- 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 23
$4
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$7
Fastest journey on Sep 23
30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
40 m
Trains on Sep 23
2
Distance
35 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sheffield to Retford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sheffield to Retford will cost around $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
On Wed, Sep 23, we found 2 trains from Sheffield to Retford, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 23 the direct trains cover the 35 km distance in an average of 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 30 m .
On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest trains will take 49 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 Sheffield to Retford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 10m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, while a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 21 miles (35 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 10m Average total duration Fastest 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (40m by train vs 45m by car). Tickets start at around $12 (€9) compared to roughly $10 (€8) 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.
Direct services run with Northern Rail.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Sheffield to Retford trains for today, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:54 PM Sheffield | 0h39 | 9:33 PM Retford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 23 | |||||
![]() | 8:54 AM Sheffield | 0h30 | 9:24 AM Retford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Sheffield to Retford run on average 11 times per day, taking around 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:45, the last at 23:24. The fastest train covers the 21 miles (35 km) distance in 30m.
Distance 21 miles (35 km) |
Average train duration 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 30m |
First train 5:45 AM |
Last train 11:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 Sheffield 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 Sheffield to Retford trains use the Sheffield to Retford station pair. Use this guide to compare Sheffield and Retford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Sheffield has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Sheffield.
ATMs are available at Sheffield.
Ticket office support is available at Sheffield. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Sheffield: Parking, WC.
Available at Sheffield: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sheffield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A access station. There is step free access to the concourse and ticket hall. There are lifts available to all platforms. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, 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.
Meadowhall is 5 km from Sheffield city centre. Public transport options include:
Meadowhall has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at Meadowhall.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Meadowhall: Parking, WC.
Available at Meadowhall: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Meadowhall: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Step-free access to all platforms via fairly steep ramps (up to 50m long). Please allow sufficient time for your connecting service if you are changing trains at this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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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