- 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 on Sep 04
$26
Average ticket price on Sep 04
$37
Fastest journey on Sep 04
1 h 37 m
Average journey duration on Sep 04
1 h 37 m
Trains on Sep 04
2
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 $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
On Fri, Sep 04, we found 2 trains from Manchester to Retford, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 04 the 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 .
On Fri, Sep 04 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.




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 $19 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 $19, while a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $24 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 |
Other travel options to Retford take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 24m.
The journey is about 8m faster (1h 49m by train vs 1h 57m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($19 (€15) vs $24 (€19)). 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Retford trains for today, Thursday, September 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:43 AM Manchester | 1h37 | 11:20 AM Retford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Retford run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) 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 2h 18m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average train duration 1h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 12:38 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 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.

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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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 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 options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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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