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Trains from Cardiff Queen Street to
Rainhill

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Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill by train

A train trip from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill takes about 5hrs 5 mins on average, covering roughly 134 miles (217 kilometres). With around 19 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £31.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.

Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill Key Stats

Arrival Station

Rainhill

Departure Station

Cardiff Queen Street

Frequency

19trains
per day

Journey Time

from3hrs 56 mins

Changes

3-3no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

06:33 / 23:53

Distance

134miles
(217 km)

3 Routes

4 Train Operators

Prices

from£31.30

Travelling from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill by Train

Hop on a Train from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill – It’s Faster Than You Think!

Planning to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!

On average, the journey takes around 5hrs 5 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Rainhill), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 3hrs 56 mins. With roughly 19 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 134-mile (217 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of West Midlands Trains, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!

The best part? Tickets start from just £31.30 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.

So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Rainhill!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill

Curious about your trip from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill by train?

The travel time between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 5hrs 5 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 56 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill is 3hrs 56 mins.

How much does the train from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill cost?

Train ticket prices from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill can start from as little as £31.30 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.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 19 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:33, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:53.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill?

First class tickets on trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill?

Amenities on trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Rainhill, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.

Is it possible to take a direct train from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Cardiff Queen Street & Rainhill. However, there are 19 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill?

West Midlands Trains, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast are the main train operating companies running services between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Rainhill, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill on Monday 5th May 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Monday 5th May
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:33 Cardiff Queen Street11:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 48 mins Get Tickets
07:42 Cardiff Queen Street12:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
08:42 Cardiff Queen Street13:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
09:42 Cardiff Queen Street14:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
10:42 Cardiff Queen Street15:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
11:42 Cardiff Queen Street16:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
12:42 Cardiff Queen Street17:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
13:42 Cardiff Queen Street18:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 39 mins Get Tickets
14:37 Cardiff Queen Street19:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 44 mins Get Tickets
15:37 Cardiff Queen Street20:21 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
4 hrs 44 mins Get Tickets
16:04 Cardiff Queen Street21:28 Rainhill3 changesCardiff Central
Crewe
Liverpool Lime Street
5 hrs 24 mins Get Tickets
16:05 Cardiff Queen Street21:30 Rainhill3 changesRadyr
Cardiff Central
Manchester Piccadilly
5 hrs 25 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill start from as little as £31.30

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from Cardiff Queen Street to Rainhill are available for £97.90 one way

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about Cardiff Queen Street Station

Exploring Cardiff Queen Street Train Station

Welcome to Cardiff Queen Street train station, a key hub in the heart of Wales' lively capital city. Whether you're a local commuter hopping between city stops or a visitor setting off to explore South Wales, Cardiff Queen Street offers all the essentials you might need for a smooth journey. Here, modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the traditional architecture of Cardiff’s bustling center.

Facilities and Amenities

Cardiff Queen Street station is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and accessible travel experience. The ticket office operates from as early as 6 am on weekdays and has plenty of ticket machines available throughout the station. You can collect tickets bought online from these machines and they're easily accessible near the main entrance. The station offers step-free access across all platforms via lifts, making it highly accessible. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are conveniently located on Platform 4 for those traveling with little ones.

For those who might need extra assistance, staff is available to help from 05:15 to midnight on most days. Despite the lack of eateries or shops, the station offers public Wi-Fi so you can stay connected on the go. If cycling is your preferred mode to and from the station, you'll find ample cycle storage with CCTV coverage for peace of mind. Remember, the bustling streets of Cardiff offer numerous nearby cafes and shops to grab a bite or essentials before you catch your train.

Transport Connections

Getting to and from Cardiff Queen Street is a breeze with several options available. There are local bus services with limited offerings right outside the station on weekdays. During rail disruptions, replacement bus services are set up at bus stops nearby, ensuring you aren't left stranded. However, taxis aren't as readily accessible since there are no designated accessible taxi points or spaces.

Popular Destinations

From Cardiff Queen Street, you're well-positioned to explore various places quickly and conveniently. Head down to Cardiff Bay for stunning waterfront views or make your way to Cardiff Central, the city's flagship station. For a taste of local culture, a short ride to Pontypridd might be just what you're looking for.

Planning a longer journey? Don't miss the chance to visit Newport in South Wales or explore the charm of Caerphilly. With reliable connections, your journey starts here.

Closing Remarks

Cardiff Queen Street is more than just a connecting point—it's an invitation to explore the rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes Wales has to offer. Whether you're commuting for work or touring the sights, this station is your gateway to endless adventures. Travel happy and let Cardiff Queen Street set your journey in motion.

Ready to plan your trip? Dive into what's next and make the most of your travel experience from Cardiff Queen Street! Safe travels!

Everything you need to know about Rainhill Station

Welcome to Rainhill Train Station

Nestled in the heart of Merseyside, Rainhill Train Station offers a gateway to a rich tapestry of destinations across the UK. This station, while modest, packs a punch when it comes to connectivity and functionality, making it a vital hub for both local commuters and traveling adventurers. Whether you're planning a day trip to bustling cities, or a leisurely journey exploring the quiet countryside, Rainhill station serves as an important passage in your travel itinerary.

Facilities and Amenities at Rainhill Station

When it comes to conveniences, Rainhill Station is equipped with essential facilities to ensure a smooth travel experience. The ticket office operates from 6:00 AM to 11:50 PM on weekdays and 8:45 AM to midnight on Sundays, and is complemented by accessible ticket machines, although tickets bought online cannot be collected here. Induction loops for the hearing impaired and clear departure screens add to the station's accessibility. However, note that there are no waiting rooms, so travelers should plan accordingly during cold weather.

Although there is step-free access to both platforms, passengers needing to buy tickets before their journey on platform 2 should allow extra time for crossing over from platform 1. For more inclusive transport needs, Rainhill station provides an induction loop, but it does lack wheelchair availability on site. While luggage storage isn't provided, the station ensures safety with comprehensive CCTV coverage.

Onward Travel Links

For those looking to continue their journey from Rainhill, there are multiple transport links available. The station is serviced by rail replacement services, providing pickups and drop-offs right at the bus stop outside the station entrance. Taxis are readily available and can be booked through Northern Railway’s dedicated service, Cab 4 You. While there currently isn't a bicycle hire option at the station, bus services can be accessed through Busline at 0871 200 2233.

Popular Destinations from Rainhill

Rainhill’s strategic location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring both vibrant cities and serene landscapes. Whether you fancy a trip to the cultural hub of Liverpool Lime Street or a venturesome jaunt to Manchester Piccadilly, your options are plenty. Other popular destinations include London Euston for those travelling to the capital and Chester for a touch of historical ambiance.

Would-be travelers can easily plan their routes with Rainhill as their starting point, exploring nearby spots like Lea Green or venturing further afield to Manchester Airport for international travel.

An Inviting Close

Although Rainhill Station might not offer luxurious amenities or an array of shops, it does embody the charm of simplicity and efficiency, making it a favorite for regular commuters and one-off travelers alike. With its robust network connections, the station is perfectly poised to help you embark on your next journey be it near or far. So, take a leap, purchase your tickets, and start your adventure from Rainhill Train Station today!

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Cardiff Queen Street