Trading traffic jams for birdsong doesn’t mean giving up on your London career. As hybrid working becomes the new normal, many professionals are rethinking where they live. With just a 45-minute train commute to London, you can enjoy rolling hills, weekend walks, and a sense of calm, all while staying connected to the capital.
Here are the top countryside towns offering a 45-minute commute to London in 2025.
Why choose countryside living within commuting distance?
There’s a reason more people are leaving the city behind: space, greenery, and a slower pace of life are incredibly good for wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean you want to cut all ties with London. These locations offer:
- Fast, direct trains to London (often under 45 minutes)
- Stunning countryside surroundings
- Great schools and strong communities
- Better value for money on housing
NEXT READ: 6 surprisingly rural towns with a direct commuter train to London
1. Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
Fastest train to London Euston: 35 mins
Nestled on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Berkhamsted offers leafy streets, canal-side walks, and a creative, independent vibe. It’s popular with young families and hybrid workers looking for space and style.
2. Haslemere, Surrey
Fastest train to London Waterloo: 45 mins
Right on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Haslemere combines countryside charm with great commuter connections. Think weekend hikes, cute cafes, and cosy pubs.
3. Tring, Hertfordshire
Fastest train to London Euston: 42 mins
A small market town surrounded by green belt and the Chilterns AONB, Tring is ideal for walkers, cyclists and anyone who wants their mornings to start with birdsong rather than buses.
4. Wendover, Buckinghamshire
Fastest train to London Marylebone: 45 mins
Tucked into the Chiltern Hills, Wendover is a quiet, picturesque town with strong community vibes and access to ancient woodlands. The perfect choice for a real countryside feel, with city links when you need them.
NEXT READ: A quick guide to the best commuter towns in Buckinghamshire for young professionals
5. Godalming, Surrey
Fastest train to London Waterloo: 44 mins
Surrey countryside, a peaceful river, and excellent schools make Godalming a hit with professionals ready to swap tube delays for dog walks. The high street is full of charm, too.
6. Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Fastest train to London Paddington (via Twyford): ~43 mins
Famous for its regatta but ideal for daily life too, Henley offers riverside bliss and a thriving local scene. You’ll need to change at Twyford, but with Elizabeth Line links, London is easily within reach.
7. Reigate, Surrey
Fastest train to London Victoria or London Bridge: ~40 mins
Reigate offers historic charm, lovely green spaces, and proximity to the North Downs. It’s one of Surrey’s most underrated gems and an ideal choice for commuters who want more greenery and less stress.
NEXT READ: Would you take on an extreme commute?
Countryside living doesn’t have to mean long, exhausting commutes or feeling disconnected. These towns offer the best of both worlds: fresh air, space, and stunning scenery, all with fast links into London.
The Hattie 