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Portsmouth to Retford by train

First train

19:01

Last train

19:05

Departure station

Portsmouth

Arrival station

Retford

Journey time

From 10h 42m

Distance

173 miles (278 km)

Changes

5 changes

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Southern

How to travel from Portsmouth to Retford by train

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

You'll usually find 0 trains per day running between Portsmouth and Retford, which usually take 10 hours 44 minutes to complete the 173 miles (278 km) journey. It can take as little as 10 hours 42 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 5 changes along the way. East Midlands Railway, Thameslink or Southern 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Retford? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Portsmouth to Retford is 10 hours and 42 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Portsmouth to Retford?

No, there are no direct train services from Portsmouth to Retford. Travelling from Portsmouth to Retford by train will require a minimum of 5 changes.

What time does the first train from Portsmouth to Retford leave?

The first train from Portsmouth to Retford leaves at 19:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Portsmouth to Retford leave?

The last train from Portsmouth to Retford leaves at 19:05. 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 Portsmouth and Retford by train?

Trains travelling from Portsmouth to Retford cover a distance of around 173 miles (278 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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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