Can I use my senior bus pass on Blackpool trams?

Quick answer: It depends where your pass was issued.

• If your English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass was issued by Blackpool Council or you live in Wyre (a Lancashire NoWcard), you can use it free on Blackpool trams off-peak: 09:30–23:00 Monday to Friday, all day at weekends and bank holidays. Not valid on Heritage or Illuminations tour trams.

• If your pass was issued anywhere else in England, it’s not valid for free travel on Blackpool trams. You can still use it on buses across the network off-peak.

Who qualifies for free tram travel?

Blackpool residents (ENCTS / NoWcard): Free tram travel off-peak, as above.

Wyre residents (Lancashire NoWcard): Also free on the tram off-peak under a local discretionary concession.

Everyone else in England: Your ENCTS pass gives free bus travel off-peak in Blackpool, but not free tram travel. You’ll need a paid tram ticket.

Note: Heritage trams and Illuminations tours are excluded from concessions even for local pass holders.

Off-peak times and what “free” means

• Monday to Friday: 09:30–23:00

• Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: All dayOutside those times you’ll need to buy a ticket like any other passenger. Always tap your valid pass on the reader when you board.

If your pass isn’t valid on the tram

You still have easy options:

1. Use the bus with your ENCTS pass. It’s free off-peak across Blackpool. The bus network parallels much of the Promenade and can be a good alternative during busy nights.

2. Buy a tram ticket. Blackpool Transport sells great-value day and longer tickets that cover unlimited travel. You can pay contactless on board or use their app.

3. Mix bus and tram. If you want the classic seafront ride for one leg, buy a single for the tram and return on the free off-peak bus with your pass.

Simple planning tips

• Carry your pass. You’ll need to present and tap it every time.

• Avoid the peak morning window. Free tram travel for eligible local passes starts at 09:30 on weekdays.

• Check special services. Heritage trams and Illuminations tours are paid experiences and do not accept passes.

• Stay on the Promenade. If you’d like to hop on and off easily in the evening, pick a seafront base. You can compare modern sea-view rooms or relax over dinner at the hotel’s Italian restaurant before a tram ride to see the lights. Breakfast is available for hotel guests.

Handy examples

• Blackpool or Wyre pass holder: Visiting on a Tuesday? From 09:30 you can tap in for free tram rides all day, right up to 23:00. Weekends are free all day.

• Pass issued in Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire, etc.: Use your pass on buses off-peak for free travel, but buy a tram ticket if you want the seafront ride.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a companion or carer’s pass?

Blackpool Transport advises that carer passes issued by some authorities are not recognised as national passes locally. Drivers may refuse free travel if a pass isn’t valid under the scheme. Always check the wording on your card.

Is there a small charge before 09:30 for disabled passes?

Local policies sometimes allow reduced fares on buses before 09:30 for certain disabled passes, but this does not create free tram travel for non-eligible passes. Check the latest rules with Blackpool Transport before you travel.

Where can I read the official rules?

Blackpool Transport’s concessions page sets out who can use passes on buses and trams, and Blackpool Council and NoWcard pages confirm the local discretionary tram scheme for Blackpool and Wyre residents.

If you want help planning a tram-plus-dining evening along the Promenade, you can always contact the team. Stay by the seafront for easy access, a relaxed walk to the stops, and a good night’s sleep.