Milton Keynes to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Milton Keynes to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milton Keynes to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $57.

Distance: 110 miles (178 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$127

Average price

$24

Average price

Cheapest

$49

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 20m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 9m

Average total duration

6h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Milton Keynes to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $24 (€20).

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

A bus is $103 (€84) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff costing on average $127 (€104).

The fastest way to travel from Milton Keynes to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 50m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 6h 39m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Milton Keynes and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Milton Keynes to Cardiff 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 16m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 3h 6m by car). Tickets start at around $127 (€104) compared to roughly $49 (€40) 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

Milton Keynes to Cardiff train times

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

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountry8:52 AM Milton Keynes
3h34
12:26 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect
West Midlands Trains10:08 AM Milton Keynes
4h09
2:17 PM Cardiff0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Milton Keynes to Cardiff 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
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

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

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast and more offer trains services from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.

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, Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
  • 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 Milton Keynes to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
  • 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 Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Milton Keynes to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) 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 8m.

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 $15 (€12)
Distance
110 miles (178 km)
Average train duration
2h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$57 (€47)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 8m
First train
3:30 AM
Last train
9:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
1 day
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 $15 (€12)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Milton Keynes to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Milton Keynes and Cardiff from $15 (€12). 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 Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
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 Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
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

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
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

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 Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Price
$269 (€220)
Avanti West Coast frequency
12 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 Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

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

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.

Pound Sterling

Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a standard restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Milton Keynes to Cardiff

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Milton Keynes to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $57 (€47), while the average price is around $127 (€104).
The train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff takes 3h 8m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff is 110 miles (178 km).
The first train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff leaves at 3:30 AM.
The last train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff leaves at 9:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
The train station in Milton Keynes that goes to Cardiff is Milton Keynes Central (MKC), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Milton Keynes to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $15 (€12).
The train journey from Milton Keynes to Cardiff offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds and along the Severn Estuary, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
A day trip from Milton Keynes to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 8m. However, trains run 5 times per day. The distance is 110 miles (178 km).
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
Since neither Milton Keynes nor Cardiff 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 Cardiff include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Milton Keynes to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Milton Keynes to Cardiff

Milton Keynes
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Milton Keynes is Milton Keynes Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Milton Keynes Central for your trip from Milton Keynes to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Convenience store Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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

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