The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
178 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Milton Keynes on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 3 h 31 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.
9:45 AM3h31Cardiff1:16 PMMilton Keynes$401One-way0 transfers
8:38 AM3h29Cardiff12:07 PMMilton Keynes$1141One-way0 transfers
8:38 AM3h29Cardiff12:07 PMMilton Keynes$1141One-way0 transfers
9:45 AM3h31Cardiff1:16 PMMilton Keynes$401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 bus with prices starting from $20. 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 bus costs an average of $20, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$95 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 31m Average total duration 7h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Milton Keynes:
A bus is $69 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes costing on average $95 (€78).
Other travel options to Milton Keynes take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 1m.
Tickets start at around $95 (€78) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-46.61 (€-38.15). The journey takes 3h 10m versus 3h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Milton Keynes train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:50 AM Cardiff | 4h11 | 1:01 PM Milton Keynes | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Cardiff | 4h01 | 1:01 PM Milton Keynes | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains with Omio?
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
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 $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 110 miles (178 km) distance in 3h 14m.
Distance 110 miles (178 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 3:30 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 $20 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to 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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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?
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:
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
