Cardiff to Milton Keynes train with CrossCountry

Sun, Sep 20
+ Add return
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20

Cheapest price on Sep 20

$87

Average ticket price on Sep 20

$88

Fastest journey on Sep 20

4 h 1 m

Average journey duration on Sep 20

4 h 6 m

Trains on Sep 20

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 traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Milton Keynes will cost around $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.

Fast trains

On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes, including 2 direct services.

On Sun, Sep 20 the 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 .

On Sun, Sep 20 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    9:00 AM4h01
    Cardiff
    1:01 PMMilton Keynes
    $871One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    8:50 AM4h11
    Cardiff
    1:01 PMMilton Keynes
    $881One-way
    0 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 an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 35m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a train costs an average of $112.

Distance: 110 miles (178 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$112

Average price

$38

Average price

Cheapest

$49

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 2m

Average total duration

5h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is a bus with an average price of $38.

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

A bus is $74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes costing on average $112.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is by train with an average journey time of 3h 5m.

Other travel options to Milton Keynes take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 32m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Milton Keynes including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Milton Keynes among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 2m sooner (3h 5m by train vs 3h 7m by car). Tickets start at around $112 compared to roughly $49 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.

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

Cardiff to Milton Keynes train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway8:50 AM Cardiff
4h11
1:01 PM Milton Keynes0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway9:00 AM Cardiff
4h01
1:01 PM Milton Keynes0 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.

Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

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 10 times per day, taking around 3h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 but you can travel from only $22 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 2h 35m.

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
Bus from $22
Distance
110 miles (178 km)
Average train duration
3h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$40
Trains per day
10
Fastest train
2h 35m
First train
3:30 AM
Last train
9:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
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
Bus from $22

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Milton Keynes trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Milton Keynes from $22. 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
2h 41m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$40
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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 35m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$65
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 West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
$74
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 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

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
3h 17m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
$143
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 0m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
$80
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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.

  • Must visit

Bletchley Park

World-famous codebreaking museum at Bletchley Park, where Second World War intelligence work changed history and computing forever.

  • Recommended

The National Museum of Computing

Modern museum on computer history with working machines, interactive displays, and strong links to Britain’s digital innovation story.

  • Recommended

Milton Keynes Museum

Hands-on museum telling Milton Keynes’ story from ancient settlement to new town development through archaeology and social history.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-range, local buses are reasonable, and central London day trips can raise daily costs.

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, tip about 10% for good service. Taxis often round up. Tipping in cafes is optional.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Milton Keynes can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $40, while the average price is around $112.
The train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes takes 2h 35m and runs 10 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is 110 miles (178 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes leaves at 3:30 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes leaves at 9:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Milton Keynes is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Milton Keynes Central (MKC).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is by bus, with a cost of around $22.
The Cardiff to Milton Keynes train journey offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the rolling Welsh countryside, quaint villages, and the historic Severn Estuary, transitioning to the more urban landscapes as the train approaches Milton Keynes.
A day trip from Cardiff to Milton Keynes is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 35m. Trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 110 miles (178 km).
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Milton Keynes is recommended to explore its main attractions, such as Bletchley Park, the Milton Keynes Museum, and the scenic parks and shopping areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Milton Keynes.
Since neither Cardiff nor Milton Keynes are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Milton Keynes include London, Northampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Leighton Buzzard.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Milton Keynes among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Milton Keynes, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like shopping centers and train stations. Scam concerns include unofficial taxi services that overcharge, so it’s advisable to use licensed cabs or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be wary of distraction scams in busy public places. Standard safety precautions, such as securing personal belongings and verifying transport providers, help prevent common issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

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.

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.

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