The Best Commuter Towns Near London in 2024

As professionals continue to seek a balance between urban work opportunities and suburban living, several towns near London have emerged as ideal commuter hubs. London has excellent commuter links from all directions. This means you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to choosing the perfect place to live. To help limit the research you’ll have to do, we’ve included anoverview of some top commuter towns, highlighting commuting times, season ticket costs, recent infrastructure developments, and lifestyle trends. So, you can easily find the best place to call home.

Maidenhead

Maidenhead is a large market town to the west of London. Popular for London workers due to its country lifestyle and excellent transport links. Our very own Berkshire House is situated in Maidenhead. With a short 8-minute walk from Maidenhead Station, it offers quick and easy commuting.

This bustling town in Berkshire has a lot to offer. Especially to those wanting a good balance of culture and a country lifestyle. Enjoy a busy high street filled with retail favourites like H&M and Next. Or, take a trip to the royal borough of Windsor for a bit of history and high-end boutiques.

Commuting times and cost from Maidenhead

Jump on a train direct to London Paddington from Maidenhead train station. You can also get to Bond Street and Canary Wharf, but you may need to switch services. This depends on which season ticket you choose.

• Travel time: To London Paddington - 23 minutes (move IQ)

• Annual season ticket: £5,340

• Monthly season ticket: £445

Discover the best places to eat and drink in Maidenhead right here.

High Wycombe

High Wycombe offers some of the very best countryside close to London. Enjoy the Chilterns, often compared to the Cotswolds for their beauty. Take a walk at The Hellfire Caves or enjoy Hughenden Park. A large green space perfect for dog walking and connecting with nature.

As well as nature, High Wycombe also has great shopping and dining. With all your favourite high-street stores as well as a cinema and plenty of places to eat. You’ll always have something to do and see.

Find out what else in store when you make the move to High Wycombe with this blog.

Commuting times and cost from High Wycombe

The train from High Wycombe takes you into London Marylebone and takes around 40 minutes. Yet, this can depend on the service you choose. Faster services are available throughout the day.

• Travel time: London Marylebone - 40 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,476

• Monthly season ticket: £429.70

Reading

Reading is a large and vibrant town close to London. It continuously proves popular with commuters looking for a vibrant lifestyle. If you’re looking to move to a more family-friendly town then Reading is ideal. With plenty of great schools and affordable homes, it makes for a great hub when working in London.

As well as the world-renowned Reading festival, you can enjoy plenty of shopping. The town centre is filled with your favourite high-street shops. If you’re looking for a bit of culture, explore some of the town’s oldest landmarks. Reading is a town with roots back to the 8th century, so there’s lots of history to absorb.

Commuting times and cost from Reading

Commuting to London from Reading is relatively easy. Reading has a number of different stations across the town that you can use. Below, we’ve given you a general idea of how long it will take and how much it will cost to travel direct.

• Travel time: London Paddington - 30-60 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £5,200

• Monthly season ticket: £484.60

Redhill

Redhill is a lovely town with a wide range of transport link in and around London. Found in Surrey, Redhill has regularly been named as a favourite among commuters. Enjoy the beauty of the Surrey Hills or explore one of their many farmer’s markets.

If you’re a fan of a traditional English pub then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Although there aren’t many up-and-coming restaurants in, there are lots of places to grab a pub lunch. Perfect for families.

Commuting times and cost from Redhill

You can get to most major London stations from Redhill. This is the main reason it’s always voted so highly by commuters.

Travel time (fastest to slowest):

• Travel time (fastest to slowest):

  • London Bridge - 32 minutes
  • London Blackfriars - 37 minutes
  • London Victoria - 38 minutes
  • London Cannon Street - 45 minutes
  • City Thameslink - 48 minutes
  • Vauxhall - 48 minutes
  • London Waterloo - 52 minutes
  • London Charing Cross - 54 minutes
  • London Waterloo East - 55 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £3,040

• Monthly season ticket: £283.40

Twyford

If you’re looking for a more laid-back and tight-knit community feel, then Twyford may be for you. This small Berkshire village offers a country lifestyle. It also has the added bonus of having a great link to London.

Enjoy the slower pace of village life. Explore unique boutique shopping and delicious independent restaurants. You’ll also have access to the stunning countryside right outside your door.

Find out more about living in Twyford.

Commuting times and cost from Twyford

Twyford, like Maidenhead, has a direct route to London Paddington. There, you can jump on the other services to travel elsewhere in London.

• Travel time: London Paddington - 30-55 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,340

• Monthly season ticket: £395.60

St Albans

St Albans is the first city on our list. Home to the stunning St Albans cathedral. This city is regularly voted as one of the best places to live for commuters. Set in the heart of Hertfordshire, St Albans may be a city but it has a cosy village feel. With historic architecture and plenty of historical landmarks to visit.

Although it is a little on the pricier side, St Albans is worth every penny. It has excellent schools and plenty of traditional and contemporary bars and pubs. Local restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food and plenty of boutique shopping.

Commuting times and cost from St Albans

Other than its beauty, St Albans is also known for its excellent transport links to London. With trains running from St Albans City station to various London stations. Plus, a fast commute time of around 23 minutes to London Pancras.

Travel time (fastest to slowest):

London St Pancras International - 23 minutes
Farringdon - 36 minutes
London Bridge - 38 minutes
City Thameslink - 41 minutes
London Blackfriars - 45 minutes
Elephant & Castle - 45 minutes

• Travel time (fastest to slowest):

  • London St Pancras International - 23 minutes

  • Farringdon - 36 minutes

  • London Bridge - 38 minutes
  • City Thameslink - 41 minutes
  • London Blackfriars - 45 minutes
  • Elephant & Castle - 45 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,000

• Monthly season ticket: £381.00

Sevenoaks

Another quaint market town, Sevenoaks is surrounded by the stunning Kent Downs. This makes it perfect for those looking for access to more of the UK countryside on their days off. This town also has all the amenities you could need. From high street stores to cute independent gift shops.

Sevenoaks also has a host of great schools and plenty of things to do at the weekends. Take a look aroun the National Trust’s Knole House or head off on one of the many walks in the area.

As well as great links to London, Sevenoaks has easy access to Gatwick Airport by road. Plus, you can jump on the Eurostar at Ashford International for Europe getaways.

Commuting times and cost from Sevenoaks

Commuting to London from Sevenoaks is quick and easy. Jump on at the station to travel to some of the city’s most popular stations such as London Bridge and Charing Cross.

• Travel time (fastest to slowest)
  • London Blackfriars - 1hr 14 minutes
  • London Charing Cross - 40 minutes
  • London Cannon Street - 38 minutes
  • City Thameslink - 1hr 10 minutes
  • London Bridge - 28 minutes
  • London Waterloo East - 30 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,040

• Monthly season ticket: £381.40

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Horsham

Just a 45 minutes drive from Brighton and just over an hour by train from London. Horsham is a town with a village feel. It couples sweeping green spaces and bustling high streets perfectly. Horsham is perfect for those that enjoy outdoor activities and getting out in nature. There are lots of walks to enjoy as well as outdoor gyms, boxing clubs and tennis courts.

Horsham train station sits in the centre of the town and offers direct rail links in and out of London. You’ll also be able to enjoy the pop-up French Market that takes place near the Horsham War Memorial. If markets aren’t your thing, you’ll have your pick of high-street and independent traders across the town.

Commuting times and cost from Horsham

To commute to London from the market town of Horsham, you’ll be looking at just over an hour on the train.

• Travel time (fastest to slowest):

  • London Bridge - 1h 5 minutes

  • London Victoria - 1h 10 minutes

  • London Blackfriars - 1h 14 minutes

  • City Thameslink - 1h 14 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £6,284

• Monthly season ticket: £439.90

Guildford

Guildford is a great place to live. Especially for those looking to commute directly into London Waterloo. The medieval town of Guildford is picturesque. Not to mention it's only a 35 minute train ride away from London. The town centre has all the shops you could need, from Primark to Oliver Bonas.

There are plenty of mainstream shops to choose from. As well as a large Odeon, The Electric Theatre and the Guildford Fringe Theatre Company. It is a town that offers everything. Including entertainment, amenities and historic landmarks.

Commuting times and cost from Guildford

You can get a train directly into London Waterloo in just over 35 minutes from Guildford station. If you live on the east side of the town, you can also jump on the train at the London Road station.

• Travel time: London Waterloo - 35 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,616

• Monthly season ticket: £392.10

Woking

Woking is a more contemporary town in the commuter belt. Take in some modern art at The Lightbox art gallery. You could also head down to The Peacocks shopping centre. The best place in Woking to get some retail therapy in your favourite high-street stores.

As well as the busy town centre you can enjoy a stroll along the Basingstoke Canal. If you’re looking for more green space then you can head to Horsell Common, a beautiful woodland with lots of walks. You can also take in a bit of history at the ruins of Woking Palace. A building that dates back as far as 1272.

Commuting times and cost from Woking

Woking is a short train ride from London. With direct trains into Waterloo taking a little over 27 minutes, it’s a quick commute.

• Travel time: London Waterloo - 27 minutes

• Annual season ticket: £4,616

• Monthly season ticket: £351.80

All of the train times we’ve detailed are for direct trains into London. Many of these towns and villages offer excellent connections to other parts of London when needed.

Recent Developments Affecting Commuter Towns

• Rail Fare Increases: Starting March 2, 2024, London tube and rail fares will increase by 4.6%, impacting commuting costs.The Sun

• Housing Developments: Ambitious housebuilding targets have been set, with plans to construct 370,000 new homes annually, potentially affecting housing availability and prices in commuter towns. The Scottish Sun

• Transport Infrastructure: Projects like the new £2 billion Old Oak Common station, set to open between 2029 and 2033, aim to enhance connectivity for commuter towns. The Sun

Lifestyle Trends in 2024

• Hybrid Working: The rise of hybrid working models has led to increased demand for towns offering flexible commuting options and amenities suitable for remote work, such as co-working spaces.

• Family-Friendly Developments: Towns with good schools, parks, and family-oriented services continue to attract those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

• Cultural Attractions: Investments in cultural and recreational facilities enhance the appeal of commuter towns, offering residents quality leisure options without needing to travel into London.

By considering these updated commuting details, infrastructure developments, and lifestyle trends, professionals can make informed decisions about the best commuter towns near London to suit their needs in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most affordable commuter towns near London?

Towns like Luton and Stevenage stand out as some of the cheapest commuter towns near London, offering more budget-friendly housing options.Tally Workspace

Which commuter towns have the fastest train services to central London?

Reading offers direct trains to London Paddington in about 25 minutes, making it a top pick for those seeking shorter commuting times. Transport Executive

What are some family-friendly commuter towns near London?

Guildford combines the charm of a historic town with modern amenities, excellent schools, and a lively arts scene, making it ideal for families. OnTheMarket

How can I find the best commuter town that suits my lifestyle?

Consider factors like commuting time, housing affordability, local amenities, and community vibe. Visiting potential towns and exploring them firsthand can also be beneficial.