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Potters Bar to Retford by train

First train

04:46

Last train

21:16

Departure station

Potters Bar

Arrival station

Retford

Journey time

From 1h 46m

Distance

116 miles (187 km)

Frequency

10 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Hull Trains, Great Northern, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway

Taking the train from Potters Bar to Retford in 1 hour 46 minutes

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

It usually takes around 2 hours 9 minutes to travel the 116 miles (187 km) from Potters Bar to Retford by train, although you can get there in as little as 1 hour 46 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 10 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. You're likely to be travelling with London North Eastern Railway, Thameslink or Hull Trains to Retford. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Potters Bar 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.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Potters Bar 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 Potters Bar to Retford take?

The average journey time by train between Potters Bar and Retford is 2 hours and 9 minutes, with around 10 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 Potters Bar and Retford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Potters Bar to Retford is 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Potters Bar to Retford?

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

What time does the first train from Potters Bar to Retford leave?

The first train from Potters Bar to Retford leaves at 04:46. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Potters Bar to Retford leave?

The last train from Potters Bar to Retford leaves at 21:16. 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 Potters Bar and Retford by train?

Trains travelling from Potters Bar to Retford cover a distance of around 116 miles (187 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Potters Bar 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 Potters Bar 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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