Milton Keynes to Watford train with West Midlands Trains

Fri 18 Sept
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West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Milton Keynes to Watford

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£26

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£27

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

45 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

48 m

Trains on 18 Sept

2

Distance

50 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Milton Keynes to Watford will cost around £27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Milton Keynes to Watford, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 50 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 45 m .

The slowest trains will take 50 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.

  • West Midlands Trains
    9:300h45
    Milton Keynes
    10:15Watford
    £261One-way
    0 changes
  • West Midlands Trains
    6:560h50
    Milton Keynes
    7:46Watford
    £281One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Milton Keynes to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milton Keynes to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 59m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £18, while a coach costs an average of £21.

Distance: 50 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

£21

Average Price

£11

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

59m

Average total duration

Fastest

29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 44m

Average total duration

2h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

51m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Milton Keynes to Watford is a train with an average price of £18.

This is compared to other travel options from Milton Keynes to Watford:

A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Milton Keynes to Watford costing on average £21.

The fastest way to travel from Milton Keynes to Watford is by train with an average journey time of 29m.

Other travel options to Watford take longer:

Coach takes on average 2h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Milton Keynes and Watford including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 22m sooner (29m by train vs 51m by car). Tickets start at around £18 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Milton Keynes to Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Milton Keynes to Watford trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West Coast5:27 Milton Keynes
0h20
5:47 Watford0 changesdirect
West Midlands Trains8:30 Milton Keynes
0h45
9:15 Watford0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Milton Keynes to Watford 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

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

West Midlands Trains as well as Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Milton Keynes to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Milton Keynes to Watford.

Why book with Omio vs West Midlands Trains?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for West Midlands Trains, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes to Watford.
  • 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 West Midlands Trains with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Milton Keynes to Watford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes to Watford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Milton Keynes to Watford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Milton Keynes to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford run on average 18 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £18 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 41m.

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 £9
Distance
50 km
Average train duration
29m
Cheapest ticket price
£18
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
41m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
14 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 £9

Train companies: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Milton Keynes to Watford trainsWest Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Milton Keynes and Watford from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
41m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£18
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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
19m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£63
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Watford

Things to do in Watford

Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.

  • Must visit

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter

A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.

  • Recommended

Watford Museum

Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.

Watford Palace Theatre

An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 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
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.

FAQs: Milton Keynes to Watford train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Milton Keynes to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £18, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Milton Keynes to Watford covers a distance of 50 km and takes approximately 41m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Milton Keynes to Watford is 50 km.
The first train from Milton Keynes to Watford leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Milton Keynes to Watford departs at 23:58.
Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Milton Keynes to Watford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Milton Keynes and Watford. The service operates 10 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains.
To get from Milton Keynes to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Milton Keynes to Watford.
The train station in Milton Keynes that goes to Watford is Milton Keynes Central (MKC), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Milton Keynes to Watford is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Milton Keynes to Watford in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Milton Keynes to Watford offers a mix of suburban and countryside views, passing through the Chiltern Hills, which provides some pleasant scenic moments, especially around Tring and Berkhamsted.
Yes, you can do a day trip from Milton Keynes to Watford as the journey takes 41m and the distance is 50 km. There are 17 trains available per day.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Milton Keynes to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Milton Keynes and Watford

Most Milton Keynes to Watford trains use the Milton Keynes Central to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Milton Keynes and Watford train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Milton Keynes
Arrival train stations in Watford

Which Milton Keynes station do trains to Watford leave from?

Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford leave from Milton Keynes Central. The station is 2 km from Milton Keynes city centre at Milton Keynes Central station, 302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA.
Milton Keynes CentralMilton Keynes Central station, 302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA+44 3301235247ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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 Milton Keynes to Watford

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

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