- Recommended
Bassetlaw Museum
A local museum in the town hall covering Retford’s history, civic life and nearby Pilgrim Fathers story through compact displays.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gainsborough to Retford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gainsborough to Retford will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 2 trains from Gainsborough to Retford, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 14 km distance in an average of 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 14 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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Trains from Gainsborough to Retford run on average 16 times per day, taking around 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:25, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 14 km distance in 13m.
Distance 14 km |
Average train duration 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 6:25 |
Last train 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Gainsborough to Retford.
The table below shows live departures for Gainsborough to Retford trains for tomorrow, Monday 2 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:04 Gainsborough | 0h14 | 6:18 Retford | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 13:45 Gainsborough | 0h14 | 13:59 Retford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Retford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Retford trip today.
A local museum in the town hall covering Retford’s history, civic life and nearby Pilgrim Fathers story through compact displays.
A nearby aviation heritage museum with aircraft and military displays, worth the short trip for visitors interested in regional transport history.
Volunteer-run heritage centre beside the canal with exhibits on waterway history, boats and the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.
Retford’s principal green space with formal gardens, riverside walks, play areas and open lawns close to the town centre.
A pleasant waterside route for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and broad views that show Retford’s canal heritage.
A compact central area around the square and church, good for strolling between heritage buildings, shops and public spaces.
Traditional Nottinghamshire pork pie with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling, long associated with local markets and county baking traditions.
A firm local cheese from Nottinghamshire with a mild, milky flavour. It reflects the county’s dairy heritage and is commonly eaten with bread or pickles.
Classic British blue cheese made in the wider Nottinghamshire area. Rich and crumbly, it is a staple on local cheeseboards and in pub lunches.
Smart, modern restaurant in the town centre serving British and European dishes in a relaxed but polished setting.
Well-known local Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
Canalside pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a relaxed waterside setting.
Retford is moderate for the UK, with fairly priced pubs, cafés and local transport, while accommodation is usually cheaper than in larger tourist cities.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Retford.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainsborough to Retford 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 Retford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Gainsborough to Retford trains use the Gainsborough Lea Road to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare Gainsborough and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Gainsborough Lea Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Hotel.
Food and drink options are available at Gainsborough Lea Road.
Available at Gainsborough Lea Road: Parking.
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.
Gainsborough Central is 1 km from Gainsborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Gainsborough Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Gainsborough Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gainsborough Central: Parking.
Available at Gainsborough Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gainsborough Central: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - this station is unstaffed, access is available between platforms using a barrow crossing across the track, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Check train stations information for Gainsborough and Retford, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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