- 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 London to Retford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£21
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£43
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
1 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
1 h 28 m
Trains on 23 Sept
5
Distance
209 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Retford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Retford will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £21.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 5 trains from London to Retford, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 209 km distance in an average of 1 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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.
C0199221:331h29London Kings Cross (KGX)23:02Retford station (RET)£211One-way0 changes
W0004419:041h29London Kings Cross (KGX)20:33Retford station (RET)£221One-way0 changes- G0827620:181h25London Kings Cross (KGX)21:43Retford station (RET)£221One-way0 changes
- G8018518:451h28London Kings Cross (KGX)20:13Retford station (RET)£681One-way0 changes
- C0212818:031h28London Kings Cross (KGX)19:31Retford station (RET)£811One-way0 changes
- G0827620:181h25London Kings Cross (KGX)21:43Retford station (RET)£221One-way0 changes
- C0212818:031h28London Kings Cross (KGX)19:31Retford station (RET)£811One-way0 changes
- G8018518:451h28London Kings Cross (KGX)20:13Retford station (RET)£681One-way0 changes
- W0004419:041h29London Kings Cross (KGX)20:33Retford station (RET)£221One-way0 changes
- C0199221:331h29London Kings Cross (KGX)23:02Retford station (RET)£211One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for London to Retford
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from London to Retford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £47.
Distance: 209 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£47 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £53 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 58m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from London to Retford is a coach with an average price of £21.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Retford:
A coach is £25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Retford costing on average £47.
The fastest way to travel from London to Retford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 28m.
Other travel options to Retford take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between London and Retford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 1h 49m faster (1h 28m by train vs 3h 17m by car) and roughly £6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£47 vs £53). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
London to Retford train times
The table below shows live departures for London to Retford trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C02128 | On time 18:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h28 | 19:31 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G80185 | On time 18:45 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h28 | 20:13 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W00044 | On time 19:04 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h29 | 20:33 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G08276 | On time 20:18 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h25 | 21:43 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C01992 | On time 21:33 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h29 | 23:02 Retford station (RET) | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book London to Retford trains with Omio?
Hull Trains as well as East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway offer trains services from London to Retford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London to Retford.
Why book with Omio vs Hull Trains?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Hull Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from London 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 Hull Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London to Retford.
Why book with Omio over Trainline, Raileurope or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from London to Retford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London to Retford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London to Retford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from London to Retford run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:42, the last at 23:04. The fastest train covers the 209 km distance in 1h 22m.
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 209 km |
Average train duration 1h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £15 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 5:42 |
Last train 23:04 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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: London North Eastern Railway, Hull Trains, East Midlands Railway from London to Retford trainsLondon North Eastern Railway, Hull Trains, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between London and Retford from £4. 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 London North Eastern Railway Duration
1h 24m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£21
London North Eastern Railway frequency
3 a day
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
Hull Trains
About
Hull Trains is a British train operator that provides services between Hull and London. It operates up to five trains per day, with two direct services and three services that require a change at Brough. The trains are modern and comfortable, with two types available: the Super Express and the Express. The Super Express offers a faster journey time and more spacious seating, while the Express is a more economical option. Hull Trains offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. The most popular routes are Hull to London Kings Cross and Hull to Brough. Passengers can also take advantage of the Hull Trains Plus loyalty scheme, which offers discounts and rewards.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Hull Trains Duration
1h 22m
Cheapest Hull Trains Price
£15
Hull Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage allowance included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Can be added during booking
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available. Staff assistance for boarding/alighting
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket
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
3h 21m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£52
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 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
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: London to Retford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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 London to Retford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £47.
The train journey from London to Retford covers a distance of 209 km and takes approximately 1h 22m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from London to Retford is 209 km.
The first train from London to Retford leaves at 5:42.
The last train from London to Retford departs at 23:04.
Trains from London to Retford run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from London to Retford.
Yes, there is a direct train between London and Retford. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway.
There is no night train service from London to Retford.
The train station in London that goes to Retford is London Kings Cross (KGX), and it arrives at Retford station (RET).
The cheapest way to get from London to Retford is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from London 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 London to Retford offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including glimpses of the English countryside, small towns, and farmland, providing a pleasant backdrop to the trip.
Yes, you can take the train from London to Retford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in London and Retford
Most London to Retford trains use the London Kings Cross to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in London
Arrival train stations in Retford
London Kings CrossEuston Rd, London N1 9AL, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to London Kings Cross from London city centre
Bus73, N73 · 27m · £2 · every ~33 min
390 · 29m · £2 · every ~27 min
91, N91 · 29m · £14 · every ~28 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 7m · £2 · every ~91 min
London Kings Cross train station facilities and services
London Kings Cross has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:00 - 01:36, Sat: 05:00 - 00:36, Sun: 05:30 - 01:36. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is located by the entrance of Platform 9 provided by Excess Baggage Co, open daily from 08:00 until 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Kings Cross: There is step-free access in the whole station to all platforms. There are elevators between the concourse and Mezzanine and London Underground ticket hall.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
London WaterlooLondon Waterloo station, Station Approach, London, Greater London., SE1 8SW+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to London Waterloo from London city centre
London Waterloo is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus139 · 10m · £2 · every ~27 min
SubwayNorthern · 3m · £0.90 · every ~86 min
London Waterloo train station facilities and services
London Waterloo has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at London Waterloo.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at London Waterloo. ATMs are available at London Waterloo.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at London Waterloo. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London Waterloo: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London Waterloo: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London Waterloo: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access from the main concourse to all platforms, shops and facilities. Step free exits are exit 1 (Station approach), exit 2 (with a lift to Waterloo Road and lift access to the London Underground Jubilee line), and exit 3 for taxis and onward travel towards the South Bank, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available from the taxi rank on Cab Road / Station Approach, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machines are located at various locations on the main concourse and are accessible to wheelchair users, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London St Pancras InternationalPancras Road, London, Greater London, N1C 4QP, UK+44 2078437688
City-centre transport
Getting to London St Pancras International from London city centre
Bus91, N91 · 23m · £10 · every ~28 min
73, N73 · 26m · £2 · every ~33 min
390 · 48m · £2 · every ~27 min
SubwayPiccadilly · 11m · £2 · every ~91 min
London St Pancras International train station facilities and services
London St Pancras International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Betjeman Arms, AMT Coffee, The Booking Office, Carluccio’s, Chop’d, Greggs
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free, unlimited WiFi is available throughout the station. ATMs are located in the Circle area and inside the Arcade.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:45 - 22:00, Sat: 06:00 - 21:00, Sun: 08:00 - 22:15. Information desks are located on the lower level in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located on the lower concourse close to the Eurostar line. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at London St Pancras International: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at London St Pancras International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at London St Pancras International: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators, complimentary assistance for passengers with reduced mobility and other needs.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Alhambra Hotel.
Which Retford station do trains from London arrive at?
Trains from London to Retford most often arrive at Retford. Some services arrive at Worksop, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Retford arrival station.
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.
More options for your journey from London to Retford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Retford and London
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