The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Retford
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
1 h 34 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
88 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Retford will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Retford without transferring at least once.
W84695+
W045112:13 PM2h03Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)4:16 PMRetford station (RET)$401One-way1 transfer
W84719+
W045186:13 PM2h03Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)8:16 PMRetford station (RET)$401One-way1 transfer
C04350+
G894079:43 AM1h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:20 AMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04347+
G894048:43 AM1h35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:18 AMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04363+
G894181:43 PM1h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3:20 PMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04365+
G894212:43 PM1h34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)4:17 PMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04347+
G894048:43 AM1h35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:18 AMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04350+
G894079:43 AM1h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:20 AMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04363+
G894181:43 PM1h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3:20 PMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
C04380+
P243417:43 PM1h50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:33 PMRetford station (RET)$491One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m 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 |
Other travel options to Retford take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 24m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (1h 46m by train vs 1h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $44 (€36) compared to roughly $24 (€19) 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Retford train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Retford trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C04347+ G89404 | On time 8:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h35 | 10:18 AM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84665+ L01628 | On time 9:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h52 | 11:05 AM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
C04350+ G89407 | On time 9:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h37 | 11:20 AM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84670+ G89409 | On time 10:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h04 | 12:17 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84677+ L01631 | On time 11:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h53 | 1:06 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84800+ W04508 | On time 11:30 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h10 | 1:40 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84683+ G89414 | On time 12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h03 | 2:16 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84689+ C01918 | On time 1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h53 | 3:06 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
C04363+ G89418 | On time 1:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h37 | 3:20 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84695+ W04511 | On time 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h03 | 4:16 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
C04365+ G89421 | On time 2:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h34 | 4:17 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84700+ L01636 | On time 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h53 | 5:06 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84705+ G89428 | On time 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h06 | 6:19 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84712+ L01640 | On time 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h53 | 7:06 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84719+ W04518 | On time 6:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h03 | 8:16 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
W84719+ G89436 | On time 6:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h03 | 8:16 PM Retford station (RET) | 1 transfer | |
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 bus
Compare train and bus 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.
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Why should you book Manchester to Retford trains with Omio?
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 Railway, east_midlands_trains or Northern Trains Limited 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, Trip or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains or Northern Trains Limited 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
Trains from Manchester to Retford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:38, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 37m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average train duration 1h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 1h 37m |
First train 12:38 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Manchester to Retford trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, east_midlands_trains, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Retford from $26 (€21). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
east_midlands_trains
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Retford
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Retford
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 13:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:00 Sunday 08:20 - 13:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: north end of Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement Coaches leave from the front of the station.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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