The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
5
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 $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Milton Keynes on Fri, Nov 07, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 178 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 9 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.










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 €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €38.
Distance: 110 miles (178 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€85 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest |
3h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration 7h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Milton Keynes train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Milton Keynes trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:37 AM Cardiff | 3h30 | 11:07 AM Milton Keynes | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Cardiff | 3h31 | 11:16 AM Milton Keynes | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 7 | |||||
![]() | 4:07 AM Cardiff | 5h09 | 9:16 AM Milton Keynes | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:54 AM Cardiff | 3h51 | 8:45 AM 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.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
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 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) 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 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 14m |
First train 03:30 |
Last train 21:30 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Rail, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Milton Keynes trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Rail, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Milton Keynes from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Great Western Rail
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
first_great_western
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
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 04:45 - 22:00 Saturday 06:00 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:30 Peak demand is 0700-1000 1630-1830 Mon-Fri
- Type of shops available: Convenience store Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on 1 and 3. Please be advised the non-accessible toilets on Platforms 1 and 2 are locked out of use until further notice. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse (operated by a RADAR key), Platform 1 and Platform 3. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. Passengers in possession of a RADAR key can access the toilets at all times. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 05:00-23:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Front of station
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Milton Keynes
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
