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The journey from Ely to Retford on the fastest train in 1 hour 28 minutes, usually 1 hour 48 minutes. Each day, 14 trains leave from Ely, starting at 05:30 and ending at 21:17. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:51 | 2 hours 12 minutes, 1 change | 18:03 | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
16:15 | 1 hour 48 minutes, 2 change | 18:03 | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:53 | 1 hour 35 minutes, 1 change | 19:28 | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
18:15 | 1 hour 50 minutes, 2 change | 20:05 | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:52 | 3 hours, 1 change | 21:52 | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
Plan your journey from Ely to Retford with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Taking the train from Ely to Retford is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Ely, you can arrive at Retford in just 1 hour 28 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

The quickest train journey from Ely to Retford takes 1 hour 28 minutes . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Ely to Retford. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.

Ely to Retford trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Yes, most trains on the route from Ely to Retford are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.

Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Family & Friends Railcard€47.24
€70.86
Starting a smooth journey can sometimes be challenging, but Trainpal is here to help!


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* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.