- Recommended
Milton Keynes Museum
The city museum in a Victorian farm complex, covering local history, transport, home life, and changing communities.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£64
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£64
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
4 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
4 h 6 m
Trains on 30 Aug
2
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 £64 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £64.
Fast trains
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 4 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 11 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:004h01Cardiff13:01Milton Keynes£641One-way0 changes- 8:504h11Cardiff13:01Milton Keynes£651One-way0 changes
- 9:004h01Cardiff13:01Milton Keynes£641One-way0 changes
- 8:504h11Cardiff13:01Milton Keynes£651One-way0 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 an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, while a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 178 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 3m Average total duration 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
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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
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 £52 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 29m.
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 £52 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 3:30 |
Last train 21:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 31m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£52
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 Great Western Railway Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£60
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 West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£69
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 Cross Country Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£196
Cross Country frequency
8 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£202
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
14 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£165
Transport for Wales frequency
5 a day
Complete guide to Milton Keynes
Things to do in Milton Keynes
Discover the best of Milton Keynes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milton Keynes trip today.
- Recommended
MK Gallery
A contemporary art gallery presenting changing exhibitions, installations, and events in the central theatre district.
Bradwell Windmill
A working historic windmill with machinery displays and milling heritage on the edge of the city.
- Must visit
Willen Lake
A large lakeside park for walks, watersports, birdwatching, and open views close to the city centre.
- Recommended
Central Milton Keynes
The central shopping and leisure district, known for broad boulevards, public art, and easy access to major venues.
- Recommended
Great Linford Manor Park
A landscaped parkland and canal-side area with woodland paths, sculpture trails, and links to Great Linford Manor.
Steak and Ale Pie
Classic British pub pie with steak and ale gravy under pastry. A local staple across Buckinghamshire pubs and a comforting dish popular in Milton Keynes.
- Gluten-free
Buckinghamshire Bacon Badgers
A Buckinghamshire favourite of cured bacon, eggs and potatoes, often linked with farm cooking in the county and still found on traditional menus.
Sunday Roast
Traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A much-loved Sunday meal in local pubs and homes across the area.
Paris House
Refined modern British dining with tasting and à la carte menus in an elegant, contemporary restaurant.
Cowboy Moderno
Popular independent steakhouse focused on grilled meats, burgers and hearty sides in a casual setting.
The Warbler on the Wharf
Canal-side pub at Campbell Wharf serving British classics, Sunday roasts and drinks in a relaxed modern setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and chain restaurants can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, rounding up or 10% is usual. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
MK Connect
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Milton Keynes Central -> The Point, Central Milton Keynes
- Distance
- 1.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Milton Keynes buses are run by several operators. For unlimited multi-operator travel, check whether an MK Move day ticket is available before you travel.
- Contactless payment is accepted in Milton Keynes public transport information published by the council, but fare products vary by operator. Check the operator website before boarding.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £52, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes covers a distance of 178 km and takes approximately 3h 29m. 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 29m. 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 3457114141
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, 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.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
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.
Which Milton Keynes station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes most often arrive at Milton Keynes Central. Some services arrive at Luton DART Parkway, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Milton Keynes arrival station.
Milton Keynes CentralMilton Keynes Central station, 302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Milton Keynes Central from Milton Keynes city centre
Milton Keynes Central is 1 km from Milton Keynes city centre. Public transport options include:
BusMk1, X5 · 7m · £2 · every ~11 min
Milton Keynes Central train station facilities and services
Milton Keynes Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Milton Keynes Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Milton Keynes Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Milton Keynes Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Milton Keynes Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible - situated on the concourse and at the front of the station outside the main entrance, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Milton Keynes and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Milton Keynes
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