The cheapest and fastest trains from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
£75
Average price
£75
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
166 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £75 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
Of the 1 trains that leave Rugby station (RUG) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 166 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 51 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.


Live departures
Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 06:34 Rugby station (RUG) | 2h51 | 09:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
![]() | 07:34 Rugby station (RUG) | 2h51 | 10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
![]() | 08:34 Rugby station (RUG) | 2h51 | 11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
![]() | 09:34 Rugby station (RUG) | 2h51 | 12:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
![]() | 10:34 Rugby station (RUG) | 2h51 | 13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
21 Nov
22 Nov
23 Nov
24 Nov
25 Nov
26 Nov
27 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Trains from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 07:34, the last at 14:34. The fastest train covers the 166 km distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 166 km |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 07:34 |
Last train 14:34 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Rail, Avanti West Coast from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Great Western Rail, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Rugby station (RUG) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rugby station (RUG) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Rugby station (RUG) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 20:00 Saturday 05:45 - 20:00 Sunday 08:10 - 19:50
- Car Park: Station Car Park 3 - Mill Road (Multi-Story)
- 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
- 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
- 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 available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- 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.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)

