- Recommended
Bassetlaw Museum
Local history museum inside a historic townhouse. Exhibits cover Retford's civic past, industries, and everyday life in an accessible central setting.
Cheapest price
$109
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
326 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Edinburgh to Retford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Edinburgh to Retford will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
Of the 2 trains that leave Edinburgh for Retford on Sun, Aug 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 09 the direct trains cover the 326 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Sun, Aug 09 the slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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.




Trains from Edinburgh to Retford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:37, the last at 20:34. The fastest train covers the 202 miles (326 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 202 miles (326 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 5:37 AM |
Last train 8:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 4 days |
The table below shows live departures for Edinburgh to Retford trains for tomorrow, Sunday, August 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:55 AM Edinburgh | 4h10 | 1:05 PM Retford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Edinburgh | 3h05 | 12:05 PM Retford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Retford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Retford trip today.
Local history museum inside a historic townhouse. Exhibits cover Retford's civic past, industries, and everyday life in an accessible central setting.
Family home museum of the Pilgrim Fathers leader William Brewster. A major Mayflower heritage site with period rooms and strong historical significance.
Museum at an RAF heritage site with aircraft displays and wartime interpretation. Popular with history enthusiasts visiting the wider Retford area.
Retford's central square, known for markets and civic life. It is the best place to experience the town's historic core and everyday atmosphere.
Popular town-centre park with lawns, play areas, and sports facilities. It is a relaxing green space and a favourite with local families.
Waterside walking route with boats, locks, and wildlife. Ideal for a gentle stroll and one of Retford's most enjoyable outdoor experiences.
A soft cows' milk blue cheese made in nearby Nottinghamshire. Creamy, mellow and historic, it is one of the county's best known traditional foods.
A classic Nottinghamshire pork pie linked to nearby market towns. It has seasoned pork in hot water crust pastry and is a staple of local fairs and pubs.
A hearty roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. It is a beloved Sunday pub meal across Retford and the wider region.
Well known local cafe and deli serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and homemade cakes in a casual daytime atmosphere.
Popular Indian restaurant in Retford with a long standing reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service.
Established town centre pub and restaurant known for British classics, steaks and ales in a relaxed historic setting.
Moderate for England. Hotels, dining, and local buses usually cost less than major UK cities, but more than many small towns abroad.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Retford Railway Station -> Retford Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Edinburgh 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.

Most Edinburgh to Retford trains use the Edinburgh Waverley to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare Edinburgh and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Edinburgh Waverley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Bagel Factory, Burger King, Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, JD Wetherspoon, The Pasty Shop, The Beer House, M&S, Pret a Manger
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are there are a few ATM machines around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:59, Sun: 07:00 - 23:59. Information desks are information booths are located on the concourse. .
Luggage storage is you can leave luggage at Excessive Baggage Company on Platform 2. . Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Edinburgh Waverley: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Edinburgh Waverley: Entrances are step free. Station is equipped with an elevator. Staffed with guide communicators for the deaf. Tactile warning strips are on the platform edges for the blind.
Nearby hotels include Old Waverley Hotel, Jurys Inn Edinburgh, The Scotsman Hotel.
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 options are available at Retford.
Ticket office support is available at Retford.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Retford: Parking, WC.
Available at Retford: Bike Parking.
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.
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