- Recommended
Bassetlaw Museum
A local museum in the town hall covering Retford’s history, civic life and nearby Pilgrim Fathers story through compact displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Gainsborough to Retford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£7
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£7
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
14 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
14 m
Trains on 18 Sept
6
Distance
14 km
Cheap tickets
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 £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 6 trains from Gainsborough to Retford, including 6 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.
G8941211:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)11:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes- G8941612:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)12:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941913:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)13:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941010:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)10:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G894058:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)8:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941211:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)11:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941612:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)12:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941913:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)13:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G8941010:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)10:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
- G894058:450h14Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL)8:59Retford station (RET)£71One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Gainsborough to Retford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Gainsborough to Retford 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 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 14 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest | £3 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
42m Average total duration Fastest 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Gainsborough to Retford is a coach with an average price of £4.
This is compared to other travel options from Gainsborough to Retford:
A coach is £4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gainsborough to Retford costing on average £8.
The fastest way to travel from Gainsborough to Retford is by train with an average journey time of 12m.
Other travel options to Retford take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Gainsborough and Retford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (12m by train vs 23m by car). Tickets start at around £8 compared to roughly £3 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 Northern Trains Limited.
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 Retford train times
The table below shows live departures for Gainsborough to Retford trains for tomorrow, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G89405 | 8:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 8:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89408 | 9:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 9:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89410 | 10:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 10:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89412 | 11:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 11:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89416 | 12:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 12:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G89419 | 13:45 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 0h14 | 13:59 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gainsborough to Retford by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Gainsborough to Retford trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Gainsborough to Retford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gainsborough to Retford.
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 Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Gainsborough to Retford.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gainsborough to Retford.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Gainsborough to Retford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Gainsborough to Retford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Gainsborough to Retford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:25, the last at 23:05. The fastest train covers the 14 km distance in 14m.
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 14 km |
Average train duration 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 14m |
First train 6:25 |
Last train 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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
Coach from £4
Train companies: Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited from Gainsborough to Retford trainsNorthern Rail, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Gainsborough and Retford 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
14m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£8
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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
12m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£5
Northern Trains Limited frequency
12 a day
Complete guide to Retford
Things to do in Retford
Discover the best of Retford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Retford trip today.
- Recommended
The Hub Military Aviation Museum
A nearby aviation heritage museum with aircraft and military displays, worth the short trip for visitors interested in regional transport history.
Chesterfield Canal Visitor Centre
Volunteer-run heritage centre beside the canal with exhibits on waterway history, boats and the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.
- Recommended
Kings Park
Retford’s principal green space with formal gardens, riverside walks, play areas and open lawns close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Chesterfield Canal Towpath
A pleasant waterside route for walking and cycling, with locks, wildlife and broad views that show Retford’s canal heritage.
- Recommended
Retford Town Centre
A compact central area around the square and church, good for strolling between heritage buildings, shops and public spaces.
Pork Pie
Traditional Nottinghamshire pork pie with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling, long associated with local markets and county baking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Stichelton Cheese
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.
- Gluten-free
Stilton
Classic British blue cheese made in the wider Nottinghamshire area. Rich and crumbly, it is a staple on local cheeseboards and in pub lunches.
The Galley
Smart, modern restaurant in the town centre serving British and European dishes in a relaxed but polished setting.
Indian Nights
Well-known local Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
The Boat Inn
Canalside pub and restaurant offering British favourites, grills and drinks in a relaxed waterside setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Retford is moderate for the UK, with fairly priced pubs, cafés and local transport, while accommodation is usually cheaper than in larger tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional.
FAQs: Gainsborough to Retford train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Gainsborough to Retford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £8.
The train journey from Gainsborough to Retford covers a distance of 14 km and takes approximately 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Gainsborough to Retford is 14 km.
The first train from Gainsborough to Retford leaves at 6:25.
The last train from Gainsborough to Retford departs at 23:05.
Trains from Gainsborough to Retford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Gainsborough to Retford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Gainsborough and Retford. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Gainsborough to Retford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Gainsborough to Retford.
The train station in Gainsborough that goes to Retford is Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL), and it arrives at Retford station (RET).
The cheapest way to get from Gainsborough to Retford is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Gainsborough to Retford 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 Retford offers pleasant countryside views, with stretches of rural landscapes, fields, and occasional glimpses of charming villages, making it a moderately scenic route.
Yes, a day trip from Gainsborough to Retford is feasible as the journey takes only 14m and the distance is 14 km. There are 6 trains per day.
Typically, spending one to two days in Retford is sufficient to explore the main attractions and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Gainsborough to Retford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Gainsborough and Retford
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.
Departure train stations in Gainsborough
Arrival train stations in Retford
Which Gainsborough station do trains to Retford leave from?
Trains from Gainsborough to Retford 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 1AH
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.
Gainsborough CentralGainsborough Central station, Station Approach, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1XR
City-centre transport
Getting to Gainsborough Central from Gainsborough city centre
Gainsborough Central is 1 km from Gainsborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus961 · 8m
105, 107, 106, 100, 554 · 15m · £4 · every ~3 min
Gainsborough Central train station facilities and services
Gainsborough Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Gainsborough Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gainsborough Central: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Gainsborough Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Which Retford station do trains from Gainsborough arrive at?
Trains from Gainsborough to Retford arrive at Retford. Retford is 1 km from Retford city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Gainsborough
More options for your journey from Gainsborough to Retford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Retford and Gainsborough
Most popular train connections to Retford
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