- Must visit
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen’s main art gallery with Scottish and international works, a sculpture court and changing exhibitions in a restored civic building.
Cheapest price
£171
Average price
£241
Fastest journey
5 h 34 m
Average duration
6 h 9 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
431 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Retford to Aberdeen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Retford to Aberdeen will cost around £241 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £171.
Of the 5 trains that leave Retford for Aberdeen every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 431 km distance in an average of 6 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 29 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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The table below shows live departures for Retford to Aberdeen trains for today, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:13 Retford | 5h53 | 23:06 Aberdeen | 1 change | |
| Friday 14 August | |||||
![]() | 7:26 Retford | 5h34 | 13:00 Aberdeen | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:12 Retford | 5h51 | 17:03 Aberdeen | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:12 Retford | 7h29 | 20:41 Aberdeen | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:12 Retford | 5h59 | 21:11 Aberdeen | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Retford to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 6h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £171 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:57, the last at 17:12. The fastest train covers the 431 km distance in 5h 34m.
Distance 431 km |
Average train duration 6h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £171 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 34m |
First train 5:57 |
Last train 17:12 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Aberdeen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberdeen trip today.
Aberdeen’s main art gallery with Scottish and international works, a sculpture court and changing exhibitions in a restored civic building.
A maritime museum overlooking the harbour, covering shipbuilding, fishing and North Sea oil through models, objects and interactive displays.
A small museum dedicated to the Gordon Highlanders, with military artefacts, medals and stories from more than two centuries of service.
A central Victorian park with formal lawns, floral displays and a large glasshouse complex beside key shopping streets.
The university quarter with cobbled lanes, old collegiate buildings and a quieter atmosphere that contrasts with the modern city centre.
A broad city-centre avenue lined with granite buildings, shops, theatres and gardens, useful for orientating yourself in central Aberdeen.
A rich, creamy haddock soup with milk, onions and potatoes. It is a north-east Scottish classic closely associated with Aberdeen’s fishing heritage.
A traditional Scottish pudding made with oats, suet, onions and sheep’s offal. It is a national staple often served in Aberdeen pubs and homes.
Smoked haddock, usually naturally dyed pale yellow, prized around Aberdeen for its firm texture and deep smoky flavour from the north-east coast.
Well-known local fish bar serving excellent fish and chips and other takeaway favourites close to the beach.
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern Scottish cooking with strong local seafood and meat options in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular seafood restaurant near the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Scottish plates in an unfussy setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining, buses and everyday costs are generally manageable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Aberdeen Airport -> Union Square, Aberdeen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford to Aberdeen by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Aberdeen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Retford to Aberdeen trains use the Retford to Aberdeen station pair. Use this guide to compare Retford and Aberdeen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Retford has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Retford.
Ticket office support is available at Retford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Retford: Parking, WC.
Available at Retford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Retford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Advance booking is advisable, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need