- Recommended
Gainsborough Heritage Centre
Local history museum in the former town hall, covering Gainsborough's people, industry, and Pilgrim roots. Good for an accessible introduction.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£37
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£57
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 48 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h 37 m
Trains on 18 Sept
6
Distance
213 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London to Gainsborough is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London to Gainsborough will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
To travel from London to Gainsborough you need to make at least one change.
W04522+
G89407
G80173+
G89407
G80205+
C21304 · C59658
G80216 · L01631+
G89411
G08095 · L01631+
G89411
G80173+
G89407
W04522+
G89407
C02071 · L01631+
G89411
G80205+
C21304 · C59658
G08095 · L01631+
G89411Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London to Gainsborough among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 213 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 10m Average total duration 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from London to Gainsborough:
A coach is £24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Gainsborough costing on average £42.
Other travel options to Gainsborough take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 40m.
You'll arrive about 1h 21m sooner (2h 0m by train vs 3h 21m by car). Tickets start at around £42 compared to roughly £40 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.
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 London to Gainsborough trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G80179+ G89421 | On time 13:47 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h43 | 16:30 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
G80179+ C59664 | On time 13:47 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h11 | 15:58 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
W04530+ G89421 | On time 14:00 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h30 | 16:30 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
G80241+ W04511+ G89425 | On time 14:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 3h26 | 17:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
G80241+ C21298 · C59665 | On time 14:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h52 | 16:55 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
G08117+ W04511+ G89425 | On time 14:10 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 3h19 | 17:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
C02076 · L01636+ G89425 | On time 14:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h49 | 17:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
G08060+ G89434 | On time 14:47 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h57 | 17:44 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
G80247 · L01636+ G89425 | On time 15:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h26 | 17:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
G80205+ C59658 · C21304 | 8:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h52 | 10:55 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
W04522+ G89407 | 9:18 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h17 | 11:35 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
G80173+ G89407 | 9:47 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 1h48 | 11:35 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 1 change | |
G80216 · L01631+ G89411 | 10:03 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 3h26 | 13:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
G08095 · L01631+ G89411 | 10:10 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 3h19 | 13:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
C02071 · L01631+ G89411 | 10:40 London Kings Cross (KGX) | 2h49 | 13:29 Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL) | 2 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from London to Gainsborough run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 213 km distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 213 km |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 5:15 |
Last train 21:50 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Gainsborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gainsborough trip today.
Local history museum in the former town hall, covering Gainsborough's people, industry, and Pilgrim roots. Good for an accessible introduction.
Independent gallery and arts venue with changing exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Worth visiting for contemporary local creative work.
Museum and exhibition spaces within the historic hall, presenting furnished interiors and stories from medieval to modern Gainsborough.
Large landscaped park with lake, gardens, walking paths, and play areas. Popular for relaxed strolls and family time close to the centre.
Riverside green space and path along the Trent, suited to easy walks and views of the water, bridges, and passing boats.
The town's main shopping street, useful for seeing everyday Gainsborough, historic frontages, and easy access to nearby landmarks.
Lincolnshire sausages are coarse pork sausages seasoned with sage. They are a county classic and commonly served with mash or in breakfast dishes.
Haslet is a seasoned Lincolnshire pork loaf made with offal and herbs, usually eaten cold in slices. It is a longstanding local butcher’s speciality.
Plum bread is a Lincolnshire fruit loaf with dried fruit and spice, often served sliced with butter. It is a traditional regional teatime favourite.
Casual riverside venue with a broad menu of pub favourites, grills and drinks, suited to an easy meal in the town centre area.
Smart Indian restaurant known for curries and tandoori dishes, offering a more polished dining option for an evening meal.
Traditional pub in Gainsborough serving classic British meals and drinks in a relaxed setting popular with locals.
Moderate for the UK. Gainsborough is usually cheaper than major cities for stays and dining, with low local transport needs and reasonable pub and café prices.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up in cafés and for taxis; no tip is expected for quick takeaway.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London to Gainsborough 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 Gainsborough, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most London to Gainsborough trains use the London Kings Cross to Gainsborough Lea Road station pair. Use this guide to compare London and Gainsborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Caffè Nero, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Upper Crust, Giraffe World Kitchen, Black Sheep Coffee, Hotel Chocolat, Leon, Pret a Manger, Wasabi, & more
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi in the station. . ATMs are located near Platforms 11 and 10, just past Caffé Nero.
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 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.
Available at London Kings Cross: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Kings Cross: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Point A Hotel, London Kings Cross St Pancras, Premier Inn London Kings Cross Hotel, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London.
London Victoria is 1 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
London Victoria 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 and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at London Victoria.
Wi-Fi is available at London Victoria. ATMs are available at London Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at London Victoria. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at London Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is step free access at London Victoria Rail Station to the Victoria Line on the Underground. This can be accessed via the Cardinal Place entrance to the underground, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Main concourse, Accessible taxis: Available on request Taxi rank outside main station entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 is 23 km from London city centre. Public transport options include:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. ATMs are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Ticket office support is available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Parking, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Level access to platforms, lifts to airport facilities. Ticket Office is step free. Wheelchair users can board trains with ease as the platforms are level with the trains, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
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