The short answer is yes, absolutely. A day trip from Liverpool to Blackpool is one of the easiest and most enjoyable escapes you can plan from the city. The two are barely 28 miles apart, the train ride is quick and painless, and Blackpool packs in enough to keep you busy from mid-morning right through to a late-night show.
And speaking of late-night shows if there is one reason to stretch your visit into the evening, it is Funny Girls. More on that shortly.
Let’s break it down properly, from getting there to making the most of every hour.
How Far is Liverpool from Blackpool?
The distance between Liverpool and Blackpool is roughly 28 miles (about 46 km). By road, it works out to around 50 miles due to the route, which typically takes between 55 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic. By train, it is a more direct route and considerably less stressful.
This short distance is what makes the day trip so appealing. You are not burning half your day in travel. You leave in the morning, arrive before lunch, and have a full day ahead of you.
Getting from Liverpool to Blackpool by Train
The train is the best way to do this journey, and the numbers back that up. The fastest services from Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool take around 1 hour and 16 minutes, with around 23 trains running each day. The average journey sits closer to 80 minutes, which is perfectly manageable.
Direct trains are available on this route, with frequent departures from 05:43 to 22:15. That late last train is particularly useful if you are planning to stay for an evening show you have plenty of time to get back.
Northern Trains operates this route, departing from Liverpool Lime Street and arriving at Blackpool North station. Book in advance online and you will save a fair bit over walk-up fares. Off-peak tickets are cheaper if you can travel outside the morning rush.
Quick train facts at a glance:
- Departure station: Liverpool Lime Street
- Arrival station: Blackpool North
- Journey time: approximately 1 hour 16 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
- Trains per day: around 23
- First departure: around 05:43 (06:39 on some timetable sources)
- Last departure: around 22:15
Getting There by Car or Coach
If you prefer to drive, the M58 and M55 motorway route is straightforward. Expect the journey to take around an hour without major hold-ups. Parking is available near the town centre and seafront, though prices vary and busy summer weekends can make things trickier. If you are going for the evening, driving also gives you flexibility on return time.
National Express and Megabus both run coaches between Liverpool and Blackpool, though journey times are longer than the train and frequency is lower. For a day trip, the train wins on convenience.
What to Do in Blackpool on a Day Trip
Blackpool is one of those places that does not require much planning. The seafront draws you in almost immediately, and there is enough on offer to fill a day without breaking a sweat.
The Seafront and Golden Mile
Walk the promenade along the Golden Mile between the North and South piers. The sea air, the arcades, the famous trams clattering past it is classic British seaside done properly. The three piers (North, Central, and South) each have their own character, from traditional funfair rides to quieter spots at the end where you can watch the sea.
Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Tower is an obvious but genuinely worthwhile stop. The Tower Ballroom inside is a properly beautiful space, and the Eye observation deck at the top offers views across the Lancashire coast on a clear day. It is worth booking in advance during busier periods.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
If you are visiting with people who want rides, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is still one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. The Big One and Icon are the headline coasters. It opens seasonally, so check dates before you plan around it.
Stanley Park
A short tram or taxi ride from the seafront takes you to Stanley Park, which is a genuine hidden gem. The Italian gardens, boating lake, and art deco café make it a great break from the bustle of the seafront.
Why Funny Girls Should Be on Your Itinerary
Here is where a day trip from Liverpool to Blackpool gets genuinely special. If you time your visit to include an evening at Funny Girls, you are in for something memorable.
Funny Girls is Blackpool’s most celebrated cabaret and drag show, running since 1994 and still completely packed out most nights. The venue on Dickson Road holds shows from Wednesday to Sunday, with entertainment kicking off from 8pm and the cabaret itself starting from 8:30pm. Shows run until around 11:30pm.
The show is a mix of high-energy dance performances, comedy, and spectacular costumes all set inside a stunning 1930s-style theatre. The cast changes seasonally, so each show has its own theme and flavour. Current seasons include the spring show “Blooming Queens,” a summer show, a Halloween special called Coven Queens, and a Christmas production, Sleigh Queens.
If you want to make a proper evening of it, Funny Girls offers a three-course pre-show dinner at Garbo’s, their art deco restaurant, for £29.85 per person. Doors open from 6:30pm, so you can arrive for dinner well before the show begins. It is worth booking this in advance.
The late last train back to Liverpool (around 22:15) means you would need to leave before the show ends if you are travelling by rail. For the full experience, consider either taking a later coach, sharing a taxi with your group, or booking a reasonably priced hotel in Blackpool and returning the next morning which is an easy and popular option.
Tickets are available directly at Funny Girls website, where you can also check the show schedule and pricing.
How to Plan Your Day: A Suggested Itinerary
Here is a realistic itinerary for a day trip from Liverpool to Blackpool, factoring in the show:
09:00 — Catch a morning train from Liverpool Lime Street. Aim for an off-peak service to keep costs down.
10:30 — Arrive at Blackpool North. Walk or take a tram down to the seafront.
11:00 – 13:00 — Walk the Golden Mile, browse the piers, and enjoy the classic seaside atmosphere.
13:00 — Lunch. Fish and chips near the seafront is the obvious and correct choice.
14:00 – 16:30 — Blackpool Tower, Pleasure Beach, or Stanley Park, depending on your group.
16:30 — Head back towards the town centre, freshen up if you have booked a hotel, or find a pub near Dickson Road.
18:30 — Arrive at Funny Girls for the pre-show dinner at Garbo’s.
20:00 — The DJ and hostess get things going.
20:30 — The main show begins.
23:30 — Show ends. Either arrange transport back to Liverpool or settle in for the night.
Is a Day Trip from Liverpool to Blackpool Worth It?
Without question. The journey is short, the ticket costs are low when booked ahead, and Blackpool gives you variety beach, rides, architecture, food, and entertainment. Add in an evening at Funny Girls and you have covered both the classic British seaside experience and one of the best live shows in the North of England in a single day.
It is the kind of trip that works well for birthday groups, hen parties, or anyone who just wants a proper day out without spending a lot of money.
FAQs: Day Trip from Liverpool to Blackpool
How long does the train journey from Liverpool to Blackpool take?
The direct train from Liverpool Lime Street to Blackpool North takes between 1 hour 16 minutes and 1 hour 25 minutes, depending on the service. Around 23 trains run daily, with the first departing at approximately 06:39 and the last at 22:15. Book in advance for the cheapest fares.
Can you do Liverpool to Blackpool as a day trip?
Yes, easily. The two cities are only about 28 miles apart. You can leave Liverpool in the morning, spend a full day in Blackpool, catch an evening show, and still be back in Liverpool at a reasonable hour especially if you take one of the later train services.
What is there to do in Blackpool on a day trip from Liverpool?
You have plenty of options: the three piers and the Golden Mile seafront, Blackpool Tower and its famous ballroom, Blackpool Pleasure Beach for rides, Stanley Park for a quieter afternoon, and the vibrant evening entertainment scene. A visit to Funny Girls for their cabaret and drag show is one of the most popular evening activities in the town.
What time does the Funny Girls show start and finish in Blackpool?
The venue opens at 7pm, with DJ and hostess entertainment from 8pm and the main cabaret show starting at 8:30pm. Shows run until approximately 11:30pm. If you are booking a pre-show dinner at Garbo’s restaurant, arrive from 6:30pm. Check funny girls for current show dates and ticket availability.
Should I stay overnight in Blackpool or travel back to Liverpool the same day?
If you want to catch the full Funny Girls show, staying overnight is worth considering, as the show runs until 11:30pm and the last train back departs around 22:15. Blackpool has a wide range of affordable accommodation. For a more relaxed experience, book a hotel near Dickson Road or the town centre and return to Liverpool the following morning.
