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Outbound fromRugby to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 4h 16m to travel from Rugby to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 103 miles (166 km). There are normally 45 trains per day travelling from Rugby to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £16.70 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 01:09 | |
| Departure station | Rugby | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 2h 46m | |
| Distance | 103 miles (166 km) | |
| Frequency | 45 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £16.70 | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales |
Travelling from Rugby to Cardiff Central by train
Looking to travel from Rugby to Cardiff Central by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 4 hours 16 minutes to travel from Rugby to Cardiff Central by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 2 hours 46 minutes though. You'll usually find 45 trains per day running along the 103 miles (166 km) route between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change during the journey to Cardiff Central, as there currently aren't any direct services on this route. You can choose to travel with Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Transport for Wales to get to Cardiff Central. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get great train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Rugby to Cardiff Central in our Journey Planner. Just remember, as well as travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save, as advance tickets start from £16.70.
Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, scroll up for timetables including live train times, or keep reading for FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Rugby to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Rugby to Cardiff Central take?
The average journey time by train between Rugby and Cardiff Central is 4 hours and 16 minutes, with around 45 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Rugby and Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Rugby to Cardiff Central is 2 hours and 46 minutes.
How much does the train from Rugby to Cardiff Central cost?
Train ticket prices from Rugby to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £16.70 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Rugby to Cardiff Central?
No, there are no direct train services from Rugby to Cardiff Central. Travelling from Rugby to Cardiff Central by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Rugby to Cardiff Central leave?
The first train from Rugby to Cardiff Central leaves at 04:43. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Rugby to Cardiff Central leave?
The last train from Rugby to Cardiff Central leaves at 01:09. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Rugby and Cardiff Central by train?
Trains travelling from Rugby to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 103 miles (166 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cardiff Central to Rugby.
Cheap train tickets from Rugby to Cardiff Central
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Rugby to Cardiff Central is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.