Cardiff to Milton Keynes train with CrossCountry

Thu 16 Jul
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes

Showing times and prices for 16 Jul

Cheapest price

£83

Average price

£118

Fastest journey

3 h 30 m

Average duration

3 h 40 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

178 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes will cost around £118 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £83.

Fast trains

To travel from Cardiff to Milton Keynes you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayG15041+TubeTube from London Paddington to Harrow & Wealdstone+West Midlands TrainsW70330
    8:184h57
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:15Milton Keynes Central (MKC)
    £831One-way
    2 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39597+CrossCountryG00854+West Midlands TrainsY80847 · C17837
    8:103h38
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:48Milton Keynes Central (MKC)
    £1241One-way
    3 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39597+CrossCountryG00854+West Midlands TrainsY80847
    8:103h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:04Milton Keynes Central (MKC)
    £1241One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG66712+Avanti West CoastW34233
    8:453h31
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:16Milton Keynes Central (MKC)
    £1241One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00854+West Midlands TrainsY80847+Great Western RailwayG15041
    8:183h46
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:04Milton Keynes Central (MKC)
    £1241One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Milton Keynes

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Milton Keynes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, and a train costs an average of £29.

Distance: 178 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£70

Average Price

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 31m

Average total duration

7h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff to Milton Keynes train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains for today, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry7:45 Cardiff
3h45
11:30 Milton Keynes0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Milton Keynes by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul

Why should you book Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 178 km distance in 3h 14m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15
Distance
178 km
Average train duration
3h 10m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 14m
First train
3:30
Last train
21:30
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £15

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Milton Keynes trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Milton Keynes from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest Price
£29
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
£64
Great Western Railway frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£68
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Price
£195
Cross Country frequency
8 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£202
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
14 a day

Transport for Wales

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
£165
Transport for Wales frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Milton Keynes train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 3h 14m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is 178 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes leaves at 3:30.
The last train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes departs at 21:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
To get from Cardiff to Milton Keynes, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Milton Keynes is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Milton Keynes Central (MKC).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of South Wales and parts of the Cotswolds, showcasing rolling hills, fields, and charming villages.
A day trip from Cardiff to Milton Keynes may not be feasible as the journey takes 3h 14m. However, with 6 trains running per day, you have multiple travel options.
Most visitors find that spending two to three days in Milton Keynes is sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as Bletchley Park, the Milton Keynes Theatre, and the scenic parks and lakes.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Milton Keynes

Most Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains use the Cardiff Central to Milton Keynes Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Milton Keynes train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Milton Keynes
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QTParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre

Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min

Heath High Level train station facilities and services

Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heath High Level: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Milton Keynes Cardiff to Milton Keynes train

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