- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Cheapest price
$0.00
Average price
$32
Fastest journey
2 h 50 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
165 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
It's difficult to get from Rugby to Cardiff without transferring at least once.










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 bus with prices starting from $19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$56 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 38m Average total duration 7h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rugby to Cardiff:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rugby to Cardiff costing on average $56 (€45).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 8m.
Tickets start at around $56 (€45) compared to roughly $45 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-11.15 (€-9.01). The journey takes 2h 54m versus 2h 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.
The table below shows live departures for Rugby to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:02 AM Rugby | 6h23 | 7:25 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 9:25 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 10:25 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 11:25 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Rugby | 2h52 | 12:26 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 1:25 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 2:25 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:34 PM Rugby | 2h51 | 3:25 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:34 PM Rugby | 2h51 | 4:25 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:34 PM Rugby | 2h52 | 5:26 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:34 PM Rugby | 2h53 | 6:27 PM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Rugby to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 102 miles (165 km) distance in 2h 51m.
Distance 102 miles (165 km) |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.
Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.
Waterside district with modern landmarks, walking routes, public art, and some of the city’s most shared photo spots.
Large central park behind Cardiff Castle, ideal for riverside walks, picnics, and easy access to historic sites.
Historic Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades that give central Cardiff much of its character. Excellent for walking and architecture lovers.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’ most iconic comfort foods.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. It is a staple pub and cafe dish in Cardiff.
Traditional Welsh vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. They are especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steak restaurant with an open-fire cooking style, stylish interior, and strong reputation for high-quality meat and memorable service.
Established restaurant at HMP Cardiff, known for refined dining prepared and served by trainees in a unique, professional setting.
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Llandaff serving seasonal small plates, natural wine, and modern cooking in a relaxed contemporary space.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff
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.

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