40 Best commuter towns near London – TOP hotspots for 2023

Commuting to London? From Amersham town to Berkhamsted – the best family commuter towns London 2023 have been revealed!

As the capital of the country, London is a bustling hub with plenty going on. With an abundance of offices and workplaces, many thousands flock to the city every day. Life in central London is exciting, with plenty to see and do, but living in the centre isn’t for everyone.

While your workplace might be in London, you might be considering moving somewhere further afield to make the most of the extra space, cheaper living and quieter lifestyle.

If you’re considering whether commuting is the best option for you, we are looking into the top commuter towns near London to help you decide if it is worth living outside of the capital.

What is the London commuter belt?

The London commuter belt is the area that surrounds the city, which is a practical commuting distance. It is safe to say the commuter belt is widening, as more and more towns are getting faster train services, and workers are prepared to travel further than before.

Most areas in the London commuter belt are within 40 miles of the city centre and regions include Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent and more.

Is it better to live outside of London?

London is an exciting, fast-paced place to live, with everything on your doorstep and always something going on. However, moving outside of the capital has many advantages that are often not considered.

Living outside of London is often far cheaper, even with the added commuting costs. You can often buy or rent a bigger place, giving yourself and your family more space to call home. Not only that, but London can be a loud, busy and full-on city. Moving further afield is quieter, calmer and offers plenty more green spaces and beautiful scenery.

When you live outside of London, you can leave behind all the tourists, traffic and pollution, and head home to a peaceful town or village in the commuter belt.

You will need to consider the journey to the office if you are thinking about moving out of London. The idea of spending extra time travelling might not seem appealing, but for many commuters, this extra time can be spent unwinding from a busy day or reading a good book in the morning.

When you choose to live outside of London and commute in, you know you are never far from the buzz of the big city. You can easily visit London’s attractions on weekends or head into the capital for a night out, with a quick train ride home.

Unique commuter towns

It has to be said that with the cost of living increasing every year and more people being able to work from home the traditional commuter towns do change.

Towns located a bit further away from the capital city that were previously not considered the top commuter towns to London are now becoming more popular. With that in mind, we created our great list of the best commuter towns – a combination of known towns and rising stars that soon will become the hot spots for commuters looking for a new place to call home.

Best commuter towns near London - TOP hotspots
Best commuting towns to London

Best commuter towns London types:

Best places to live outside London for nature:Beaconsfield
Best places to live around London with top schools:Marlow
Affordable commuter towns London:High Wycombe
Places to live outside London with easy commute:Amersham
Where to live outside London near forests:Epping
Best London commuter towns for families:Berkhamsted

Explore the best commuter areas to live and top ideas for family-friendly commuter towns close to London:

Best towns to live near London

Many wonderful towns surround London, and the commuter belt offers something for everyone. Whether you choose to commute from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Surrey or Kent, these are some of the best towns to live near London;

1. Henley-On-Thames

Where to live to commute to London? Henley-On-Thames is famed for the annual regatta that takes place in the town every July. The rest of the year, Henley on Thames is a beautiful town just outside of London in the county of Oxfordshire.

Great Western Rail services run to Paddington Station and the journey time from Henley-On-Thames is roughly one hour. Living in Henley-On-Thames is certainly on the pricey end of towns in the commuter belt, but if you want to set up a home in a beautiful riverside location with a rich history, it is well worth the money.

Commuting time to London – 65 mins.

London commuter towns - Henley-On-Thames
Best commuter towns London 2023 – Henley-On-Thames

2. St Albans

Best places to live near ‘outstanding’ secondary schools outside of London? The stunning city of St Albans offers direct train services to London in just 18 minutes, so it is no surprise that it is such a popular commuter town. In the county of Hertfordshire, just outside the M25, St Albans is a top choice for those commuting to London.

The city was voted one of the best places to live in Britain by the Sunday Times, thanks to its beautiful countryside, an abundance of restaurants and proximity to major attractions.

Homes in St Albans are significantly cheaper than those in Central London, and commuters can enjoy plenty more space for their money.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

Best commuter towns London - St Albans
London’s best commuter towns – St Albans

3. Chipping Campden

Best commuter towns outside London. Chipping Campden is a beautiful market town. Located in the Cotswold area provides lots of places to eat and drink it’s worth a visit to see the buildings and architecture.

Its terraced High Street, dating from the 14th century to the 17th century, makes it a real gem in the Cotswolds and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK! Ready to call it home?

Commuting time to London – 130 mins.

Best places to live just outside London - Chipping Campden
Best places to live just outside London – Chipping Campden

4. Wendover

London’s best commuter towns? Wendover is a small town located in Buckinghamshire, England, approximately 36 miles northwest of London. It is a popular commuter town due to its good transport links to London and attractive location in the Chiltern Hills.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Wendover to London is by train. The town has its own railway station, which is served by Chiltern Railways trains running between Aylesbury and London Marylebone. The journey time from Wendover to London Marylebone is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific train, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Wendover to nearby towns and cities, such as Aylesbury and High Wycombe, which offer further connections to London. The 300 bus route runs from Wendover to Aylesbury, where you can catch a train to London Marylebone. The journey time from Wendover to London via Aylesbury can take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the specific train and connections.

Overall, Wendover is a good option for commuters who want to live in a small town with a rural feel while still having good transport links to London.

Towns with direct trains to London - Wendover
Towns with direct trains to London – Wendover

5. Lymington

Best places to live outside London for families? Lymington is a real gem! A town on the south coast of England, just a 2.5-hour drive from central London. If you have the luxury of working from home and can visit the capital city only once a week, then Lymington will be a very nice place to commute back to from London ?

This colourful coastal town is an ancient seaport famous for sailing and smugglers. Nowadays Lymington is a number one destination in the New Forest and one of the most visited places in Hampshire.

Commuting time to London – 140 mins.

Best towns to commute to London - Lymington
Best towns to commute to London – Lymington

6. Bray

Best commuter areas close to London? This tiny village in Berkshire is perfect for commuters who really want to live out of the busy city of London. On the edge of the river Thames, Bray is extremely picturesque and offers stunning waterside views.

It is famed for being home of two of the four British restaurants that have three Michelin stars. Maidenhead train station is a ten-minute drive away, and from here there are direct train services into London Paddington.

Commuting time to London – 55 mins.

7. Amersham

Best London commuter towns for families? Amersham is a beautiful town in Buckinghamshire, on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. It is a highly sought after place to live for commuters, and house prices have increased rapidly in the last two years. Direct services run into London Marylebone and the journey time is just over 30 minutes.

Amersham is actually just close enough to London to still benefit from being on the London Underground network. It sits at the end of the Metropolitan Line, although overground services to central London are a much quicker option. Within the town of Amersham is Old Amersham, which is steeped in history and looks like something from a picture book. Commuters love the boutique shops, old-timbered pubs and local restaurants.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

London commuter towns - Amersham
Towns 30 minutes from London – Amersham

8. Abingdon on Thames

Affordable commuter towns London? Abingdon-on-Thames is a historic town located in Oxfordshire, England, approximately 60 miles west of London. Although it is further away from London than some other commuter towns, it is still possible to commute to London from Abingdon.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Abingdon-on-Thames to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in Didcot, which is approximately 7 miles from Abingdon. Trains from Didcot run directly to London Paddington station, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the specific train. Didcot is served by Great Western Railway, and trains run frequently throughout the day, although the frequency may be less during off-peak hours.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Abingdon-on-Thames to London. The X2 bus route runs from Abingdon to Oxford, and from there you can catch a train to London Paddington. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Best place to live outside London - Abingdon on Thames
Best place to live outside London – Abingdon on Thames

9. Beaconsfield

Looking for a town with 30 minute commute to London? Another town nestled into the Chiltern Hills is Beaconsfield. It is the perfect spot for commuters who love to get out and about in nature when they’re not in the office. There is a lovely local community in the area and great schools, making it popular for families.

Although not as busy as London, the town of Beaconsfield is vibrant with plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants. Chiltern Railways run direct services from Beaconsfield to London Marylebone with a journey time of roughly 30 minutes.

The train station is located in the new town of Beaconsfield, but the old town is just a short distance away.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

Best commuter towns around London - Beaconsfield
Best London commuter towns 2023 – Beaconsfield

10. Redhill

Best areas just outside London to live? Redhill is a commuter town located in Surrey, England, about 20 miles south of London. It has excellent transport links to London, making it a popular choice for people who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more affordable area.

Train is the most popular mode of transport for commuting from Redhill to London. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on the specific train and destination in London. Redhill has its own railway station, which is located on the main line from London to Brighton, and is served by both Southern and Thameslink trains. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with some services running late into the night.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Redhill to London, including the 405 and 460 routes. These services can take longer than the train, but may be more convenient depending on your location and destination in London.

Overall, Redhill is a great choice for commuters who are looking for a well-connected, affordable town within easy reach of London.

11. Witney

Cheap places to live outside London? Witney is a market town located in Oxfordshire, England, approximately 70 miles northwest of London. While Witney is not typically considered a commuter town for London due to its distance from the city, it is still possible to commute to London from Witney.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Witney to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in nearby Oxford, which is approximately 12 miles from Witney. Trains from Oxford run directly to London Paddington station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Oxford is served by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry trains, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Witney to London. The 233 bus route runs from Witney to Oxford, and from there you can catch a train to London Paddington. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Best places to live outside London to commute - Witney
Best places to live outside London to commute – Witney

12. Arundel

Best places to live close to London? Arundel is a very nice market town located in West Sussex, in the South of England.

It is a popular tourist destination in this part of Sussex and according to some property experts, Arundel is one of the best places to live in England.

This historic market town has been named in the top towns in England to live in so it just has to be top on our list of the best commuter towns near London!

Commuting time to London – 90 mins.

Nice commuter towns near London - Arundel
Nice commuter towns near London – Arundel

13. Cambridge

Where to find the best commuter towns around London? Cambridge might be over 60 miles away from Central London, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a popular spot for commuters to live. Great Northern train services take just 50 minutes from Cambridge to London King’s Cross, making it a reasonable journey. Cambridge is hailed as one of the most beautiful towns in the country, with the historic River Cam running through the centre.

The town has plenty of green spaces, stunning homes and a bustling centre. Living in Cambridge is particularly cheaper than in Central London or many other commuter towns but be sure to factor in the cost of train fare if you are considering a move to the town.

Commuting time to London – 70 mins.

14. Marlow

Best London commuter areas for schools? Marlow is 50 minutes from London Paddington for direct services, or commuters can head to nearby Beaconsfield or High Wycombe for trains to Marylebone in just 30 minutes. The town is cute and unique in the heart of Buckinghamshire, perfect for commuters who want to enjoy life away from the busy London streets.

In the countryside around Marlow, there are many little villages which are great for visiting on a weekend. Marlow is particularly popular with families because of the many schools with outstanding Ofsted ratings.

Commuting time to London – 75 mins.

Top London commuter towns - Marlow
Best places to live outside London – Marlow

15. Wallingford

Best place to live near London? Wallingford is a small market town located in South Oxfordshire, England, approximately 50 miles west of London. Although it is further away from London than some other commuter towns, it is still possible to commute to London from Wallingford.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Wallingford to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in Cholsey, which is about 3 miles from Wallingford. Trains from Cholsey run directly to London Paddington station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Cholsey is served by Great Western Railway, and trains run frequently throughout the day, although the frequency may be less during off-peak hours.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Wallingford to London. The X38 bus route runs from Wallingford to Oxford, and from there you can catch a train to London Paddington. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Overall, Wallingford is a good option for commuters who prefer to live in a quieter town outside of London, but still want to have good transport links to the city. The commute time may be longer than other commuter towns, but the town’s charm and character may be worth the extra travel time.

Up and coming areas outside London - Wallingford
Up and coming areas outside London – Wallingford

16. Twyford

Best place to commute to London? Twyford is a town in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. It is located about 9 miles west of London and is well connected to the city by train, with regular services to Paddington station taking around 30 minutes.

The town is popular with commuters due to its proximity to London, good transport links and affordable housing prices compared to nearby areas such as Reading and Maidenhead.

17. Epping

London commuter belt best towns! Just outside of the M25 in Essex is the town of Epping. It is on the Central Line offering direct services into Stratford, London Liverpool Street and beyond. The historic market town has many shops and restaurants, so despite the rural location, there is plenty to see and do.

Epping is surrounded by 6,000 acres of woodland, known as Epping Forest, making it a great place for commuters that love nature and the great outdoors. When you live in Epping, it certainly doesn’t feel like you are just 55 minutes from Central London.

Commuting time to London – 55 mins.

18. Berkhamsted

Top 10 family-friendly commuter towns for London workers? Recently named the best place to live in the South-East by the Sunday Times, Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire is one of the most popular commuter towns in the area. It is a quaint market town in the Chiltern Hills, with The Grand Union Cancel running through the centre.

The canal makes the town a scenic spot, and the high street is lined with historic buildings which are a collection of big-name brands and local independents. West Midlands Trains run direct services from Berkhamsted to London Euston, with a journey time of fewer than 45 minutes.

Commuting time to London – 45 mins.

Top London commuter towns - Berkhamsted
Best places to live outside London commute – Berkhamsted

19. Chalfont St Giles

Best places to live outside of London? Chalfont St Giles is located in Buckinghamshire, England, approximately 25 miles northwest of London. It is a popular commuter town due to its picturesque location and good transport links to London.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Chalfont St Giles to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in nearby Chalfont & Latimer, which is approximately 2 miles from Chalfont St Giles. Trains from Chalfont & Latimer run directly to London Marylebone station, with a journey time of approximately 35-45 minutes depending on the specific train. Chalfont & Latimer is served by both Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways trains, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Chalfont St Giles to London. The 104 bus route runs from Chalfont St Giles to Uxbridge, where you can catch a tube to London. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Places outside London with easy commute - Chalfont St Giles
Places outside London with easy commute – Chalfont St Giles

20. Ascot

Most expensive commuter towns London? Ascot is famous for its racecourse which has been used by the Royal family for hundreds of years. The relaxing Berkshire town is one of the most beautiful locations in the country, and just a stone’s throw from Central London. It is for these reasons that Ascot is popular among commuters.

Ascot offers a friendly village feel and is known for being very upmarket, with some of the most glamorous homes in the UK found here. London Waterloo is reachable in 55 minutes of South Western Railway services.

Commuting time to London – 90 mins.

21. Watford

Best places to live within an hour of London? Watford is a large town located in Hertfordshire, England, about 20 miles northwest of London. It is well-connected to London by both road and rail, with fast trains to London Euston station taking around 16 minutes, and to London Paddington station taking around 21 minutes.

Watford is a popular commuter town due to its proximity to London and the wider South East, good transport links, and a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

22. Chipping Norton

Where to live outside London and commute? Chipping Norton is a market town located in Oxfordshire, England, approximately 80 miles northwest of London. While Chipping Norton is not typically considered a commuter town for London due to its distance from the city, it is still possible to commute to London from Chipping Norton.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Chipping Norton to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in nearby Banbury, which is approximately 15 miles from Chipping Norton. Trains from Banbury run directly to London Marylebone station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. Banbury is served by Chiltern Railways, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Chipping Norton to London. The 7 bus route runs from Chipping Norton to Oxford, and from there you can catch a train to London Paddington. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Best places to live outside London for commuting - Chipping Norton
Best places to live outside London for commuting – Chipping Norton

23. Hitchin

Where to find the best London commuter towns for first-time buyers? Just over half an hour North of London is the town of Hitchin. Thameslink offers direct services between Hitchin and St Pancras International. This characterful town in Herts features medieval remains and was once known for being a lovely, small market town.

Prices of living in Hitchin are extremely reasonable, making it great for commuters looking to save on the costs of London living. Nearby to Hitchin are the countryside villages of Charlton and Gosmore, which are also very desirable areas to live.

Commuting time to London – 45 mins.

Best commuter towns around London - Hitchin
London commuter towns 2023 – Hitchin

24. Tring

Where else is on the list of best commuter towns to London 2023? Tring is a beautiful little commuter town in Hertfordshire, with plenty of open spaces and a weekly farmers market. Tring train station is just one and a half miles outside of the town and offers direct services to London Euston. This picturesque little town has its own beautiful high street with quirky, independent restaurants and cafes.

Tring is right by the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a great home for commuters with a passion for exploring nature. Tring also has its own natural history museum, an offshoot of the famed museum in central London.

Commuting time to London – 35 mins.

List of best commuter towns to London - Tring
List of best commuter towns to London 2023 – Tring

25. Guildford

Looking for London commuter towns with good schools? In the county of Surrey is the popular market town of Guildford. Reachable from central London in just 30 minutes, South Western Railway run direct services to London Waterloo Station. Guildford is a beautiful historic town with its own castle, cathedral and bustling, cobbled high street.

Residents of Guildford enjoy a huge range of independent shops, big-name department stores and many pubs and restaurants.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

26. Petworth

Top commuter towns London? There are many great locations for a scenic drive near London. But what if one of them is located in West Sussex and you could call it home?

Petworth is a perfectly preserved market town that is nestled in the heart of the stunning South Downs National Park. This beautiful and steeped-in history town has been even voted the Best Antiques Town!

From Petworth’s historic streets to cute cafés and classic pubs are many things to do in Petworth.

Commuting time to London – 120 mins.

Best places to live commute London - Petworth
Best places to live commute London – Petworth

27. Luton

Good commuter towns to London? Luton is a large town located in Bedfordshire, England, about 35 miles north of London. It is well-connected to London by both road and rail, with fast trains to London St Pancras station taking around 25 minutes.

Luton is a popular commuter town due to its proximity to London and the wider South East, good transport links, and a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The town has experienced significant growth in recent years and has undergone extensive redevelopment, including the construction of new housing, shopping centers, and a university campus.

28. Pangbourne

Places near London to live? Pangbourne is located in Berkshire, England, approximately 7 miles west of Reading and 50 miles west of London. It is a popular commuter town due to its attractive location along the River Thames and good transport links to London.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Pangbourne to London is by train. The village has its own railway station, which is served by Great Western Railway trains running between Reading and London Paddington. The journey time from Pangbourne to London Paddington is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific train, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Pangbourne to Reading, which is a major transportation hub with excellent connections to London. The X39 and X40 bus routes run from Pangbourne to Reading, where you can catch a train to London Paddington or London Waterloo. The journey time from Pangbourne to London via Reading can take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the specific train and connections.

Overall, Pangbourne is a good option for commuters who want to live in a picturesque village along the River Thames while still having good transport links to London. The commute time is reasonable, and the village offers a peaceful and relaxing environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Places commutable to London - Pangbourne
Places commutable to London – Pangbourne

29. High Wycombe

Best cheap commuter towns London? High Wycombe is a peaceful town in Buckinghamshire and was once famed for being founded on the wool and furniture industry. These trades have been left behind, and it is now one of the most popular commuter towns thanks to its travel links to London.

Chiltern Railways run direct services to London Marylebone, with a journey time of 33 minutes.

If you are looking for a cosy place to live, then West Wycombe village (located just outside of High Wycombe) could be a great choice!

Commuting time to London – 60 mins.

Best London commuter towns - High Wycombe
Places to live outside London – High Wycombe

30. Borehamwood

Best places to live 1 hour from London? Borehamwood is well known for being a commuter town in Hertfordshire, with direct train services to Blackfriars and London Bridge in less than 30 minutes. There are many London commuter towns ranked very high and Borehamwood is also on that list!

The town is set to boom over the next few months, as Sky recently unveiled plans to create a 32-acre TV and film studio in the area.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

31. Lavenham

Best places to live 2 hours from London? Lavenham is a small town located in Suffolk, England, approximately 80 miles northeast of London.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Lavenham to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in Sudbury, which is approximately 6 miles from Lavenham. Trains from Sudbury run directly to London Liverpool Street station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sudbury is served by Greater Anglia trains, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Lavenham to London. The 753 bus route runs from Lavenham to Bury St Edmunds, where you can catch a train to London Liverpool Street. The journey time is longer than the train, but this may be a more convenient option depending on your location and destination in London.

Nice places to live outside London - Lavenham
Nice places to live outside London – Lavenham

32. Reading

Best London commuter towns for first-time buyers? Reading is regularly ranked as one of the best cities to live in. It is the perfect spot for commuters who don’t want to live in central London but still want the buzz of a big city. There have recently been huge investments in Reading’s rail facilities, and direct links from Reading to Heathrow as well as central London. London Paddington is just 25 minutes away on direct services by GWR.

You are really spoiled with choices here. Whether you choose to live in Reading town centre, Caversham or Sonning, the whole area of reading provides all you need as it’s a perfect commuter town!

Commuting time to London – 25 mins.

Commuter towns close to London - Reading
Best places to live to commute to London – Reading

33. Windsor

Looking for the most expensive commuter towns near the capital city? Windsor is famed for its links to the Royal family, and the centre point of the town is Windsor Castle. It certainly isn’t the cheapest commuter town to choose from, but it is a beautifully quaint town with plenty of character.

Central London can be reached in just 30 minutes, and Windsor is served by two train stations giving commuters more choices than many other towns.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

Best London commuter towns - Windsor
Best commuter towns 2023 – Windsor

34. Uxbridge

Best places outside London to commute from? Uxbridge is a town in the London Borough of Hillingdon, England, located about 16 miles northwest of the city center. It is well-connected to London by both road and rail, with regular trains to London Paddington station taking around 30 minutes. Uxbridge is a popular commuter town due to its proximity to London, good transport links, and a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

The town has a long history and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Uxbridge Moor and Uxbridge Lido, as well as a number of parks and open spaces.

35. Maidenhead

Cheapest commuter towns London? On the edge of the river Thames in Berkshire, Maidenhead is a beautiful town with a rich history. Residents love the regular farmers market, small independent shops and pedestrianised high street.

As one of the top London commuter towns, Maidenhead is a great choice for first-time buyers! Commuters have been flocking to Maidenhead recently because of its new rail links on the Elizabeth line.

Commuting time to London – 35 mins.

36. Rickmansworth

Best places to commute to London? Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire is a popular commuter town because of direct rail services to London Marylebone as well as the Metropolitan Line which runs to Baker Street and London Liverpool Street. The town itself offers a large town centre with many chain stores, restaurants and bars.

If you a looking for max 50-minute commute to London from your next town, then Rickmansworth should be high on your list!

Commuting time to London – 50 mins.

Nicest commuter towns London - Rickmansworth
Nicest commuter towns London – Rickmansworth

37. Romford

Best towns to live outside London? Romford is a town in East London, England, located about 15 miles northeast of the city center. It is well-connected to London by both road and rail, with fast trains to London Liverpool Street station taking around 25 minutes.

Romford is a popular commuter town due to its proximity to London, good transport links, and a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. The town has a long history and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Market Place, as well as a number of parks and open spaces. Romford is also known for its lively market, which has been operating for over 800 years.

38. Burford

Best place to live close to London? Burford is a small town located in Oxfordshire, England, approximately 70 miles west of London.

The most popular mode of transport for commuting from Burford to London is by train. The nearest railway station is located in nearby Charlbury, which is approximately 12 miles from Burford. Trains from Charlbury run directly to London Paddington station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Charlbury is served by Great Western Railway trains, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

In addition to train services, there are also bus services connecting Burford to Oxford, where you can catch a train to London Paddington or London Marylebone. The S3 and S7 bus routes run from Burford to Oxford, and the journey time is approximately 1 hour.

Overall, Burford is a good option for commuters who prefer to live in a charming town in the Cotswolds, but still want to have good transport links to London.

Safest commuter towns London - Burford
Safest commuter towns London – Burford

39. Woking

Towns 20 minutes from London? Less than half an hour south-west of London is the town of Woking. It has been known as one of the best commuter areas close to London for quite a long time.

The town has undergone many recent developments and is known as an up-and-coming commuter area. There is a thriving town centre with shopping centres and a range of excellent schools.

Buying and renting in Woking is much more affordable than in London, currently. However, house prices are set to continue to soar.

Commuting time to London – 30 mins.

40. Princes Risborough

Looking for London’s most affordable commuter towns? On the edge of the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, Princes Risborough is a common choice for commuters. Chiltern Railways offer direct services to London Marylebone, with a journey time of roughly 45 minutes.

It is renowned for being a beautiful town and has been featured on TV shows including Midsomer Murders. Princes Risborough is surrounded by many charming little villages, with lovely old pubs and historic architecture.

Commuting time to London – 70 mins.

Best Commuter towns close to London - Princes Risborough
Chilterns commuter belt town – Princes Risborough

What towns are 30 minutes from London?

  • St Albans
  • Amersham
  • Beaconsfield
  • Tring
  • Guildford
  • Borehamwood
  • Reading
  • Windsor
  • Maidenhead
  • Woking

45-minute commute to London towns

Here are some towns near London with a 45-minute or less commute time to the city:

  • Watford
  • Dartford
  • Romford
  • Cheshunt
  • Upminster
  • Chigwell
  • Barking
  • Hayes
  • Elm Park
  • Hornchurch

60 minute commute to London towns

Please see some of the towns near London with a 60-minute or less commute time to London:

  • St Albans
  • Watford
  • Hemel Hempstead
  • Hayes
  • Dartford
  • Woking
  • Romford
  • Cheshunt
  • Epsom
  • Uxbridge

90 minute commute to London towns

Here are some towns in London with a 90-minute commute time to the city:

  • Luton
  • Watford
  • Reading
  • Crawley
  • Guildford
  • Southend-on-Sea
  • Basildon
  • Tonbridge
  • Maidstone
  • Rochester

Note: Commute times may vary based on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

Best commuter towns to Paddington by train

  • Reading
  • Slough
  • Maidenhead
  • Twyford
  • Hayes & Harlington
  • West Drayton
  • Ealing Broadway
  • Greenford
  • Southall
  • Hanwell

Interested in things to do near London?

Is it worth living outside of London and commuting?

If you are considering making the move out of London and commuting to the office, there are a few things you must consider before deciding if it is worthwhile. Living outside of London is often far cheaper, and your money goes further towards bigger homes and more space. But always bear in mind the cost of travelling, as season tickets into the capital often aren’t cheap.

Commuting from one of these popular commuter towns also gives you an escape from the hustle and bustle of London life, and more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. However, you need to consider if the additional journey time onto your working day (and potential added stress) is worth the peaceful town lifestyle.

Best London commuter towns FAQ:

Where should I live to commute to Paddington?

Maidenhead and Reading are some of the best commuter towns west of London.

Where should I live if I work in London Bridge?

If you’re looking for an idyllic town with a short commute from the outskirts of London then Guildford, Petworth and Redhill are some of the best commuter towns south of London!

Best commuter towns London 2022:

There were many affordable commuter towns in London 2022 on our list. Amersham, Marlow and Rickmansworth are amongst the top commutable places to London!

Best commuter towns north of London:

Borehamwood, Hitchin and Rickmansworth are the top north London commuter towns!

A 45-minute commute to London:

St Albans, Redhill and Borehamwood are the best places to live near London with commute times below 45 minutes.

Is it cheaper to commute or live in London?

The cost of living is definitely cheaper the further you move away from the capital city. With so many commutable towns to London, there are many commuter belt towns that you can call home.

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