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CrossCountry
Hull Trains

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Colchester to Retford by train

First train

05:40

Last train

19:17

Departure station

Colchester

Arrival station

Retford

Journey time

From 3h 5m

Distance

125 miles (200 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, Hull Trains, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway

Take the train from Colchester to Retford in 3 hours 5 minutes

If you want to travel from Colchester to Retford by train, you've come to the right place.

You can expect the journey from Colchester to Retford by train to take around 3 hours 43 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 3 hours 5 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 4 trains per day running on this route, which spans 125 miles (200 km). You'll have to make 1 change along the way on your journey to Retford. You can travel on this route with either London North Eastern Railway, Greater Anglia or CrossCountry. As the main train operators on this route, all offer comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

Train tickets from Colchester to Retford are usually cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. Travelling during Off-Peak times or using a Railcard can also help you save money on train travel. Start a search in our Journey Planner to check out the latest prices.

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including money-saving tips, or check our timetable above where you can view live train times.

FAQs about the train journey from Colchester to Retford

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

How do you travel to Retford from Colchester?

To get to Retford from Colchester, why not take the train? With 4 trains per day and an average journey time of 3 hours and 43 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Colchester to Retford by train?

On average, it takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to travel from Colchester to Retford by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 5 minutes on the fastest services. With 4 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Colchester to Retford?

The fastest time a train can travel the 125 miles (200 km) from Colchester to Retford is 3 hours and 5 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Colchester to Retford?

There are no direct trains that run between Colchester and Retford. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

Cheap train tickets from Colchester 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 Colchester 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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