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Trains from Bedford to Retford

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East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Bedford to Retford

Trains to Retford from Bedford

First train

05:26

Last train

23:41

Departure stationBedford
Arrival stationRetford
Journey time

From 2h 47m

Distance

84 miles (135 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

East Midlands Railway

Taking the train from Bedford to Retford in 2 hours 47 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Bedford to Retford? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 4 hours 22 minutes to travel the 84 miles (135 km) from Bedford to Retford by train, although you can get there in as little as 2 hours 47 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 3 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. As the main train operator on this route, you'll probably be travelling with East Midlands Railway for all or at least part of your journey to Retford.

Book train tickets from Bedford to Retford in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Retford by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Bedford to Retford?

Want to know more about your journey from Bedford to Retford? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Bedford to Retford?

You can get from Bedford to Retford by train in 4 hours and 22 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 2 hours and 47 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Bedford to Retford take?

The average journey time by train between Bedford and Retford is 4 hours and 22 minutes, with around 3 trains per day running on this route. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Bedford and Retford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Bedford to Retford is 2 hours and 47 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Bedford to Retford?

No, there are no direct train services from Bedford to Retford. Travelling from Bedford to Retford by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Bedford to Retford?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Bedford to Retford start at § one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Bedford to Retford is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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