Standard
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Food available
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£24
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£60
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
1 h 45 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
2 h
Trains on 18 Sept
3
Distance
233 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Preston 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 Preston to Milton Keynes will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £24.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 3 trains from Preston to Milton Keynes, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 8 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Milton Keynes among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £39 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £39, while a coach costs an average of £40.
Distance: 233 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 4h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Milton Keynes:
A train is £1 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Preston to Milton Keynes costing on average £40.
Other travel options to Milton Keynes take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 5m.
The journey is about 52m faster (2h 8m by train vs 3h 0m by car) and roughly £19 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£39 vs £58). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Lumo.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Milton Keynes trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:19 Preston | 2h08 | 11:27 Milton Keynes | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:17 Preston | 2h11 | 14:28 Milton Keynes | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Preston to Milton Keynes run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 233 km distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 233 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 5:32 |
Last train 22:10 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Compare Lumo classes and the amenities included in each one.
Discover the best of Milton Keynes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milton Keynes trip today.
The city museum in a Victorian farm complex, covering local history, transport, home life, and changing communities.
A contemporary art gallery presenting changing exhibitions, installations, and events in the central theatre district.
A working historic windmill with machinery displays and milling heritage on the edge of the city.
A large lakeside park for walks, watersports, birdwatching, and open views close to the city centre.
The central shopping and leisure district, known for broad boulevards, public art, and easy access to major venues.
A landscaped parkland and canal-side area with woodland paths, sculpture trails, and links to Great Linford Manor.
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.
A Buckinghamshire favourite of cured bacon, eggs and potatoes, often linked with farm cooking in the county and still found on traditional menus.
Traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A much-loved Sunday meal in local pubs and homes across the area.
Refined modern British dining with tasting and à la carte menus in an elegant, contemporary restaurant.
Popular independent steakhouse focused on grilled meats, burgers and hearty sides in a casual setting.
Canal-side pub at Campbell Wharf serving British classics, Sunday roasts and drinks in a relaxed modern setting.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but rail fares and chain restaurants can still add up for visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Milton Keynes Central -> The Point, Central Milton Keynes
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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.

Most Preston to Milton Keynes trains use the Preston to Milton Keynes Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Milton Keynes train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
Milton Keynes Central is 1 km from Milton Keynes city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Milton Keynes Central.
ATMs are available at Milton Keynes Central.
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.
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Milton Keynes Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need