5 of the cheapest London commuter towns and how much travel will cost you

Londoners and city workers have long been flocking to commuter hubs to dodge skyrocketing house prices and untenable rents.

But it’s not just as easy as picking a town in the Home Counties and scheduling the removal van: the commute and the cost of a train ticket also need to be deliberated.

If you play your cards right, though, you could end up with a coveted spot on the property ladder and a shorter commute, if your office is within walking distance of the train station.

Weighing up your options? Zoopla’s most recent research identified the cheapest commuter towns (and, in some cases, cities), and broke them down by the major London train station they’re served by.

If you’re considering swapping the capital for a quieter life, then take heed.

King’s Cross – Peterborough

Yes, it might’ve suffered a bit of a decline lately (just ask its residents), but there’s plenty of appeal outside of the price tag.

There are several lovely tourist attractions, including the city’s impressive Norman Cathedral, which was built in 1238 and has a rich history. For those interested in Henry VIII and his many wives, it’s worth a stop; his first, Catherine of Aragon, was buried here.

You can also visit the sixteenth-century Burghley House, and for those who love the outdoors, there’s Nene Park, which stretches for 10km along the valley of the River Nene, with Ferry Meadows Country Park in its centre.

And of course, you’re not far from picturesque Cambridge, perfect for a day trip where you can go punting on the river, and wander around the quaint cobbled streets.

Cost of an advance ticket to London: £13 (£26 return)

Average home value: £238,800

Approximate commuting time: 50 minutes

St Pancras – Wellingborough

Just under an hour away from St Pancras, Wellingborough, in Northamptonshire, has an average property value of £245,400.

It’s worth noting that Northamptonshire is sometimes referred to as ‘the Notswolds,’ largely due to its balance of rustic ambience and convenient connections.

Villages like Culworth and Brackley evoke the same timeless appeal as the Cotswolds, with characterful cottages, historic parish churches, and green open spaces.

The area also offers greater affordability, which translates into larger homes and generous garden plots, appealing to buyers priced out.

Cost of an advance ticket to London: £9.60 (£19.20 return)

Average home value: £245,400

Approximate commuting time: 53 minutes

Euston – Rugby

A highly sought-after market town, Rugby is packed with independent retailers, bars and restaurants, and even has a weekly market selling fresh local produce.

There’s also plenty to be found just outside of Rugby, including a breathtaking 630-acre reservoir in the form of Draycote Water.

With bike and walking trails, a water sports centre, bird-watching hides and a trout fishery, the reservoir, built in 1970, supplies water to both Rugby and Coventry.

For another experience steeped in nature, there’s the Swift Valley Nature Reserve, a peaceful park with various marshes, landscaped wetlands, and meadows filled with water lilies and dragonflies.

Inevitably, the sport of rugby also has a considerable presence locally, and a trip to The Webb Ellis Rugby Museum is essential for fans.

Cost of an advance ticket to London: From £9 (£18 return)

Average home value: £281,100

Approximate commuting time: 52 minutes

Marylebone – Bicester

Oxford might conjure up images of Gothic architecture, botanical gardens and university libraries, but there’s more to Oxfordshire (known locally as ‘Oxon’) than just the City of Dreaming Spires.

Bicester is famously home to the Bicester Village designer shopping outlet, which has 150 boutiques – and more than a few places to grab a bite.

The surrounding countryside also couldn’t be further from the capital’s grey pavements, and, if you want to shake off a few cobwebs, the Island Pond Wood nature reserve is worth exploring.

Characterised by rolling green fields, there are plenty of walks around nearby Bodicote and Deddington, while Banbury town centre has the People’s Park, and the (uniquely named) Spiceball Country Park.

Cost of an advance ticket to London: From £6.40 (£12.80 return)

Average home value: £395,400

Approximate commuting time: 43 minutes

Paddington – Didcot

Also in Oxfordshire, Didcot might be slightly quieter than its county neighbours, but it’s the most affordable commuter town that’s directly connected to Paddington.

As well as hosting steam train rides, the Didcot Railway Centre has a unique collection of carriages historically used on the Great Western Railway. Plus, the centre has been featured in various films, including Sherlock Holmes and Beyond Narnia.

For green spaces, there’s Ladygrove Park and Millennium Wood, and if it’s music you’re after, Truck Festival takes to nearby Hill Farm every summer.

Jokingly described as the UK’s ‘most warped village fete,’ this year’s lineup includes The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Wombats.

Cost of an advance ticket to London: Approximately £27.33 (£54.66 return)

Average home value: £387,100

Approximate commuting time: 37 minutes.

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