Hybrid working has opened up a new way of living – one where you no longer need to be tethered to London 5 days a week. Enter the super commute: travelling from much further afield to the capital just once or twice per week. It’s a growing trend among professionals who want better work-life balance, more affordable housing, and access to green space without giving up the opportunities of a London-based role.
But which super commutes are actually worth it? Let’s explore the top UK towns and regions where long-distance commuting into London pays off in terms of lifestyle, cost of living, and overall wellbeing.
What makes a super commute “worth it”?
Not all long commutes are created equal. To make a super commute sustainable, you’ll want a sweet spot between:
- Train time under 2.5–3 hours
- Reliable and frequent transport
- Affordable property/rent prices
- Lifestyle perks: countryside, coast, community
- Good infrastructure for remote working on non-commute days
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1. Exeter, Devon
Approx. 2hr 10min to London Paddington
Exeter is a thriving cathedral city in the southwest with excellent rail links via Great Western Railway. It’s one of the best-connected cities west of London and offers both coast and countryside nearby.
- Direct trains multiple times daily
- Buzzing tech and startup scene
- Access to Dartmoor and beaches for weekend exploring
- Lower house prices compared to the South East
Why it’s worth it: You can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle in Devon while still staying plugged into the capital. Perfect for creatives, tech professionals, and consultants.
2. Truro, Cornwall
Approx. 4hr 15min by train (or 1hr 10min flight from Newquay to London Gatwick)
Yes, it’s a long one but for hybrid workers only commuting monthly or bi-weekly, Truro (and surrounding areas like Falmouth or St Agnes) offer an idyllic coastal lifestyle with plenty of remote-friendly coworking spaces.
- Scenic living in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions
- Emerging digital nomad community
- Newquay Airport offers flights to London in around an hour
Why it’s worth it: Cornwall is a dream for families, creatives, and those who value nature and space. If you plan travel smartly, the trade-off can be life-changing.
3. Stroud, Gloucestershire
Approx. 1hr 30min to London Paddington
Stroud has become a haven for London leavers. Its artistic community, excellent markets, and green surroundings make it a popular pick for hybrid workers seeking charm without full isolation.
- Reliable direct train links
- Affordable housing (in the context of the Cotswolds!)
- Excellent schools and a strong community feel
Why it’s worth it: With a weekly or fortnightly London commute, you can have the Cotswolds experience at a more accessible price point.
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4. Frome, Somerset
Approx. 1hr 50min to London Paddington (via Westbury)
Quirky, independent, and increasingly popular, Frome blends rural calm with creative energy. It’s ideal for professionals in media, publishing, design or those running their own businesses remotely.
- Thriving creative scene and co-working spaces
- House prices still lower than Bath or Bristol
- Community spirit and great artisan markets
Why it’s worth it: Frome lets you live well without sacrificing cultural life. And your London office days feel like a quick hop rather than a burden.
5. Lewes, East Sussex
Approx. 1hr 10min to London Victoria
A super commute doesn’t have to be epic. Lewes is a shorter-distance but still dramatically different from London, nestled in the South Downs, with independent shops, character homes and a strong cultural identity.
- Quick and reliable train services
- Great for families and nature lovers
- Brighton is just down the road for city-style buzz
Why it’s worth it: A gentle super commute for those who want to escape the city, but not too far.
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6. Edinburgh (with monthly flights)
Approx. 1hr 20min flight to London Heathrow, Gatwick, or City
For senior professionals or remote-first roles, a monthly trip to London is increasingly common. Edinburgh offers a completely different pace, culture, and affordability, while still offering easy airport access.
- Excellent digital infrastructure
- World-class restaurants, culture, and green space
- Commutable to London in under 4 hours total door-to-door (if flying efficiently)
Why it’s worth it: Edinburgh combines capital-city amenities with remote worker lifestyle perks making it perfect if you only commute once or twice a month.
Tips for making your super commute work
- Use Flexi Season Tickets or Advance Bookings to save on costs
- Batch your meetings and in-office time to make the trip worthwhile
- Stay overnight when needed to avoid exhaustion
- Look for coworking spaces or hotels near your office
- Treat your commute time as productive time by bringing reading, admin, or podcasts
Hybrid working has shifted the UK map, and more professionals are proving that long-distance doesn’t mean out of touch. Whether you’re drawn to the moors of Devon or the energy of Edinburgh, these super commutes offer a chance to redesign your life on your terms.
The Hattie 