- Must visit
National Museum of Scotland
National museum covering science, design, world cultures and Scottish history. Excellent for varied collections and a dramatic central hall.
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Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Retford to Edinburgh
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Retford to Edinburgh among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from £54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £54, and a train costs an average of £76.
Distance: 326 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£78 Average Price | £54 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 46m Average total duration 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Retford to Edinburgh train times
The table below shows live departures for Retford to Edinburgh trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 9:13 Retford | 3h17 | 12:30 Edinburgh | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Retford to Edinburgh by train or flight
Compare train and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Retford to Edinburgh
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Retford to Edinburgh run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £76 but you can travel from only £54 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 20:14. The fastest train covers the 326 km distance in 3h 17m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £54
Distance 326 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £76 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 5:37 |
Last train 20:14 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £54
Train companies: London North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Hull Trains from Retford to Edinburgh trainsLondon North Eastern Railway, London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER), Hull Trains trains will get you between Retford and Edinburgh from £54. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
London North Eastern Railway
About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
£76
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Price
£144
London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER) frequency
8 a day
Hull Trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Price
£146
Hull Trains frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Edinburgh
Things to do in Edinburgh
Discover the best of Edinburgh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Edinburgh trip today.
- Must visit
Scottish National Gallery
Major art gallery with Scottish and international works from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century, beside Princes Street Gardens.
- Recommended
Fruitmarket
Contemporary art gallery in a converted schoolhouse, known for thoughtful exhibitions by Scottish and international artists near the Royal Mile.
- Must visit
Royal Mile
Historic street linking the castle and Holyroodhouse, lined with closes, shops and public buildings. Ideal for first-time visitors on foot.
- Must visit
Arthur's Seat
Extinct volcano with popular walking routes and broad views over the city and coast. A rewarding outdoor escape close to the centre.
- Recommended
Princes Street Gardens
Large public gardens below the castle, good for a break between Old and New Town sights, with monuments, lawns and seasonal planting.
- Gluten-free
Cullen skink
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, closely associated with east coast cooking and widely enjoyed in Edinburgh.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding of sheep’s offal, oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties at Burns suppers.
- Vegetarian
Cranachan
A classic Scottish dessert of raspberries, whipped cream, honey and toasted oats, often linked with soft fruit from eastern Scotland.
The Kitchin
Elegant dining room serving refined Scottish tasting menus focused on seasonal produce in a calm central setting.
Whiski Rooms
Popular traditional restaurant near the Castle, specialising in haggis, game and hearty Scottish comfort food.
The Cafe Royal
Stylish brasserie and oyster bar with Scottish seafood, shellfish and classic dishes in a grand city-centre space.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining are pricier in peak season, but buses are affordable and budget eats are easy to find.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips.
Bus & Tram
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.40
- Day pass
- £6.00
To the city centre
Edinburgh Waverley -> Princes Street, Edinburgh
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless works on trams with Tap On, Tap Off. Use the same card or device all day to benefit from the city day cap of £5.70.
- On trams, buy, validate or activate your ticket before boarding. If you use contactless on trams, remember to tap off when you leave.
FAQs: Retford to Edinburgh train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Retford to Edinburgh can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £76, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The train journey from Retford to Edinburgh covers a distance of 326 km and takes approximately 3h 17m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Retford to Edinburgh is 326 km.
The first train from Retford to Edinburgh leaves at 5:37.
The last train from Retford to Edinburgh departs at 20:14.
Trains from Retford to Edinburgh run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Retford to Edinburgh.
Yes, there is a direct train between Retford and Edinburgh. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by London North Eastern Railway Limited (LNER).
To get from Retford to Edinburgh, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
There is no night train service from Retford to Edinburgh.
The train station in Retford that goes to Edinburgh is Retford station (RET), and it arrives at Edinburgh Waverley (EDB).
The cheapest way to get from Retford to Edinburgh is by flight, costing approximately £54.
Booking trains from Retford to Edinburgh in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Retford to Edinburgh is scenic, offering views of the rolling hills and countryside of Yorkshire and Northumberland, as well as glimpses of the dramatic coastline near Berwick-upon-Tweed before arriving in the historic city of Edinburgh.
A day trip from Retford to Edinburgh is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m. There are 6 trains per day covering the distance of 326 km.
In Edinburgh, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Grassmarket with its pubs, shops, and street performances, or enjoy a ghost tour through the haunted streets and underground vaults. Attend a performance at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, and visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for beautiful landscapes. Discover hidden gems and local art at the Stockbridge Market. Must-see sights include Edinburgh Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Crown Jewels, Arthur's Seat for hiking and city views, The Royal Mile lined with shops and landmarks, Holyrood Palace with its stunning gardens, and the National Museum of Scotland showcasing diverse exhibits.
To fully experience Edinburgh's historic sites, cultural attractions, and local cuisine, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Retford to Edinburgh.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Retford and Edinburgh
Most Retford to Edinburgh trains use the Retford to Edinburgh Waverley station pair, with some services arriving at Edinburgh Gateway. Use this guide to compare Retford and Edinburgh train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Retford
Arrival train stations in Edinburgh
Which Retford station do trains to Edinburgh leave from?
Trains from Retford to Edinburgh leave from Retford. The station is 1 km from Retford city centre at Retford station, Station Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7DE.
RetfordRetford station, Station Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7DE
City-centre transport
Getting to Retford from Retford city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail Replacement Coaches leave from the front of the station.
Retford 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
Food and drink options are available at Retford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Retford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Retford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Retford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Edinburgh WaverleyPrinces St, Edinburgh EH1 1BB, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Waverley from Edinburgh city centre
BusUk090 · 12m · £0.90 · every ~32 min
Edinburgh Waverley train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
Edinburgh GatewayEdinburgh Gateway station, 1 Myreton Drive, Gogar, Lothian, EH12 9GF
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Gateway from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Gateway is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Leven, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dundee, Edinburgh - Cowdenbeath, Edinburgh - Glenrothes with Thornton, Edinburgh - Aberdeen, Edinburgh - Inverkeithing · 9m · £3 · every ~10 min
Bus100 · 27m · £2 · every ~30 min
12, 22A, 22 · 44m · £2 · every ~14 min
TramT50 · 24m · £4 · every ~30 min
Edinburgh Gateway train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Gateway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Gateway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Edinburgh Gateway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Gateway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Gateway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 4, 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.
Edinburgh ParkEdinburgh Park station, Cultins Road, Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh, EH11 4DF
City-centre transport
Getting to Edinburgh Park from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Park is 7 km from Edinburgh city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainEdinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 4m · £2 · every ~9 min
Edinburgh - Dunblane, Edinburgh - Helensburgh Central, Edinburgh - Bathgate, Edinburgh - Milngavie, Edinburgh - Garscadden, Edinburgh - Stirling, Edinburgh - Airdrie, Edinburgh - Perth, Edinburgh - Dalmuir · 8m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus2 · 24m · £2 · every ~10 min
TramT50 · 18m · £4 · every ~30 min
Edinburgh Park train station facilities and services
Edinburgh Park has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Edinburgh Park.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Edinburgh Park.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Edinburgh Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Edinburgh Park: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Park: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Retford
More options for your journey from Retford to Edinburgh
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Edinburgh and Retford
Most popular train connections to Edinburgh
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