The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Rotherham
Cheapest price
$237
Average price
$249
Fastest journey
3 h 43 m
Average duration
4 h 15 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
250 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Rotherham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Rotherham will cost around $249 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $237.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Rotherham without transferring at least 2 times.
8:23 AM4h53Cardiff1:16 PMRotherham$2371One-way3 transfers
10:30 AM4h46Cardiff3:16 PMRotherham$2371One-way3 transfers
12:29 PM4h48Cardiff5:17 PMRotherham$2371One-way3 transfers
2:29 PM4h50Cardiff7:19 PMRotherham$2371One-way3 transfers
4:29 PM4h49Cardiff9:18 PMRotherham$2371One-way3 transfers
5:45 PM3h43Cardiff9:28 PMRotherham$2481One-way2 transfers
7:45 PM3h56Cardiff11:41 PMRotherham$2791One-way2 transfers
11:45 AM4h32Cardiff4:17 PMRotherham$2811One-way2 transfers
1:45 PM4h32Cardiff6:17 PMRotherham$2481One-way2 transfers
3:45 PM4h32Cardiff8:17 PMRotherham$2481One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Rotherham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Rotherham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 155 miles (250 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$62 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Rotherham:
A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Rotherham costing on average $62 (€51).
Other travel options to Rotherham take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $62 (€51) compared to roughly $69 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $7 (€6). The journey takes 4h 39m versus 3h 42m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Rotherham train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Rotherham trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 AM Cardiff | 4h53 | 1:16 PM Rotherham | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 10:30 AM Cardiff | 4h46 | 3:16 PM Rotherham | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 4h32 | 4:17 PM Rotherham | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 12:29 PM Cardiff | 4h48 | 5:17 PM Rotherham | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Cardiff | 4h32 | 6:17 PM Rotherham | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 2:29 PM Cardiff | 4h50 | 7:19 PM Rotherham | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 3:45 PM Cardiff | 4h32 | 8:17 PM Rotherham | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 4:29 PM Cardiff | 4h49 | 9:18 PM Rotherham | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 5:45 PM Cardiff | 3h43 | 9:28 PM Rotherham | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 7:45 PM Cardiff | 3h56 | 11:41 PM Rotherham | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Rotherham by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Rotherham
Trains from Cardiff to Rotherham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:35, the last at 19:58. The fastest train covers the 155 miles (250 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 155 miles (250 km) |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 4:35 AM |
Last train 7:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Rotherham trainsCross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Rotherham from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Rotherham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Rotherham 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 Rotherham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Rotherham
Most Cardiff to Rotherham trains use the Cardiff Central to Rotherham Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Rotherham train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park train station facilities and services
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Rotherham station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Rotherham Central from Rotherham city centre
Rotherham Central train station facilities and services
Rotherham Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Rotherham Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Rotherham Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rotherham Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rotherham Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rotherham Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rotherham Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Lift access to both platforms. Lifts are available from first to last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Rotherham
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