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Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
€24.17
On Fri 20 Feb
Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
Travelling from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly, the fastest train takes 2h 21m with an average travel time of 2h 40m. 26 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:49 and the last at 22:42. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:03 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 22m, 1 change | 14:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
12:10 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 55m, 2 change | 15:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
12:37 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 42m, 2 change | 15:19 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
12:37 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 48m, 2 change | 15:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
13:24 Milton Keynes Central | 2h 21m, 1 change | 15:45 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly 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: Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Travel from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly in just 1 hour 41 minutes on direct Avanti West Coast services.
On one efficient, direct train, you can travel from Milton Keynes to Manchester, with a premium travel experience and picturesque views of Northamptonshire and Staffordshire countryside from your window. When booking in advance with TrainPal, you can buy cheap train tickets from Milton Keynes to Manchester using railcard discounts, split tickets and advance fares.
Avanti West Coast runs long-distance trains around the West of England, with fast services connecting major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, London, Crewe, Chester and Wigan.
Departing from Milton Keynes Central
To the west of Milton Keynes town centre, Milton Keynes Central is a well-connected Buckinghamshire station that offers passengers routes to get to some of England’s top destinations.
With waiting rooms and seating areas, Milton Keynes Central is a comfortable location from which to start your journey. Reaching the station is easy, whether by local bus or taxi, both of which serve the station. The station also has plentiful bike storage facilities, as well as a drop-off point for cycle hires operated by Santander Cycles outside the front of the station.
Milton Keynes Station is part of popular routes to places like London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street, and Manchester Piccadilly. Operated by London Northwestern Railway, the other major operators with a presence at the station are Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains.
Main stops
From Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly, your Avanti West Coast service will stop at Rugby, Stoke-On-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport before arriving in Manchester. Stops may vary on different services, depending on when you make your journey.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is a convenient terminus for your journey from Milton Keynes to Manchester. A major northern hub, Manchester Piccadilly is a well-connected station located to the south of the city.
Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll be able to reach attractions like Piccadilly Gardens, while city centre shopping, bars, and restaurants are just a little further. The station is conveniently connected to local bus routes, as well as through the Manchester 'Metrolink' tram network.
Manchester Piccadilly transports passengers around the UK, with destinations as far afield as Norwich, Llandudno, Stoke-On-Trent, Sheffield, Windermere, Liverpool Lime Street, and London Euston. The station’s major operators are TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern, and East Midlands Railway.
Avanti West Coast train classes
Onboard services from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly, you can choose between three different train classes:
- Standard Class: Free Wi-Fi comes as standard on train services with Avanti West Coast, whichever ticket type you choose. In Standard Class, benefit from plentiful luggage space, and the opportunity to buy snacks and drinks from the onboard shop.
- Standard Premium: Passengers who want a more comfortable travel experience can upgrade to Standard Premium for extra legroom, a guaranteed table and plug sockets at every seat. Ideal for business travellers or those looking to spread out and enjoy a more peaceful journey.
- First Class: If you’re looking for the most luxurious travel option with Avanti West Coast, upgrade to a Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly First Class ticket for even more legroom and a personalised service onboard, including complimentary food and drink.
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
- Bicycles: Bring your bike onboard for free with a mandatory reservation. Only available for standard bikes, tandems and e-bikes.
- Children: Under 5s travel free on most Avant West Coast services. Family days out are cheaper, with children aged 5-15 eligible for 50% off the Standard Ticket price.
- Pets: Passengers can travel with up to two pets on Avanti West Coast trains at no extra cost, so long as you keep four-legged friends on a lead or in a carrier.
- Luggage: No need to worry about squeezing everything into one suitcase: Avanti passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage onboard for free.
- Passenger Assist: If you have additional needs, arrange assistance from Avanti West Coast before your journey. Whether it’s help with boarding, reserving wheelchair spaces, detailed rail info, or pet assistance, the Avanti team will be happy to help.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Milton Keynes Central, you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 2h 21m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Ticket prices from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly average around €24.17, 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 Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly by train?
What is the fastest train from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
The quickest train journey from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly takes 2h 21m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly. 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 Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
Are Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
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 Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The train from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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 Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets

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