The cheapest and fastest trains from Rugby to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$58
Average price
$123
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h
Trains per day
5
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.
The average ticket from Rugby to Cardiff will cost around $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
Of the 5 trains that leave Rugby for Cardiff on Fri, Nov 14, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 14 the direct trains cover the 165 km distance in an average of 3 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
On Fri, Nov 14 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 bus with prices starting from €19. 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 bus costs an average of €19, and a train costs an average of €46.
Distance: 102 miles (165 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€77 Average price | €24 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, Friday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:37 AM Rugby | 3h22 | 7:59 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 9:25 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:34 AM Rugby | 3h06 | 10:40 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 12:25 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:34 AM Rugby | 2h51 | 1:25 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rugby to Cardiff 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.
Nov 14
Nov 15
Nov 16
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Nov 20
Journey information
Overview: Train from Rugby to Cardiff
Trains from Rugby to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) 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 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 51m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 21:15 |
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 $24 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Trains from Rugby to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Rugby to Cardiff
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- 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
- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
- 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)
Most popular train connections from Rugby
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