The tram follows the coast straight into Blackpool. Journey times, the best stops for the Tower, the piers and Pleasure Beach, and why we'd leave the car behind.
One of the best things about Cleveleys is how easy it is to get into Blackpool without taking the car.
The tram runs through Cleveleys and follows the coast straight into Blackpool, passing the town centre, Tower, piers and Pleasure Beach along the way. From Cleveleys, it takes around 25 minutes to reach North Pier and roughly 35 minutes to reach Pleasure Beach. During much of the day, trams run around every 15 minutes.
For most days out in Blackpool, we'd choose the tram over driving. There's no parking to think about, you can get on and off further down the promenade if you want to, and you don't have to find your way back to wherever you left the car.
If you're planning more time in the area, our Ultimate Guide to Cleveleys covers more of what to see, eat and do locally.
Where do you get the tram in Cleveleys?
Cleveleys tram stop is right in the centre of town, close to Victoria Road West.
Trams run frequently throughout most of the day, so unless we had tickets booked somewhere at a particular time, we wouldn't normally plan around an exact service. We'd just head to the stop and check when the next one is due.
The same tram line runs north to Fleetwood and south through Blackpool to Starr Gate.
How long does the tram take from Cleveleys to Blackpool?
As a rough guide, allow:
Around 25 minutes to North Pier
Around 30 minutes to the central promenade
Around 35 minutes to Pleasure Beach
Around 40 minutes to Starr Gate
The exact journey varies slightly between services, but those are useful times to work with when planning a day out.
Which tram stop should you use in Blackpool?
These are the stops most visitors are likely to use.
North Pier for Blackpool town centre
If you're heading into Blackpool town centre, North Pier is usually the easiest stop.
From here you're well placed for Houndshill Shopping Centre, the Winter Gardens, North Pier and the northern end of the main central promenade.
It's also a good place to start if you don't have a strict plan and simply want to wander through central Blackpool.
Tower for Blackpool Tower and the central promenade
If Blackpool Tower is your main destination, stay on for the Tower stop.
This puts you right beside the Tower, Tower Ballroom, Comedy Carpet and the central stretch of promenade.
If somebody asked us where to get off for the classic Blackpool seafront, this would probably be the one.
Central Pier for SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds and Central Pier
A little further south is Central Pier.
This is a useful stop for Central Pier itself and the attractions around this part of the promenade, including SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds.
It's also a good place to get off if you're planning to spend more of the day around the central and southern parts of the seafront.
South Pier for South Shore
Keep going south for South Pier and the surrounding South Shore area.
If you're heading towards Pleasure Beach but want to see South Pier first, you can get off here and walk the rest.
Pleasure Beach for Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle
If you're going specifically to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, stay on until the Pleasure Beach stop.
The tram drops you very close to the entrance, with Sandcastle Waterpark and South Pier nearby too.
This is one journey where we'd particularly choose the tram over driving. You can go straight from Cleveleys to the attraction without having to think about Blackpool traffic or parking.
How we'd spend a day in Blackpool from Cleveleys
We'd keep it fairly simple.
Get the tram into North Pier or Tower in the morning, depending on where you want to start.
If it's your first visit, have a look around the Tower and central promenade, then work your way south rather than trying to bounce backwards and forwards between stops.
You'll naturally pass Central Pier and plenty of places for lunch or a drink.
If you're carrying on towards Pleasure Beach, walk while the weather is good and jump back on the tram when you've had enough.
At the end of the day, just find the nearest northbound tram stop and head back towards Cleveleys. You don't have to return to the same stop where you got off in the morning.
Going to the Blackpool Illuminations from Cleveleys
The tram is particularly handy during the Illuminations.
Driving along the promenade can get busy, and finding parking in central Blackpool isn't something we'd choose to add to the evening if we didn't need to.
We'd normally get the tram from Cleveleys towards the centre, get off around North Pier or Tower and explore from there.
You can then walk along part of the Illuminations and catch a tram back from another stop further down the promenade rather than walking all the way back to where you started.
On especially busy event nights, it's worth checking Blackpool Transport before leaving because services can occasionally be affected.
Can you take a dog on the tram?
Yes, you can take your dog on Blackpool Transport trams and buses.
Pet dogs have travelled free since 1 June 2026. They need to remain under control during the journey and should not be placed on the seats.
That makes a Blackpool day out quite easy if you've brought the dog with you.
Our dog-friendly guide to Cleveleys and the Fylde Coast also covers the parts of Blackpool beach that allow dogs and some places to stop for food and drinks.
Is it better to take the tram or drive?
For most places along Blackpool promenade, we'd take the tram.
Driving can still make sense if you're visiting somewhere away from the seafront, but for Blackpool Tower, the piers, Pleasure Beach or the Illuminations, the tram is much easier.
You don't need to find parking, you can have a drink if you want one, and you're not tied to returning to one particular car park at the end of the day.
The tram also runs right along the coast, so it's a nicer journey than sitting in Blackpool traffic.
A few things we'd know before going
For the town centre, get off at North Pier.
For Blackpool Tower and the heart of the promenade, use Tower.
For Central Pier, SEA LIFE and Madame Tussauds, use Central Pier.
For Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle, stay on until Pleasure Beach.
And don't worry about getting back on at the same stop. If you've walked halfway down the promenade during the day, just use whichever northbound stop is closest when you're ready to head back to Cleveleys.
Check the current Blackpool Transport timetable before travelling if you're staying out late or visiting during a major event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tram take from Cleveleys to Blackpool?
The tram takes around 25 minutes from Cleveleys to North Pier in central Blackpool.
If you're heading all the way to Pleasure Beach, allow roughly 35 minutes.
Which tram stop is best for Blackpool town centre?
For Blackpool town centre, North Pier is usually the most useful stop.
It's close to Houndshill Shopping Centre, the Winter Gardens and the central shopping area.
If you're specifically visiting Blackpool Tower, stay on for the Tower stop.
Does the tram go directly from Cleveleys to Blackpool Pleasure Beach?
Yes.
The tram runs directly from Cleveleys to Pleasure Beach without needing to change.
The Pleasure Beach stop is close to both Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Sandcastle Waterpark.
Can you get the tram back to Cleveleys at night?
Yes.
Trams continue running into the evening, although services become less frequent later on.
If you're planning a late night in Blackpool, check the current timetable before setting off.
Can dogs go on Blackpool trams?
Yes, you can take a pet dog on Blackpool Transport trams and buses.
Dogs have travelled free since June 2026 and need to remain under control during the journey.