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Retford to Ilford by train

First train

09:40

Last train

17:01

Departure station

Retford

Arrival station

Ilford

Journey time

From 2h 19m

Distance

129 miles (207 km)

Frequency

2 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway

Travelling from Retford to Ilford by train

Looking to travel from Retford to Ilford by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 2 hours 22 minutes to travel from Retford to Ilford by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 2 hours 19 minutes though. You'll usually find 2 trains per day running along the 129 miles (207 km) route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes during the journey to Ilford, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You can choose to travel with London North Eastern Railway or Thameslink to get to Ilford – both train companies offer modern comfortable services that will whisk you there in no time.

To help you get great train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Retford to Ilford in our Journey Planner. Just remember, as well as travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, scroll up for timetables including live train times, or keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Retford to Ilford? 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 Retford to Ilford take?

The average journey time by train between Retford and Ilford is 2 hours and 22 minutes, with around 2 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 Retford and Ilford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Retford to Ilford is 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Retford to Ilford?

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

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

The first train from Retford to Ilford leaves at 09:40. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from Retford to Ilford leaves at 17:01. 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 Retford and Ilford by train?

Trains travelling from Retford to Ilford cover a distance of around 129 miles (207 km) during the journey.

Cheap train tickets from Retford to Ilford

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 Retford to Ilford 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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