Lancashire: Enjoy Affordable Christmas Shopping with Special Bus Services to Blackburn, Burnley & Preston

Published on December 4, 2025

As the festive season draws near, Lancashire’s leading bus operators are rolling out a special festive timetable designed to make Christmas shopping easier and more affordable. This holiday season, residents of East Lancashire can take advantage of a capped £3 fare to popular shopping destinations such as Blackburn, Manchester, and Preston, allowing shoppers to avoid the stress of parking and traffic while enjoying a hassle-free ride to retail hotspots.

Transdev, through its subsidiaries The Blackburn Bus Company, The Burnley Bus Company, and Rosso, has introduced these discounted fares to help ease the burden of Christmas travel. With routes operating throughout December, including key dates like Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, these special services provide a cost-effective and convenient alternative to driving, especially with city centre parking becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to find.

What the New Timetable Offers for Shoppers and Leisure Travelers

This festive bus timetable is a welcome relief for holidaymakers and shoppers across Lancashire. The £3 capped one-way fares are valid on selected routes, offering significant savings for those who would normally drive into town. For example, shoppers can travel directly to Blackburn, Manchester, and Preston, taking advantage of public transport’s affordability and ease, while reducing the stress of navigating busy roads.

The buses are equipped to handle large volumes of passengers, making it easier for families, senior citizens, and individuals alike to travel comfortably to their shopping destinations. These services also extend beyond the shopping season, with regular routes connecting residents to leisure destinations throughout the region.

Impact on Business and Tourism

For business travelers and tourists, these festive bus services offer significant benefits. Local businesses in Blackburn, Burnley, and Preston are expected to see a boost in foot traffic as more customers opt to use the bus services to reach key retail locations, reducing the stress of congestion. Additionally, this initiative could have a positive impact on tourism, especially for those visiting Lancashire during the Christmas period.

Lancashire’s retail and hospitality sectors stand to benefit from easier access to shopping districts, as both locals and tourists can now travel affordably to attractions like the Trafford Centre in Manchester, which is a favorite for Christmas shopping. The public transport options give tourists the opportunity to explore major shopping areas without worrying about the hassle of parking or navigating congested roads.

Detailed Festive Timetable and Additional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the festive bus schedules for Lancashire bus companies:

• Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December – Regular Saturday services, with extra routes to popular destinations such as Barnoldswick and Rawtenstall.
• Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December – Saturday service with buses running until approximately 7pm. Last buses for routes such as Blackburn to Bolton, Burnley to Preston, and Accrington to Manchester will operate earlier in the evening.
• Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December – No bus services due to the festive break for drivers.
• Boxing Day, Friday 26 December – Special Boxing Day services, with buses operating every 30 minutes on key routes, including Route 6 between Accrington and Blackburn, and Route 7 between Blackburn and Accrington.
• Saturday 27 December – Normal Saturday service resumes.
• Sunday 28 December – Normal Sunday service available.
• New Year’s Eve, Wednesday 31 December – Saturday service with extra early buses, and last buses at 7:30pm for major routes.
• New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January 2025 – No services available.
• Friday, 2 January 2025 – Normal weekday services resume.

Benefits for Business Travelers

Business travelers can also take advantage of the festive timetable, as the bus services offer a reliable way to get into key business hubs like Manchester and Preston. Whether attending meetings or events, taking the bus can save time and money compared to driving, especially considering the added stress of finding parking during the busy holiday season. This option also ensures that professionals can avoid being affected by roadworks or congestion in the city.

Quick Tips for Tourists and Shoppers Using Bus Services

1. Check Timetables in Advance: Make sure to check the specific timetable for the bus route you plan to use, as there are changes during the holiday season.
2. Arrive Early for Popular Routes: With the added volume of passengers during the festive period, it’s a good idea to arrive a bit earlier to secure a seat, especially on routes heading to larger shopping areas.
3. Use Contactless Payment: Many of Lancashire’s bus services now accept contactless payments, so you can avoid carrying cash and easily pay for your fare.
4. Avoid Peak Hours: Try to travel during off-peak hours when possible to avoid the busiest times, such as early morning and late afternoon.
5. Utilize Bus Passes: Concessionary travel passes are still valid, so make sure to bring your pass for free or discounted travel, especially if traveling after 9:30 am during weekdays or any time on weekends.

Conclusion: A Stress-Free Christmas Travel Experience

With Christmas fast approaching, Lancashire’s bus operators are offering an attractive and affordable way to get to retail hotspots without the hassle of driving and parking. By introducing capped fares and a festive timetable, Transdev’s subsidiaries are making it easier for shoppers, tourists, and business travelers to enjoy a more relaxed holiday experience. Whether it’s to avoid the congestion or to enjoy a festive day out, these special bus services provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative during the holiday season.

By taking advantage of these services, residents and visitors alike can make the most of the Christmas period, without the stress of overcrowded streets and high parking fees.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Lancashire bus operators are offering £3 capped fares on selected routes to major retail hubs like Blackburn, Manchester, and Preston during the festive season.
• The service will run on special timetables, with earlier evening buses on Christmas Eve and special Boxing Day services.
• The services provide a stress-free alternative to driving, especially for shoppers, tourists, and business travelers.
• Concessionary travel passes will remain valid, with free travel available after 9:30 am on weekdays and throughout weekends and bank holidays.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated