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Trains from Retford to Exeter

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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway

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

Trains to Exeter from Retford

First train

05:00

Last train

23:20

Departure stationRetford
Arrival stationExeter
Journey time

From 4h 23m

Distance

210 miles (339 km)

Frequency

50 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway, South Western Railway

What are the train times from Retford to Exeter?

Check out the next trains departing from Retford to Exeter for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:5914:444h 45m, 1 change
10:5915:444h 45m, 1 change
11:0716:125h 5m, 2 changes
11:5916:444h 45m, 1 change
12:5917:464h 47m, 1 change
13:2418:094h 45m, 2 changes
13:5918:434h 44m, 1 change
14:5919:504h 51m, 1 change
15:0720:125h 5m, 2 changes
15:5920:474h 48m, 1 change

What are the train times from Retford to Exeter?

Get from Retford to Exeter in as little as 4 hours 23 minutes on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.

The average train journey from Retford to Exeter takes around 6 hours 46 minutes. There are around 50 trains that operate on this route daily.

As there are no direct trains between Retford and Exeter, you'll need to make 1 change.

London North Eastern Railway, Great Western Railway, East Midlands Railway and South Western Railway trains run on this route.

Booking in advance often results in cheaper ticket prices.

With our Journey Planner, you can check live train times, compare prices and check routes.

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

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

How do I get from Retford to Exeter?

You can travel from Retford to Exeter by train in about 6 hours and 46 minutes. With around 50 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Retford to Exeter?

On average, the train journey from Retford to Exeter takes around 6 hours and 46 minutes, with 50 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

What is the fastest train from Retford to Exeter?

The fastest trains from Retford to Exeter can cover the distance of 210 miles (339 km) in as little as 4 hours and 23 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Retford to Exeter?

No, you can’t travel from Retford to Exeter on a direct train, you’ll need to make at least 1 change during the journey.

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

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Retford to Exeter 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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