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Milton Keynes Central to Chester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€10.78
On Fri 23
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Milton Keynes Central to Chester on the fastest train in 2h 26m, usually 2h 26m. Each day, 5 trains leave from Milton Keynes Central, starting at 09:18 and ending at 13:18. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:15 Milton Keynes Central | 1h 52m, 1 change | 21:07 Chester | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
19:19 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 25m, 1 change | 21:44 Chester | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
20:15 Milton Keynes Central | 1h 55m, 1 change | 22:10 Chester | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
20:19 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 25m, 1 change | 22:44 Chester | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Milton Keynes Central to Chester
- Avanti West Coast
- Transport for Wales
- LNR & WMR
Avanti West Coast will take you from London to Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and more on its high-speed service connecting England, Wales and Scotland via the West Coast Main Line. Its First Class service is among the best out there, and passengers love the intermediate tier on offer, Standard Premium, for that added comfort.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you’re upgrading your seat for a weekend trip and travelling to/from stations without lounges, Standard Premium might be a better option than First Class: weekend services have a more restricted menu compared to weekdays. And as the seats are the same on Standard Premium and First Class, you may prefer to bring some snacks on board and save the few extra pounds."
"I always travel with my refillable water bottle on trains, which makes Avanti West Coast’s Water Refill Points especially handy for longer journeys. You’ll be able to top yours up at these stations, the onboard shop on Pendolino and Evero trains."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Milton Keynes Central
Address:
302 Eldergate, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 1LA
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Frequent bus services run from directly outside the station, connecting to Midsummer Place, Central Milton Keynes shopping centre and destinations across the city. The X5 coach service to Oxford and Bedford also departs from here.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the station on Elder Gate. Just head left out of the main exit.
Car: A station car park with 549 spaces is available on Elder Gate. Milton Keynes is also well served by Park and Ride sites across the city.
Platforms:
Seven platforms on the West Coast Main Line, managed by London Northwestern Railway. Avanti West Coast operates fast intercity services while London Northwestern Railway operates regional stopping services. Step-free access is available throughout via lifts.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Turn left out of the station and you'll find an M&S food just steps away – perfect for picking up a snack for the journey or stocking up on arrival. For coffee, Ceyo is just a short walk from the station and one of Milton Keynes’ best independent options. For food, head to You Me Sushi – it’s one of the best quick dining options near the station with fresh food at great value."
FAQs about Milton Keynes Central Station
What's Milton Keynes Central famous for?
Milton Keynes Central sits on the West Coast Main Line and has some of the fastest connections to London in the country – from here you can be in London Euston in as little as 35 minutes. The station itself appeared as the United Nations building in the 1987 film Superman IV.
Can I take a train from Milton Keynes to London?
Yes, Avanti West Coast operates fast services to London Euston in as little as 35 minutes, making Milton Keynes one of the best-connected cities to London on the National Rail network. London Northwestern Railway also operates stopping services to Euston throughout the day.
Where is Milton Keynes Central station?
Milton Keynes Central is at the western end of Central Milton Keynes. It’s just a short walk from Midsummer Boulevard and approximately 10 minutes on foot to the main shopping centre.
How do I get from Milton Keynes Central to the shopping centre?
The Centre MK and Midsummer Place shopping centres are approximately a 10-minute walk from the station along Midsummer Boulevard. Frequent buses also run from directly outside the station to the shopping centre, and can be the quickest option if you have luggage.
Arriving in Chester
Top Things to Do:
Walk Chester City Walls for some elevated views and a complete circuit around the historic centre.
Explore the Rows for Chester’s unique two-level medieval shopping galleries.
Visit Chester Cathedral for medieval architecture and centuries of history in the city centre.
Discover the Roman Amphitheatre, the largest Roman amphitheatre yet excavated in the whole of Britain.
Stroll beside the River Dee for attractive waterside views and a quieter side of the city.
Popular Areas in Chester:
Handbridge, The Groves, Northgate, Grosvenor Park, Watergate Street, and the Roodee.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Chester: If you have an hour spare, follow the walls south towards the River Dee, cross into Handbridge and look for the tiny Roman shrine to Minerva in Edgar’s Field. It is carved straight into the sandstone and is easy to miss, but it’s one of Chester’s most unusual surviving Roman details. From there, you can loop back beside the river rather than retracing your steps."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Milton Keynes Central to Chester
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
Tickets from Milton Keynes Central to Chester typically cost €80.98, but can be as cheap as €10.78 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 26m, though it can be as quick as 2h 26m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
There is no direct service between Milton Keynes Central and Chester. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
You can typically book tickets from Milton Keynes Central to Chester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Milton Keynes Central to Chester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Milton Keynes Central to Chester are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Milton Keynes Central from Chester?
The distance between Milton Keynes Central and Chester is approximately 120 miles (193km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
There is 5 train running from Milton Keynes Central to Chester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Milton Keynes Central to Chester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* 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.
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