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Trains from Chelmsford to Retford

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Greater Anglia

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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  3. Chelmsford to Retford

Trains to Retford from Chelmsford

It takes an average of 4h 9m to travel from Chelmsford to Retford by train, over a distance of around 124 miles (200 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from Chelmsford to Retford and tickets for this journey start from £42 when you book in advance.

First train

06:34

Last train

01:26

Departure stationChelmsford
Arrival stationRetford
Journey time

From 2h 44m

Distance

124 miles (200 km)

Frequency

5 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £42

Train operators

Great Northern, Greater Anglia, Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway, London Overground, Thameslink

Travel from Chelmsford to Retford by train in 2 hours 44 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Chelmsford to Retford by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Chelmsford to Retford by train is 4 hours 9 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 44 minutes. You'll usually find 5 trains per day travelling the 124 miles (200 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to Retford. You'll be travelling with London North Eastern Railway, Greater Anglia or Thameslink on your way to Retford, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Chelmsford to Retford start from £42.00 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard are also great ways to save.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Retford, including FAQs, and tips on booking cheap train tickets. Check the timetable above for live train times or if you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

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

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

How do you get to Retford from Chelmsford?

To travel to Retford from Chelmsford, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 4 hours and 9 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 2 hours and 44 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Chelmsford to Retford?

Trains from Chelmsford to Retford take an average of 4 hours and 9 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours and 44 minutes. You'll usually find 5 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Chelmsford to Retford by train?

Train tickets from Chelmsford to Retford can start from £42 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Retford by train?

The quickest journey time between Chelmsford and Retford by train is 2 hours and 44 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford to Retford start at £42§ 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 Chelmsford 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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