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Trains from Cardiff Central to Runcorn

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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  3. Cardiff Central to Runcorn

Trains to Runcorn from Cardiff Central

It takes an average of 4h 38m to travel from Cardiff Central to Runcorn by train, over a distance of around 130 miles (209 km). There are normally 70 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Runcorn and tickets for this journey start from £38.70 when you book in advance.

First train

03:15

Last train

22:22

Departure stationCardiff Central
Arrival stationRuncorn
Journey time

From 3h 12m

Distance

130 miles (209 km)

Frequency

70 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £38.70

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Travel from Cardiff Central to Runcorn by train in 3 hours 12 minutes

If you want to know more about the journey from Cardiff Central to Runcorn by train, look no further!

The average journey time from Cardiff Central to Runcorn by train is 4 hours 38 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours 12 minutes. You'll usually find 70 trains per day travelling the 130 miles (209 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 1 change along the way to Runcorn. You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Transport for Wales on your way to Runcorn, as these are the main rail operators on this route.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Cardiff Central to Runcorn start from £38.70 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard are also great ways to save.

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Runcorn, including FAQs, and tips on booking cheap train tickets. Check the timetable above for live train times or if you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Runcorn?

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Runcorn? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I travel from Cardiff Central to Runcorn?

You can get from Cardiff Central to Runcorn by train in 4 hours and 38 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 3 hours and 12 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Cardiff Central to Runcorn take?

The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and Runcorn is 4 hours and 38 minutes, with around 70 trains per day running on this route. 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.

How much does the train from Cardiff Central to Runcorn cost?

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Runcorn can start from as little as £38.70 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

What's the fastest journey time between Cardiff Central and Runcorn by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Runcorn is 3 hours and 12 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Runcorn?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Runcorn start at £38.70§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Central to Runcorn is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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