Terminal has earned a reputation as one of the most desirable cruise destinations in Europe and is located just 12 miles away form Lancashire border. The birthplace of the first passenger cruise line provides an ideal starting point for an adventure across the North West.
By Train
Lancashire is very well connected by rail from all over the country. You’re just over two hours from London on the West Coast Line with stops in the cities of Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool.
Change at Preston to reach the market towns of Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Colne and Ormskirk. There are also direct trains from Manchester to most Lancashire towns.
The following list shows the 'National Rail Timetables On-Line' 'The Train Line' and 'Weekend Rail Travel News' sites, plus web sites for rail companies serving this area.
Operator of the West Coast Line rail services between London, the West Midlands, the North-West and Scotland - trains stop at Preston, Blackpool and Lancaster in Lancashire.
Official National Rail enquiries website giving up to date rail times and price information.
TransPennine Express provide direct train services to Preston and Lancaster from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Northern plays a vital role in the north of England by connecting tens of thousands of people to work, leisure, education and more every day. They offer direct trains to Blackpool, Preston and Lancaster.
Rail company operating most services in Scotland and also providing the overnight rail service between London and Scotland.
Transport companies, local authorities and passenger groups all in one place bringing you routes and times for all travel in Great Britain by bus, rail, coach and ferry.