- Must visit
Rugby Football Museum
Museum on the birthplace of rugby football, with displays on the game’s origins, school history, and memorable sporting artefacts.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Rugby
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Rugby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, while a train costs an average of £88.
Distance: 165 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£88 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 0m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Rugby is a coach with an average price of £25.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Rugby:
A coach is £63 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Rugby costing on average £88.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Rugby is by train with an average journey time of 2h 30m.
Other travel options to Rugby take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 25m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Rugby.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (2h 30m by train vs 2h 40m by car). Tickets start at around £88 compared to roughly £34 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Rugby by train
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Rugby trains with Omio?
CrossCountry operates all trains services from Cardiff to Rugby.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Rugby.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Rugby
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Rugby run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 165 km distance in 2h 21m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £22
Distance 165 km |
Average train duration 2h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 21:15 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £22
Train companies: CrossCountry from Cardiff to Rugby trainsCrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Rugby from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 21m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£47
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Rugby
Things to do in Rugby
Discover the best of Rugby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rugby trip today.
- Recommended
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
Local history museum with Roman finds, social history displays, and changing exhibitions that introduce Rugby and the wider borough.
- Recommended
Rugby Art Gallery
Art gallery programme within Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, showing contemporary exhibitions alongside community-focused visual arts events.
- Recommended
Caldecott Park
Large urban park with formal gardens, play areas, sports facilities, and broad lawns, ideal for a relaxed walk near the centre.
- Recommended
Newbold on Avon Canal Walk
Scenic canal-side walking area by Newbold, popular for waterside strolls, narrowboats, and easy access to the Oxford Canal route.
- Recommended
Swift Valley Nature Reserve
Pleasant riverside and meadow paths east of town, good for walking, wildlife spotting, and seeing a calmer side of Rugby.
Toad in the Hole
A Warwickshire and West Midlands speciality of pork sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter, often served with onion gravy.
Beef and Ale Stew
A traditional English stew of beef, root vegetables and ale or stock, common in pubs across Warwickshire in colder months.
Warwickshire Pie
A classic Midlands sweet-and-savoury pie with minced meat, apples and warming spices, linked to nearby Warwickshire traditions.
Efes
Well-known Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving grilled meats, mezze and generous sharing plates in a lively space.
On The Rocks
Smart Indian restaurant known locally for refined curries, tandoori dishes and attentive table service.
The Dun Cow
Popular Rugby pub and restaurant serving British classics, steaks and Sunday roasts in a relaxed traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Accommodation and dining are usually cheaper than London, while rail fares can be relatively high and local bus costs are manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, such as leaving small change.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city centre
Rugby railway station -> Rugby Town Centre
- Distance
- 1.2 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Rugby railway station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the town centre.
- Licensed Hackney carriages use the railway station rank and town-centre ranks. Contactless payment availability varies by operator, so check before travel.
FAQs: Cardiff to Rugby train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Rugby by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rugby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Rugby can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £88.
The train journey from Cardiff to Rugby covers a distance of 165 km and takes approximately 2h 21m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Rugby is 165 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Rugby leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Cardiff to Rugby departs at 21:15.
Trains from Cardiff to Rugby run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Rugby.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Rugby.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Rugby.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Rugby is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Rugby station (RUG).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Rugby is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Rugby in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Rugby offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque towns, providing a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Rugby.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Rugby
Most Cardiff to Rugby trains use the Cardiff Central to Rugby station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Rugby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Rugby
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Which Rugby station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Rugby most often arrive at Rugby. Some services arrive at Long Buckby, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Rugby arrival station.
RugbyRugby station, Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3LA
City-centre transport
Getting to Rugby from Rugby city centre
Rugby is 1 km from Rugby city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus4, 96S, 8B, 8, 96A, 96, 4A, 2, D1, 8A · 2m · £2 · every ~22 min
4, 4A · 5m · £2 · every ~11 min
Rugby train station facilities and services
Rugby has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rugby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rugby. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rugby: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rugby: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rugby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Steep ramp from entrance to platforms, staff are available to help, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Rugby
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Rugby and Cardiff
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