
No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support
Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train ticket prices
€10.87
On Thu 01 Jan
Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train timetable
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central, the fastest train takes 2h 14m with an average travel time of 2h 28m. 28 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:35 and the last at 23:20. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:33 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 54m, 3 change | 20:27 Milton Keynes Central | Northern | Find tickets |
18:00 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 46m, 2 change | 20:46 Milton Keynes Central | Northern | Find tickets |
18:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 24m, 1 change | 20:59 Milton Keynes Central | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
19:00 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 52m, 2 change | 21:52 Milton Keynes Central | Northern | Find tickets |
19:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 22m, 1 change | 21:57 Milton Keynes Central | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Avanti West Coast: Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central trains
Depart from Manchester Piccadilly and arrive at Milton Keynes Central in just around 1 hour and 40 minutes with a direct Avanti West Coast train – it’s a quick, reliable, and stress-free way to travel city to city.
Hop aboard your Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train and soak up tranquil views of rolling fields, wooded hills, and charming country villages as you glide through Staffordshire and Warwickshire into Buckinghamshire.
Avanti West Coast runs high-speed, long-distance services along the West Coast Main Line, connecting Manchester Piccadilly with Milton Keynes Central and major destinations such as London Euston, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
With direct connections by tram, bus, and taxi, Manchester Piccadilly is just minutes from Piccadilly Gardens, the city’s main public transport hub, making it a convenient gateway from which to start your journey.
Located on Station Approach in the heart of the city, Manchester Piccadilly is one of the UK’s busiest and best-connected rail stations. And from here, you can travel all across the country with services from CrossCountry, Northern, Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, linking you directly to major destinations including Liverpool, the Lake District, London and the coast of North Wales.
Whether you’re headed north, south, east or west, Manchester Piccadilly offers fast, reliable connections all across the UK.
Main stops
Settle in and enjoy the ride aboard your Manchester to Milton Keynes train, as you pass through key stops like Wilmslow, Stafford and Rugby.
Arriving at Milton Keynes Central
Arriving into Milton Keynes Central, you’re just a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride away from all the shops, bars and restaurants of the centre: MK Retail Hub.
Operated by London Northwestern Railway, the station offers step-free access, ticket machines, waiting rooms, and is easily reached by bus, taxi or on foot. A major hub for both Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services, Milton Keynes Central station provides regular high-speed trains to London Euston, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow, as well as regional connections to Bletchley, Northampton, Crewe and Stafford.
Alight in Milton Keynes and uncover a dynamic blend of culture, shopping and entertainment. Browse top brands at the centre: MK, or explore the city’s creative side at MK Gallery and the acclaimed Milton Keynes Theatre. Music fans can enjoy world-class jazz at The Stables or catch major live events at the legendary National Bowl. Home to wartime cryptography museum Bletchley Park, MK Dons FC, and the Open University, Milton Keynes is a city alive with innovation, history and cultural energy.
Avanti West Coast train classes
- Standard: Enjoy a comfortable journey with free Wi-Fi, plug sockets at select seats, and the convenience of Click & Collect for food and drink from the onboard restaurant car.
- Standard Premium: Upgrade to Standard Premium for a more comfortable journey, with extra legroom, wider seats, a guaranteed table and plug sockets at every window seat.
- First Class: Travel in style from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central first class – with extra spacious seating, complimentary food and drink (including alcoholic options), at-seat service and access to exclusive first class lounges.
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
Get set for your Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train journey with everything you need to know before you go, including luggage info, travelling with children, bikes and pets, plus details on assisted travel.
- Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items, such as suitcases, holdalls or backpacks, on board free of charge. Please use overhead racks, under-seat space and designated luggage areas and avoid blocking aisles or doors.
- Bicycles: Bikes and e-bikes are welcome on Avanti West Coast services, but require a free reservation. They are subject to availability, so it’s best to book early. Folding bikes are allowed on all services. E-scooters are not permitted on Avanti West Coast services.
- Children: Under-fives can travel for free on most routes. Children aged 5-15 are eligible for 50% off standard fares, while 16-17-year-olds can also access half-price tickets with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
- Pets: Passengers can bring up to two small pets on board free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier, and all pets must remain off seats.
- Passenger Assist: If you need a little extra help with boarding, carrying luggage, navigating stations or reserving a wheelchair space, you can request assistance from the Passenger Assist team. You can either book in advance when purchasing your ticket, through the app, or by speaking to staff at the station on the day.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train travel guide
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can get to Milton Keynes Central in just 2h 14m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central?
Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central average around €10.87, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central is 2h 14m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train timetables?
Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.

Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central route?
The Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
-
Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
-
Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
-
Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
-
Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes Central train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.





















New user welcome pack