- Must visit
National Railway Museum
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£23
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£69
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
36 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
36 m
Trains on 23 Sept
15
Distance
71 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Retford to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Retford to York will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 15 trains from Retford to York, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 71 km distance in an average of 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 36 m .
The slowest trains will take 37 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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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Retford to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £24 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £24, while a train costs an average of £24.
Distance: 71 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £15 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 8m Average total duration Fastest 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 36m sooner (38m by train vs 1h 14m by car). Tickets start at around £24 compared to roughly £15 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with London North Eastern Railway.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Retford to York trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00716+ W04534 | Delayed 17:40 17:38Retford station (RET) | 0h45 | 18:23 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
G80185 | On time 20:15 Retford station (RET) | 0h37 | 20:52 York station (YRK) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00726+ W00044 | Delayed 20:00 20:34Retford station (RET) | 0h47 | 21:21 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
G08276+ P24502 | On time 21:49 Retford station (RET) | 1h17 | 23:06 York station (YRK) | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
![]() | 7:26 Retford | 0h36 | 8:02 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:31 Retford | 1h06 | 8:37 York | 1 change | |
![]() | 9:13 Retford | 0h36 | 9:49 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:12 Retford | 0h36 | 11:48 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:12 Retford | 0h51 | 13:03 York | 1 change | |
![]() | 13:12 Retford | 0h38 | 13:50 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:24 Retford | 0h56 | 14:20 York | 1 change | |
![]() | 15:12 Retford | 0h37 | 15:49 York | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 15:24 Retford | 0h56 | 16:20 York | 1 change | |
![]() | 17:13 Retford | 0h37 | 17:50 York | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 York run on average 4 times per day, taking around 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:15, the last at 23:16. The fastest train covers the 71 km distance in 33m.
Distance 71 km |
Average train duration 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £18 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 33m |
First train 2:15 |
Last train 23:16 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
A major railway museum with historic locomotives, royal carriages and engineering exhibits. An easy choice for families and transport fans.
An immersive museum street with recreated shops, period rooms and social history exhibits that bring everyday York life to life.
A broad city museum in riverside gardens, covering archaeology, Roman York, medieval objects and changing local life.
A narrow medieval street with overhanging timber buildings, independent shops and one of York’s most recognisable scenes.
Peaceful public gardens beside museum buildings and abbey ruins, ideal for a central stroll, picnics and riverside breaks.
A handsome Georgian street leading to the Minster, known for boutiques, facades and a classic approach through the old city.
A famous York sweet: dark chocolate-coated peppermint fondant, made in the city since the 20th century and strongly associated with York’s confectionery heritage.
Traditional Yorkshire tea loaf made with dried fruit and tea, often served sliced with butter. A classic regional bake long linked with teatime in York and Yorkshire.
A broad, crisp batter pudding served with roast beef and gravy. It is one of Yorkshire’s best-known traditional foods and a staple in York pubs and Sunday roasts.
Refined British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting inside The Grand. A strong choice for a special meal in central York.
Popular modern British restaurant focused on local produce, seasonal cooking and a relaxed bistro feel near the city walls.
Well-known traditional tearoom serving afternoon tea, cakes and light lunches in a classic Edwardian-style setting popular with visitors and locals.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are pricier than smaller northern cities, but usually below London. Walking helps keep local transport costs low.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Retford to York trains use the Retford to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Retford and York 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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need