- 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 Manchester to Retford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 04 Sept
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£19
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£27
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
1 h 37 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
1 h 37 m
Trains on 04 Sept
2
Distance
88 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Retford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Retford will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.
Fast trains
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 2 trains from Manchester to Retford, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 37 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 37 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.
8:431h37Manchester10:20Retford£191One-way0 changes- 13:431h37Manchester15:20Retford£351One-way0 changes
- 13:431h37Manchester15:20Retford£351One-way0 changes
- 8:431h37Manchester10:20Retford£191One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Retford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Retford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£14 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Retford is a train with an average price of £14.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Retford is by train with an average journey time of 1h 49m.
Other travel options to Retford take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester 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 8m faster (1h 49m by train vs 1h 57m by car) and roughly £4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£14 vs £17). 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.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Manchester to Retford train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Retford trains for today, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:43 Manchester | 1h37 | 11:20 Retford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.
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04 Sept
04 Sept
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Why should you book Manchester to Retford trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Manchester to Retford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Retford.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Retford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Retford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Retford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Retford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Retford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 2h 18m.
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
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 0:38 |
Last train 23:44 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 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
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Manchester to Retford trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Retford from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
1h 53m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£36
Transpennine Express frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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
2h 15m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£47
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
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_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average east_midlands_trains Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest east_midlands_trains Price
£24
east_midlands_trains frequency
10 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£38
Northern Trains Limited frequency
2 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average TransPennine Express Duration
1h 42m
Cheapest TransPennine Express Price
£35
TransPennine Express frequency
8 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: Manchester to Retford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Retford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £14.
The train journey from Manchester to Retford covers a distance of 88 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Retford is 88 km.
The first train from Manchester to Retford leaves at 0:38.
The last train from Manchester to Retford departs at 23:44.
Trains from Manchester to Retford run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Retford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Retford.
To get from Manchester to Retford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Retford.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Retford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Retford station (RET).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Retford is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Manchester to Retford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
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 Manchester to Retford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Retford
Most Manchester to Retford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Retford
Which Manchester station do trains to Retford leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Retford leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Retford station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester 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 Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Retford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular train connections to Retford
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