Manchester, Greater Manchester to Blackpool, Lancashire from $5: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Plan your fuel stops wisely; along the M61 and M6, you can find gas stations with prices averaging around £1.50 per liter, especially near Bolton and Preston.

• Be aware of the restricted traffic zones in central Blackpool, particularly around the Promenade and the Pleasure Beach area; parking rates can range from £8 to £15 per day depending on location.

• Upon arrival in Blackpool, consider using the Tower Festival Headland for convenient parking; it’s a central spot but can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable.

• On the train from Manchester to Blackpool, operators like Northern and TransPennine Express provide catering services on select services. Northern trains typically offer a snack trolley with drinks and light snacks available for purchase, while TransPennine Express offers a more extensive menu that includes hot and cold food options through their onboard café bar. Check their websites for specific service availability on your chosen train.

• The Manchester to Blackpool route is primarily serviced by Northern and TransPennine Express. Northern generally provides Standard Class seating with comfortable but basic amenities, while TransPennine Express offers both Standard and First Class options. First Class on TransPennine includes larger seats, extra space, and complimentary refreshments. For more details on seating options and reservations, visit their respective websites: Northern (northernrailway.co.uk) and TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk).

• Upon arriving at Blackpool North station, it's worth noting that there are facilities to leave luggage at the station, making it easier to explore without the burden of your bags. The station has restrooms available; however, there are no shower facilities. After exiting, the fastest way to get to the city center is via the tram system. Board a tram towards Starr Gate; trams run frequently, typically every 10-15 minutes, and take about 15-20 minutes to reach central Blackpool. For local transport schedules and tram routes, see the Blackpool Transport website: blackpooltransport.com

• Consider taking the National Express service number 121 or 173 for a direct trip to Blackpool, both departing from Manchester Coach Station; check their schedule and book tickets at nationalexpress.com

• If you opt for the FlixBus route, be prepared for a transfer at Buchanan Street; ensure you have a clear plan of how long you need for the transfer, as the total journey will take approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes.

• Upon arriving at Blackpool Coach Station, familiarize yourself with the local bus services, as Stagecoach operates routes to major attractions; you can view the local bus map and schedules at stagecoachbus.com