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Bishops Stortford to Retford by train

First train

04:59

Last train

23:45

Departure station

Bishops Stortford

Arrival station

Retford

Journey time

From 2h 27m

Distance

110 miles (178 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Hull Trains, Great Northern, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway

How to travel from Bishops Stortford to Retford by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Bishops Stortford to Retford? Look no further.

You'll usually find 4 trains per day running between Bishops Stortford and Retford, which usually take 3 hours 9 minutes to complete the 110 miles (178 km) journey. It can take as little as 2 hours 27 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Retford by train, you'll just need to make 2 changes along the way. London North Eastern Railway, Greater Anglia or East Midlands Railway are the main rail operators on this route, all of which offer modern trains with plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating.

Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Bishops Stortford to Retford if you book in advance. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard can also help you save.

Keen to book your train tickets to Retford? No need to wait, start a search with us today! If you want to find out a bit more about the journey first, you can find our train timetable with live train times above, and tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs further down the page.

Journey details

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

How long does the train from Bishops Stortford to Retford take?

The average journey time by train between Bishops Stortford and Retford is 3 hours and 9 minutes, with around 4 trains per day. 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 Bishops Stortford and Retford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Bishops Stortford to Retford is 2 hours and 27 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Bishops Stortford to Retford?

No, there are no direct train services from Bishops Stortford to Retford. Travelling from Bishops Stortford to Retford by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Bishops Stortford to Retford leave?

The first train from Bishops Stortford to Retford leaves at 04:59. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Bishops Stortford to Retford leave?

The last train from Bishops Stortford to Retford leaves at 23:45. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Bishops Stortford and Retford by train?

Trains travelling from Bishops Stortford to Retford cover a distance of around 110 miles (178 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Retford to Bishops Stortford.

Cheap train tickets from Bishops Stortford to Retford

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Bishops Stortford to Retford is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

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

† 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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