30 Minute commute to London: Where to live near London

Are you looking for a place to live that offers around a 30 minute commute to London?

Whether you need to reach London on a daily basis, once or twice a week, or infrequently for occasional meetings, the length of the journey to reach the capital can have a heavy influence on where you look for a home.

Depending on the available transport connections the journey times can vary wildly. Locations that are in fact further from London in miles can sometimes offer a faster commute by rail than places on the London Underground.  

For those needing to travel regularly, locations that offer a 30 minute commute to London are likely to appeal the most.

Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Fastest commute time to London from Beaconsfield: 23 minutes to London Marylebone

Beaconsfield offers residents both a traditional lifestyle, found in the older pretty Old Town, and thriving modern living in the newer part of town that has been built around the railway station. Heathrow airport is just a 20 minute drive away, useful for the frequent flyer.

Located on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Beaconsfield residents can enjoy walks and activities in the beautiful scenery.

The area is therefore popular for those looking for a vibrant town with access to the countryside, all within a 30 minute commute to London.

The Beaconsfield ‘golden triangle’ is made up of several green and leafy residential roads located to the south-west of the station including Cambridge Road, Burkes Road, Burkes Crescent, Grove Road, Furzefield Road, Westfield Road, and Chiltern Hills Road.

There are a number of well-regarded schools in Beaconsfield for children of all ages including a highly regarded grammar school for girls and there is a boy’s grammar school in nearby High Wycombe.

High Wycombe is also home to Wycombe Abbey, which is widely recognised for its academic reputation.

Windsor, Berkshire

Fastest commute time to London from Windsor: 27 minutes to London Paddington

Also, within a 30 minute commute to London, there’s Windsor. Not only is this pretty riverside town the home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the British Royal Family, but it is also the location of many wonderful properties, popular independent and state schools, and is only a very short train journey from London.

There are extensive sporting and leisure facilities in the area and the green spaces of Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water Lake are both popular with local residents.

Property for sale in Windsor ranges from elegant Georgian houses to period cottages, Victorian terraces and modern riverside apartments.

The most desirable places to live in Windsor include homes within the ‘golden triangle’ residential area between Frances Road and Kings Road and those located on St Leonard’s Hill which is a long private road to the south of the town centre.

Families often move to the area to put down roots due to the impressive local schooling options including St George’s and Upton House in Windsor itself. Within the wider area, schools such as Papplewick, Heathfield, St Mary’s in Ascot, St John’s Beaumont in Old Windsor, and Eton College are all highly regarded.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Fastest commute time to London from St Albans: 21 minutes to London St Pancras International

St Albans is situated within the commuter belt and surrounded by beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. Property for sale in St Albans ranges from grand Georgian houses to pretty medieval cottages and over time many newer properties have been added in and around the town.

The Marshalswick area is one of the most sought-after places to live in St Albans along with homes near to the station and around Clarence Park.

For those who are happy to travel in the car for a short distance before taking the train, there are beautiful villages surrounding St Alban’s such as Wheathampstead and the Ayots which includes the villages of Ayot St Lawrence, Ayot Green, and Ayot St Peter.

For families looking for a home within a 30 minute commute of London, St Albans is particularly desirable. There are many highly regarded schools, both state and private, including St Albans High School for Girls, St Albans, and Verulam.

Green spaces include Clarence Park and Verulamium Park which leads to the River Ver for idyllic country walks.

Elmbridge, Surrey

Fastest commute time to London from Elmbridge: 24 minutes to London Waterloo

The Surrey borough of Elmbridge includes the desirable residential areas of Walton-on-Thames, Weybridge, Esher, Oxshott, and Cobham.

These areas are largely within the Surrey Golden Triangle where many homes are located on private estates such as St George’s Hill in Weybridge and the Crown Estate in Oxshott.

In terms of commuting from these areas, there are several stations that offer a 30 minute commute to London or less.

The fastest route from Oxshott runs into London Waterloo in 30 minutes, from Walton-on-Thames into London Waterloo takes 24 minutes and from Esher into London Waterloo takes 31 minutes.

Local residents also have the option to drive into London relatively easily being within the M25 motorway and not far from the A3 main road into the city.

Families are often drawn to finding a home in the Elmbridge area of Surrey for the impressive schooling options on offer along with the access to open space and overall high quality of life.

Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Fastest commute time to London from Welwyn Garden City: 29 minutes to London Kings Cross

Welwyn Garden City offers an idyllic combination of urban benefits such as a selection of amenities and good transport connections, together with being incredibly green and having ample communal outdoor spaces to enjoy.  

The town was originally designed in the 1920s and was the second garden city to be created in the UK.  

Known for its unique layout, Welwyn Garden City has a central park surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. In terms of property, the town boasts attractive neo-Georgian cottages positioned on wide, tree-lined streets.

Welwyn Garden City is well-connected to London and other nearby towns and cities, with regular train and bus services making it ideal for those requiring around a 30 minute commute to London.

Walton-on-Thames, Surrey

Fastest commute time to London from Walton-on-Thames: 22 minutes to London Waterloo

Walton-on-Thames is another popular town that offers under a 30 minute commute to London, and being situated on the River Thames means residents can enjoy life by the water. The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, with several notable landmarks and attractions.

Walton-on-Thames has a vibrant centre with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, many of which can be found in the retail complex named ‘The Heart’.

There are several parks and green spaces, including Walton Heath and Oatlands Park. The town also hosts numerous annual events including a food festival and Christmas festival.

Walton-on-Thames has a train station with a direct line to London Waterloo. It is also well-connected by road, offering good options for commuters.

Shenfield, Brentwood

Fastest commute time to London from Shenfield: 23 minutes to London Liverpool Street

A suburban town in Essex, Shenfield is a popular place to live for those needing to be within a 30 minute commute of London. In recent years, Shenfield has undergone significant development but has managed to retain its character.

Shenfield has a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several parks including Hutton Country Park and Shenfield Common.

Independent shops include Hepburns, a butcher that has been an Essex stalwart since 1932; there’s also a bakery, florist, fishmonger, wine shop, and an independent travel agent.

Shenfield’s train station provides direct access to London Liverpool Street, making the town a popular choice for commuters who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more suburban area.

Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Fastest commute time to London from Hitchin: 29 minutes to London Kings Cross

Known for its picturesque streets and historic buildings, Hitchin is a desirable town in Hertfordshire that offers a convenient commute to London.

A notable feature of Hitchin is its 14th-century medieval market square, which is still used for regular markets today.

Hitchin has a strong artistic culture and is renowned for its vibrant music scene, which is evident in the various pubs and concert halls dotted across the town.

From classical concerts at Benslow Music Trust to folk music at the award-winning Hitchin Folk Club, which is within the Sun Hotel, there’s always something taking place. Hitchin is also known to be a popular town with the foodies with almost every cuisine represented.

Local places to visit include Hitchin Lavender Farm and Bancroft Gardens. Just under a 30 minute commute to London, Hitchin is well-connected both to the capital and other nearby towns, with regular train services and easy access to major roads.

Twyford, Berkshire

Fastest commute time to London from Twyford: 32 minutes to London Paddington

Boasting exceptional transport connections and an abundance of charm, Twyford, a village in Berkshire situated between Reading and Maidenhead, is a highly sought-after place to call home.

Twyford holds a range of local events and festivals throughout the year, including the Twyford Donkey Derby and Twyford Beer Festival. The village has a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several parks including the village green, King George V Playing Fields, and Loddon Nature Reserve.

One of the most notable features of Twyford is its beautiful village green surrounded by several historic buildings including St Mary’s Church, which dates back to the 12th century and features stunning architecture.

Such is the history of the area that buyers seeking homes in Twyford can expect to find some incredible properties.

Twyford has its own train station and is well-connected to Reading, Oxford, and London Paddington by rail so is an attractive option to those seeking a location that offers around a 30 minute commute to London. Additionally, Twyford has easy access to main roads including the M4 motorway.

Tonbridge, Kent

Fastest commute time to London from Tonbridge: 31 minutes to London Paddington

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Tonbridge offers residents a real respite from the capital whilst still being easily connected to London.

A renowned feature of Tonbridge is its 11th-century medieval castle, which is now open to the public as a museum and art gallery. There are a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as green spaces such as Haysden Country Park and Tonbridge Sports Ground.

Local events are held throughout the year including Tonbridge Carnival and Tonbridge Music Weekend.

Many families choose to move to Tonbridge, attracted by the well-regarded schooling options in the area which include Tonbridge School for boys, where Jane Austen’s father, George, was a pupil in the 1700s. Tonbridge was one of the first towns in Kent to have a public library.

Tonbridge is well-connected to Sevenoaks and London with regular train services and easy access to main roads and motorways making it a popular location for buyers requiring a 30 minute commute to London.

Sevenoaks, Kent

Fastest commute time to London from Sevenoaks: 24 minutes to London Bridge

The market town of Sevenoaks is an idyllic commuter location with less than a 30 minute commute to London. The town’s High Street and London Road area has a range of chain and independent shops, cafes, and restaurants housed in beautiful historic buildings mostly from the Georgian period, with some examples from the Tudor and Stuart eras. Bligh’s Meadow Shopping Centre is a modern addition to the town.

Property for sale in Sevenoaks ranges from modern apartments to grand, period homes. Victorian houses are primarily in the town centre, there are also large 20’s built houses in close proximity to the station.

The most exclusive homes in Sevenoaks can be found on the gated Wildernesse Estate in the Parkfield area where luxury homes that often boast tennis courts and swimming pools can be found.

Sevenoaks has a large number of parks and green spaces including the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks Common, and Bradbourne Lakes.

Local entertainment can be found at The Stag Theatre, an Art Deco building incorporating a theatre and two cinema screens, and annual events include the Sevenoaks Summer Festival, and the Sevenoaks Literary Celebration.

The town has two railway stations, Sevenoaks and Bat & Ball (named after a now-closed pub), with direct services

Sevenoaks and Kent have a strong reputation for schooling options; from impressive grammar schools to outstanding state-run schools and the many private schools such as Solefield, Sevenoaks School, and Walthamstow Hall.

Chislehurst, Bromley

Fastest commute time to London from Chislehurst: 29 minutes to London Cannon Street

Not only does Chislehurst offer under a 30 minute commute to London, but it is also a very popular place to live. With country walks, scenic parks, historic caves, excellent shopping, and well-rated dining options, it’s little wonder buyers consider moving to Chislehurst.

A rarity for somewhere so well-connected, Chislehurst has beautiful green spaces including Chislehurst Commons and Scadbury Park Nature Reserve.

It is home to several historic landmarks, including the 13th-century Chislehurst Caves, which were used for a variety of purposes over the years, including as a shelter during World War II.

Those moving to the area can enjoy the multiple events held throughout the year, including the Chislehurst Summer Fair and the Chislehurst Farmers’ Market.

In terms of transportation, Chislehurst is well-connected to London and other nearby towns with regular, direct train services taking under half an hour, and easy access to major roads.

Weybridge, Surrey

Fastest commute time to London from Weybridge: 32 minutes to London Waterloo

Weybridge is a town in Surrey known for its beautiful riverside location, exclusive neighbourhoods, and excellent schools.

From scenic river walks to shopping on the stylish Baker Street, it’s unsurprising that Weybridge is such a sought-after place to live.

Its location on the River Wey makes it popular among boating and water sports enthusiasts. The town’s centre is lined with high-end independent shops and top-quality restaurants and cafes. There are open spaces including Brooklands Community Park and Weybridge Heath.

Weybridge holds a range of local events and festivals throughout the year, including the Weybridge Christmas Market and the Weybridge Music Festival.

Weybridge is directly connected by train to London Waterloo and has easy access to main roads and the M25 motorway.

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Fastest commute time to London from Berkhamsted: 34 minutes to London Euston

Surrounded by the stunning Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Berkhamsted is a popular commuter location. It is a historic market town that boasts an exceptionally pretty high street filled with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, all housed in beautiful old buildings.

Beyond the cobbled streets and timbered buildings, Berkhamsted has many parks and green spaces.

These include Canal Fields and Berkhamsted Castle, which was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Events are held in the town throughout the year including Berkhamsted Arts and Crafts Market and Berkhamsted Christmas Festival.

Offering just over a 30 minute commute to London, Berkhamsted Railway Station has a direct service to London Euston and Milton Keynes Central. There is good access to major roads and the M1 motorway.

Chelmsford, Essex

Fastest commute time to London from Chelmsford: 29 minutes to London Liverpool Street

Chelmsford in Essex is a city located to the northeast of London and is comfortably one of the most sought-after places to live in Essex. The birthplace of the radio, Chelmsford is known for its history, architecture, and community feel.

There are a range of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Chelmsford also boasts a beautiful 16th-century cathedral, which is the second smallest cathedral in the country.  Outdoor spaces include Central Park and Hylands Park.

The city holds a range of local events and festivals held throughout the year, including the Chelmsford Summer Beer and Cider Festival and Chelmsford Christmas Market.

Chelmsford recently ranked first in the Sunday Times’ best places to live in the East of England poll. The city is well-connected to London and other nearby towns with regular train services and a good road network.

Maidenhead, Berkshire

Fastest commute time to London from Maidenhead: 36 minutes to London Paddington

Located some 25 miles west of London, Maidenhead is also a viable option for those needing approximately a 30 minute commute to London.

One of the town’s best-known features is its railway bridge, which was designed in the late 18^th century by the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel and is the largest railway bridge in Europe.

The town has a good-sized shopping centre, and an eight-screen cinema, and is also the home of the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

There are independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as parks and open spaces such as Ockwells Park and Braywick Nature Centre.

Maidenhead residents benefit from a range of local events including the Maidenhead Festival, the Kite Festival, and Farmers’ Markets. Just to the south of Maidenhead in the village of Bray is Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant, which has previously been named the best restaurant in the world.

As a place to live, Maidenhead is peaceful whilst being well-connected and is very popular among families. Maidenhead is directly connected to Reading and London Paddington by rail and has easy access to the M4 and M40 motorways.

Reading, Berkshire

Fastest commute time to London from Reading: 24 minutes to London Paddington

Whilst Reading itself is a large business hub, it is also a popular place to live among those who commute to London regularly.

A large town in Berkshire situated 40 miles west of London where the River Thames and River Kennet meet, Reading offers residents a vibrant, metropolitan place to live, whilst not being as overwhelmingly vast as the capital itself.

The centre of Reading has a large retail offering including the pedestrianised Broad Street and The Oracle, which is an indoor shopping centre; both have many cafes and restaurants.

Reading has many parks and green spaces, including Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park.

There are a range of local events and festivals held throughout the year, including Reading Festival every August Bank Holiday weekend, and the Reading Beer Festival.

Reading has a direct and regular train service to London Paddington and easy access to major roads including the M4 motorway.

Thame, Oxfordshire

Fastest commute time to London from Thame: 26 minutes to London Waterloo

Thame is a small town in Oxfordshire to the east of Oxford, situated on the River Thame, a tributary of the better-known River Thames.

Thame’s characterful and bustling High Street has an array of period properties including medieval timber-framed buildings, grander houses of grey-brick with red-brick dressing from the late 17^th century, and red-brick houses from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

Many of these properties are now occupied by a variety of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and the town still puts on a weekly market. Other amenities include the Thame Players Theatre, which also has an art cinema and a leisure centre with a pool.

Green spaces include the 32-acre Cuttle Brook Nature Reserve, and the Phoenix Trail, a five-mile off-road walking and cycling route, between Thame and Princes Risborough, with 30 art installations to view along the way.

Local cultural and social events include the Thame Arts & Literature Festival, Music in the Park, Thame Carnival, and agricultural fairs.

Thame is served by Haddenham Railway Station, which is two miles northeast of Thame and has a direct service to London Marylebone facilitating a less than 30 minute commute to London.

There is easy access to the A40 and A418, and to the M40 motorway that runs between London and Birmingham.

Looking for a property with a 30 minute commute to London?

There are some wonderful places to live that offer a 30 minute commute to London and our seasoned property finders would be delighted to assist with your home search for the ideal commuter location.

To discuss your property and commuting requirements and to learn more about our services, please do contact us, without obligation.