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  3. Retford to London Charing Cross

Retford to London Charing Cross train times and prices

Plan your journey from Retford to London Charing Cross 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.
Price*
From £29.44
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 11m
Distance
130 miles (209km)
First/last train
05:50 / 06:00
Frequency
2
Train operators

* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.

7-day train ticket price trend

Travelling from Retford to London Charing Cross by train? Find fares from as low as £29.44. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

£29.44󰄽

On Fri 23

  • Fri23Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Sat24Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Sun25Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Mon26Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Tue27Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Wed28Oct
  • £29.44󰄽
    Thu29Oct

Live timetable and departures

Journey from Retford to London Charing Cross on the fastest train in 2h 11m, usually 2h 18m. Every day, 2 trains leave from Retford, starting at 05:50 and ending at 06:00. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
DepartsArrivesOperator

22:01

Retford
9h 38m, 2 change

07:39

London Charing Cross
Northern
Find tickets
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Travelling with LNER from Retford to London Charing Cross

LNER is (rightfully) considered one of the UK’s finest long-distance rail operators, known for its speed, comfort and reliability when you’re travelling anywhere between London, the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Scotland, including Leeds, Edinburgh and York. Having modernised their trains in 2019 to the Azuma fleet, you can always expect an enjoyable journey along the East Coast Main Line.

First Class

First Class

Luggage
Luggage
Lounge Access
Lounge Access
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Seat Types
Pet
Pet
Onboard facilities
Onboard facilities
Accessibility
Accessibility
Bike
Bike
Seat Facilities
Seat Facilities
Standard

Standard

Luggage
Luggage
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Pet
Pet
Onboard facilities
Onboard facilities
Accessibility
Accessibility
Bike
Bike
Seat Facilities
Seat Facilities
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TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience

Kieran Read
Kieran Read
Updated: October 19, 2026

"If you're on the taller side or simply looking to stretch out a bit, First Class offers an extra 7cm of legroom!

This may not seem like all that much, but trust me - it makes all the difference. I was patting myself on the back on the third hour of my recent London to Edinburgh journey."

Essential onboard policies

  • Luggage

    • Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
    • This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
    • Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
    • Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
  • Bicycle

    • Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
    • Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
    • Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
    • Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
    • We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
  • Children

    • Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
    • Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
  • Pets

    • Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
    • Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
    • Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
  • Passenger assistance

    • Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
    • This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
    • Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
    • To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.

Arriving at London Charing Cross

London Charing Cross
Address

Address:

The Strand, London, WC2N 5HF, United Kingdom


Onward Transit Options

Onward Transit Options:

  • London Underground: London Charing Cross is served by two Tube stations at either end (both in Fare Zone 1). Charing Cross is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and Embankment is on the Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines.

  • Bus: Plenty of buses stop along the Strand, on Charing Cross Road and around Trafalgar Square nearby. Routes run to/from Camden, Vauxhall, Waterloo, Hammersmith and other locations.

  • River bus: Embankment Pier (three-minute walk) is on two river bus routes between Barking Riverside Pier and Battersea Power Station Pier (RB1) and between Barking Riverside Pier and Putney Pier (RB6).

  • Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs pick up and drop off passengers at the station forecourt.

Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions

Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:

  • British Optical Association Museum (1-min walk)

  • Trafalgar Square (3-min walk)

  • Covent Garden (7-min walk)

  • Somerset House (9-min walk)

  • St James’s Park (11-min walk)

TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience

Rosaline Nancy Kargbo
Rosaline Nancy Kargbo
Updated: October 22, 2026

"London Charing Cross features a bright main concourse equipped with ticket machines, coffee kiosks, and indoor seating. Located at London’s official geographic center, the station places you steps away from Trafalgar Square, The Strand, and the National Gallery. Its compact layout ensures clear navigation through ticket barriers, providing easy access between national rail platforms, street-level shops, and iconic West End landmarks."

FAQs: London Charing Cross Station

  • Is Charing Cross station open 24 hours?

    The ticket office at Charing Cross rail station is open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday, but passengers should note that trains don’t run throughout the night.

  • What time is the last train from Charing Cross?

    The last services from London Charing Cross typically depart around 23:25, Monday to Wednesday and around 00:50 from Thursday to Sunday. 

  • Does Charing Cross station have toilets?

    Yes, the toilets are on the lower level between two entryways leading to the Strand. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are around the corner.

  • What shops are in Charing Cross?

    London Charing Cross has a selection of shops stocking travel essentials, books and refreshments. Options include WHSmith, M&S, Costa and Upper Crust.

  • Is Charing Cross station step-free?

    Yes, there is level access to all six platforms, ramps to help passengers on and off the train and accessible toilets.

Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Retford to London Charing Cross

LNER

Apply for LNER Delay Repay

If your LNER train is delayed or cancelled, you can claim compensation based on your arrival time:

  • 30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, or 50% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.

  • 60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, or 100% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.

  • 120+ minutes: 100% of a single or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).

Apply for LNER Delay Repay

FAQ

  • How much is a train from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    Tickets from Retford to London Charing Cross typically cost £55.10, but can be as cheap as £29.44 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.

  • How long is the train from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    The journey should take, on average, 2h 18m, though it can be as quick as 2h 11m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.

  • Is there a direct train from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    There is no direct service between Retford and London Charing Cross. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.

  • How far in advance can I book my train from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    You can typically book tickets from Retford to London Charing Cross up to 12 weeks before departure.

  • Do Retford to London Charing Cross trains offer Wi-Fi?

    Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.

  • How far is Retford from London Charing Cross?

    The distance between Retford and London Charing Cross is approximately 130 miles (209km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.

  • How frequent are trains from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    There is 2 train running from Retford to London Charing Cross per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.

  • How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Retford to London Charing Cross?

    To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!

  • How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?

    Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.

  • Can my tickets be refunded or changed?

    In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.