The town is at the meeting point of the east-west A631 (which crosses the Trent at the only point between the M180 and the A57), the A156 (from the south to Torksey) and A159 (from Scunthorpe). Thorndike Way, Gainsborough's dual carriageway which was intended to connect with the A15 at Caenby Corner currently only extends eastward to the town boundary. The town's main attractions are Gainsborough Old Hall, Gainsborough Castle and West Lindsey Leisure Centre on The Avenue.

West Burton Power Station is three miles to the south-west of the town, near to the railway to Retford. At the East Trent Junction, on the east side on the railway bridge over the Trent, the railway line from Retford (and Sheffield) and Doncaster, the line splits into two - for Grimsby and Lincoln. The two respective railway stations in Gainsborough are Gainsborough Central on Spring Gardens near the town centre (for the Grimsby line) and Lea Road (for Lincoln) on Lea Road (A156) to the south of the town. At the equivalent West Trent Junction, on the other side of the river in Nottinghamshire, the lines from Doncaster and Sheffield meet. The bridge over the Trent carries four possible routes of trains (Sheffield or Doncaster to Lincoln or Grimsby).

Gainsborough is also famed as Britain’s most inland port and so has a long history with river trade — the town’s Trent Bridge prevents larger coastal boats from going beyond it and so many have to offload their goods at the town. There is currently one wharf in the town — mainly an importer of wood. [From Wikipedia]