On average, it takes around one hour to get from Manchester to Blackburn with Northern.
You’ll travel north from Manchester City Centre towards Blackburn on your journey, passing between Rochdale and Bolton and continuing past Haslingden before arriving at your destination. You’ll notice the inner-city scenery of Manchester change to encompass a more setting before arriving in the industrial town of Blackburn.
Northern operates trains across Northern England, serving areas like the North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humberside. It connects major cities such as Newcastle, Preston, York, Leeds, and Manchester to local hubs like Knaresborough, Morpeth, and Darlington, along with rural stations.
Manchester Victoria is one of the busiest train stations in Manchester. Conveniently for you, that means it’s an excellent station to depart from as it’s easy to reach as it’s linked to Metrolink trams, local bus routes, taxis, and a nearby coach station.
The station can be found on Todd Street, Station Approach, in Manchester City Centre. Northern and TransPennine Express call this station home.
Main stops
From Manchester Victoria to Blackburn, there are six stations: Salford Crescent, Bolton, Hall-i-th-wood, Bromley Cross, Entwistle, and Darwen.
However, it’s worth remembering that these stations may change due to scheduling changes, poor weather, or engineering work. That’s why it’s best to double-check before you leave.
To get cheaper fares, book early, use a Railcard, and check TrainPal. It’s the best way to buy cheap train tickets.
Arriving at Blackburn
Blackburn station is on Railway Road, where Jubilee Street, Dandy Walk, and Bridge Street interconnect. It lies between Blackburn Cathedral and Peel Leisure and Retail Park.
The station has a small car park that can hold approximately eighty spaces. Taxis and local bus services also stop outside the station's main entrance.
Blackburn is great for nature lovers. Witton Country Park and Turton and Entwistle Reservoir are perfect places to get some fresh air and blast off the cobwebs; meanwhile, for the more artistically inclined, Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery is the place to imbibe the city’s cultural heritage.
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 First Class sections on any of its 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.