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The cheapest and fastest trains from Rugby to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 06 Nov
Cheapest price
£48
Average price
£71
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
165 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rugby to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rugby to Cardiff will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £48.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Rugby for Cardiff every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
07:342h51
Rugby10:25Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
06:342h51
Rugby09:25Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
04:373h22
Rugby07:59Cardiff
£1171One-way
0 changes
07:342h51
Rugby10:25Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
06:342h51
Rugby09:25Cardiff
£481One-way
0 changes
04:373h22
Rugby07:59Cardiff
£1171One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Rugby to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rugby to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 165 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 25m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 7h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Rugby to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Rugby to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday 6 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 21:25
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:37 Rugby | 3h22 | 07:59 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:34 Rugby | 2h51 | 09:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:34 Rugby | 2h51 | 10:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rugby to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
06 Nov
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07 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Rugby to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Rugby to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 165 km distance in 2h 51m.
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 £18
Distance 165 km |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 21:15 |
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 £18
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Rugby to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Rugby and Cardiff from £18. 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 Duration
2h 42m
Cheapest Price
£43
CrossCountry frequency
3 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
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
£127
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 28m
Cheapest Price
£179
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
FAQs: Rugby to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rugby to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Rugby to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
The cost of a train ticket from Rugby to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The cheapest way to get from Rugby to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £18.
To get from Rugby to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train station in Rugby that goes to Cardiff is Rugby station (RUG), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The train distance from Rugby to Cardiff is 165 km.
The train journey from Rugby to Cardiff covers a distance of 165 km and takes approximately 2h 51m. Trains run 4 per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Rugby to Cardiff.
The first train from Rugby to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Rugby to Cardiff departs at 21:15.
Yes, you can take the train from Rugby to Cardiff.
Trains from Rugby to Cardiff run approximately 4 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Rugby to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Rugby to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rugby and Cardiff
Rugby
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Rugby is Rugby. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Rugby for your trip from Rugby to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 08:10 - 19:50
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park 3 - Mill Road (Multi-Story)
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 4, Platform 5 and at the front of the station; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 64 cycle spaces on Platform 2, 64 cycle spaces on Platform 4, a further 12 stands on the North end of Platform 2/4 and 16 cycle spaces outside Car Park 3 (Mutli-Story) a total of 156 spaces
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
Public transport options for Rugby
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station,out towards the right hand side near to the short stay car park by the bus garage.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your journey to Cardiff from Rugby.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
More options for your journey from Rugby to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Rugby
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