The molecular structure of ruthenocenecarbonitrile, [Ru([eta]5-C5H4C[triple bond]N)([eta]5-C5H5)], exhibits point group symmetry m, with the mirror plane bisecting the molecule through the C[triple bond]N substituent. The RuII atom is slightly shifted from the [eta]5-C5H4 centroid towards the C[triple bond]N substituent. In the crystal, molecules are arranged in columns parallel to [100]. One-dimensional intermolecular [pi]-[pi] interactions [3.363 (3) Å] between the C[triple bond]N carbon atom and one carbon of the cyclopentadienyl ring of the overlaying molecule are present.