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Compare prices and tickets Retford to Chester by train
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Retford to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Retford to Chester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £71 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:56, the last at 16:56. The fastest train covers the 130 km distance in 3h 5m.
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 130 km |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £71 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 05:56 |
Last train 16:56 |
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: Northern Rail (3), Northern Trains Limited from Retford to Chester trainsNorthern Rail (3), Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Retford and Chester from £71. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail (3)
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 Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
£72
Northern Rail (3) frequency
3 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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 41m
Cheapest Price
£26
Northern Trains Limited frequency
12 a day
FAQs: Retford to Chester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
Booking trains from Retford to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train distance from Retford to Chester is 130 km.
The cost of a train ticket from Retford to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £71, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from Retford to Chester covers a distance of 130 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 4 per day.
The cheapest way to get from Retford to Chester is by train, costing approximately £71.
The first train from Retford to Chester leaves at 5:56.
The train station in Retford that goes to Chester is Retford station (RET), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The last train from Retford to Chester departs at 16:56.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Retford to Chester.
Trains from Retford to Chester run approximately 4 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Retford to Chester.
To travel from Retford to Chester, you can take a train.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Retford to Chester.
There is no night train service from Retford to Chester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Retford and Chester
Retford
Chester
The major train station for departures in Retford is Retford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Retford for your trip from Retford to Chester.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 13:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 Sunday 08:20 - 13:00
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 and 2. The National key toilets are located in the Waiting Room on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from the Station Office on Platform 1.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: This station has heated waiting rooms available. Seating is available at an accessible height in the waiting room and on platforms Platform 1 opening hours Mon - Sat 05:30 -21:30, Sun 08:30 - 21:30 Platform 2 opening hours Mon - Sat 05:30 - 22:00, Sun 08:30 - 22:00
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: north end of Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Retford
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement Coaches leave from the front of the station.
The major train station for arrivals in Chester is Chester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chester for your journey to Chester from Retford.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Chester West
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On the concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Chester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front
Most popular train connections from Retford
More options for your journey from Retford to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chester and Retford
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