Gainsborough to Doncaster train with Northern Rail

Fri 18 Sept
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Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
east_midlands_trains
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
east_midlands_trains
Northern Trains Limited
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£17

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£17

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

27 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

43 m

Trains on 18 Sept

5

Distance

29 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gainsborough to Doncaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Gainsborough to Doncaster will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 5 trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 29 km distance in an average of 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 27 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 17 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.

  • Northern RailG89405+London North Eastern RailwayG80171
    8:450h41
    Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
    9:26Doncaster station (DON)
    £171One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailP24375+London North Eastern RailwayG08076
    7:030h42
    Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
    7:45Doncaster station (DON)
    £171One-way
    1 change
  • East Midlands RailwayC21271
    8:090h27
    Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
    8:36Doncaster station (DON)
    £171One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89408+Hull TrainsW04522
    9:451h17
    Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
    11:02Doncaster station (DON)
    £171One-way
    1 change
  • East Midlands RailwayC59658
    10:560h27
    Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
    11:23Doncaster station (DON)
    £171One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Gainsborough to Doncaster

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gainsborough to Doncaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £17.

Distance: 29 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£17

Average Price

£4

Average Price

Cheapest

£6

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

58m

Average total duration

Fastest

28m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 46m

Average total duration

1h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

41m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Gainsborough to Doncaster is a coach with an average price of £4.

This is compared to other travel options from Gainsborough to Doncaster:

A coach is £14 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gainsborough to Doncaster costing on average £17.

The fastest way to travel from Gainsborough to Doncaster is by train with an average journey time of 28m.

Other travel options to Doncaster take longer:

Coach takes on average 1h 16m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gainsborough and Doncaster including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 13m sooner (28m by train vs 41m by car). Tickets start at around £17 compared to roughly £6 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 East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.

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.

Live departures

Gainsborough to Doncaster train times

The table below shows live departures for Gainsborough to Doncaster trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailP24375+London North Eastern RailwayG080767:03 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
0h42
7:45 Doncaster station (DON)1 change
East Midlands RailwayC212718:09 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
0h27
8:36 Doncaster station (DON)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89405+London North Eastern RailwayG801718:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
0h41
9:26 Doncaster station (DON)1 change
Northern RailG89408+Hull TrainsW045229:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
1h17
11:02 Doncaster station (DON)1 change
East Midlands RailwayC5965810:56 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)
0h27
11:23 Doncaster station (DON)0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Gainsborough to Doncaster by coach or train

Compare coach and 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Gainsborough to Doncaster trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Gainsborough to Doncaster.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gainsborough to Doncaster.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Gainsborough to Doncaster.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gainsborough to Doncaster.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Gainsborough to Doncaster.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Gainsborough to Doncaster.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Gainsborough to Doncaster

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster run on average 5 times per day, taking around 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:36, the last at 22:13. The fastest train covers the 29 km distance in 41m.

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
Coach from £4
Distance
29 km
Average train duration
28m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
41m
First train
5:36
Last train
22:13
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
28 days
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
Coach from £4

Train companies: Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited from Gainsborough to Doncaster trainsNorthern Rail, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Gainsborough and Doncaster from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
41m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£17
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
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 dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
27m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£11
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
27m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£9
east_midlands_trains frequency
4 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
35m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£14
Northern Trains Limited frequency
13 a day

Complete guide to Doncaster

Things to do in Doncaster

Discover the best of Doncaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Doncaster trip today.

  • Recommended

Danum Gallery, Library and Museum

A city-centre museum with Roman and social history displays, local artefacts and changing exhibitions that introduce Doncaster's past.

  • Recommended

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

An aviation museum at the former RAF airfield, featuring military aircraft, cockpit displays and volunteers sharing local flying history.

Doncaster Railway Heritage Centre

A working heritage railway site with station exhibits, historic rolling stock and a compact museum atmosphere for rail enthusiasts.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are often cheaper than in London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a mid-range meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for fine dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest: 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included, optional in cafés, and rounding up for taxis is common.

FAQs: Gainsborough to Doncaster train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainsborough to Doncaster 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 Doncaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Gainsborough to Doncaster can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £17.
The train journey from Gainsborough to Doncaster covers a distance of 29 km and takes approximately 41m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Gainsborough to Doncaster is 29 km.
The first train from Gainsborough to Doncaster leaves at 5:36.
The last train from Gainsborough to Doncaster departs at 22:13.
Trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Gainsborough to Doncaster.
Yes, there is a direct train between Gainsborough and Doncaster. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains.
To get from Gainsborough to Doncaster, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Gainsborough to Doncaster.
The train station in Gainsborough that goes to Doncaster is Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL), and it arrives at Doncaster station (DON).
The cheapest way to get from Gainsborough to Doncaster is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Gainsborough to Doncaster offers a scenic view of the English countryside, featuring pastoral landscapes, charming villages, and glimpses of the River Trent along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Gainsborough to Doncaster is feasible. The journey takes 41m and covers a distance of 29 km. Trains run 5 times per day, making it convenient to plan your visit.
In Doncaster, you can explore Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, a beautifully preserved Victorian country house with stunning gardens. Enjoy birdwatching and walking trails at Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, or have fun at The Dome, a leisure complex with swimming pools and ice skating. Discover local history at Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery, or visit Boston Park Farm for family-friendly encounters with animals and a maize maze. For the best sights, visit Conisbrough Castle for panoramic views, Yorkshire Wildlife Park for exotic animals, and Doncaster Racecourse for major horse racing events. Explore Cusworth Hall with its museum and gardens, and learn about aviation at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum.
A two to three-day visit in Doncaster is ideal to explore its main attractions, including the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster Racecourse, and the historic Mansion House.
Yes, you can take the train from Gainsborough to Doncaster.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Gainsborough and Doncaster

Most Gainsborough to Doncaster trains use the Gainsborough Lea Road to Doncaster station pair. Use this guide to compare Gainsborough and Doncaster train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Gainsborough
Arrival train stations in Doncaster

Which Gainsborough station do trains to Doncaster leave from?

Trains from Gainsborough to Doncaster leave from Gainsborough Lea Road. The station is from Gainsborough city centre at Gainsborough Lea Road station, Lea Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1AH.
Gainsborough Lea RoadGainsborough Lea Road station, Lea Road, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1AHParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
City-centre transport

Getting to Gainsborough Lea Road from Gainsborough city centre

Bus961 · 1m · £4

Gainsborough Lea Road train station facilities and services

Gainsborough Lea Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Hotel.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Gainsborough Lea Road.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gainsborough Lea Road: Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gainsborough Lea Road: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Both platforms have step free access via ramps with a moderate gradient. However both ramps are 60 meters in length. Access between platforms is via a subway. This station has tactile paving at the edge of platform 2 but not at the edge of platform 1, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Most popular train connections from Gainsborough

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