- 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.
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Compare prices and tickets Retford to Gainsborough 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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Why should you book Retford to Gainsborough trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all trains services from Retford to Gainsborough.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Retford to Gainsborough.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Retford to Gainsborough
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Retford to Gainsborough and enjoy the approximately 14 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:25, the last at 23:05.
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 14 km |
Average train duration 14m |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
First train 6:25 |
Last train 23:05 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
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
Train companies: Northern Rail from Retford to Gainsborough trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Retford and Gainsborough. 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
£7
Northern Rail frequency
6 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
Complete guide to Gainsborough
Things to do in Gainsborough
Discover the best of Gainsborough — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gainsborough trip today.
- Recommended
Trinity Arts Centre
Independent gallery and arts venue with changing exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Worth visiting for contemporary local creative work.
- Recommended
Gainsborough Old Hall
Museum and exhibition spaces within the historic hall, presenting furnished interiors and stories from medieval to modern Gainsborough.
- Recommended
Parish Church Park
Large landscaped park with lake, gardens, walking paths, and play areas. Popular for relaxed strolls and family time close to the centre.
- Recommended
River Trent Walk
Riverside green space and path along the Trent, suited to easy walks and views of the water, bridges, and passing boats.
Market Place
The town's main shopping street, useful for seeing everyday Gainsborough, historic frontages, and easy access to nearby landmarks.
Lincolnshire Sausage
Lincolnshire sausages are coarse pork sausages seasoned with sage. They are a county classic and commonly served with mash or in breakfast dishes.
Haslet
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.
- Vegetarian
Lincolnshire Plum Bread
Plum bread is a Lincolnshire fruit loaf with dried fruit and spice, often served sliced with butter. It is a traditional regional teatime favourite.
The Blues Club Cafe Bar
Casual riverside venue with a broad menu of pub favourites, grills and drinks, suited to an easy meal in the town centre area.
Prezzo Restaurant
Smart Indian restaurant known for curries and tandoori dishes, offering a more polished dining option for an evening meal.
The White Hart
Traditional pub in Gainsborough serving classic British meals and drinks in a relaxed setting popular with locals.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, cafés, or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining or tasting menus.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Retford to Gainsborough train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Retford 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.
The train distance from Retford to Gainsborough is 14 km.
The first train from Retford to Gainsborough leaves at 6:25.
The last train from Retford to Gainsborough departs at 23:05.
Trains from Retford to Gainsborough run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Retford to Gainsborough.
Yes, there is a direct train between Retford and Gainsborough. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
To travel from Retford to Gainsborough, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Retford to Gainsborough.
The train station in Retford that goes to Gainsborough is Retford station (RET), and it arrives at Gainsborough Lea Road (GBL).
Booking trains from Retford to Gainsborough in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
To fully explore Gainsborough's historical sites, such as the Gainsborough Old Hall, and enjoy its charming surroundings, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Retford to Gainsborough.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Retford and Gainsborough
Most Retford to Gainsborough trains use the Retford to Gainsborough Lea Road station pair. Use this guide to compare Retford and Gainsborough train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Retford
Arrival train stations in Gainsborough
Which Retford station do trains to Gainsborough leave from?
Trains from Retford to Gainsborough leave from Retford. The station is 1 km from Retford city centre at Retford station, Station Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7DE.
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.
Which Gainsborough station do trains from Retford arrive at?
Trains from Retford to Gainsborough arrive at Gainsborough Lea Road. Gainsborough Lea Road is from Gainsborough city centre.
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.
Most popular train connections from Retford
More options for your journey from Retford to Gainsborough
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Gainsborough and Retford
Most popular train connections to Gainsborough
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