Top 10 Best Commuter Towns in Surrey
- Sean
- 7 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
Thinking of Making a Move? Discover the Best Commuter Towns in Surrey
If you take a visit to Surrey, then you are going to find that many of the people who call it their home have spent at least some of their lives working in London. Whilst there are lots of people there who have always lived, worked and raised a family in Surrey, it has become a county that is recognised as being a top choice for commuters.
There are, of course, a number of reasons for this. The first is because of its close proximity to South and West London. This means that you can then make your way through the rest of London as you need to. Ideal for those who work in the city, but perhaps don’t like the idea of living there.
This leads us on to our next point, which is the fact that there is definitely a quieter way of life in Surrey. This doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do, but what it does mean is that if you are concerned about the busy nature of life in London, then you are going to be able to escape and enjoy something a little calmer.
Finally, there is plenty of choice of places that you can live if you do decide to base yourself in Surrey. Here you will find villages and towns, all charming and packed full of character in their own way. So, with this in mind, rather than find yourself spoilt for choice, we have put together our guide to the top 10 best commuter towns in Surrey. Read on to discover more, and let Pinnacle Removals assist you with your relocation there.
Reigate and Redhill
Found just south of London, both Reigate and Redhill are two towns that many people who are looking to commute into London are likely to think of. They have a variety of positives going for them, which makes either a great choice. The first is affordability, with Redhill the slightly cheaper option of the two; however, when compared to property prices in London, both come out much cheaper.
They are also well connected to allow you to travel to London, whether that is by car or by train. Whichever suits you better.
Reigate and Redhill are consistently ranked among Surrey’s top commuter towns, thanks to their excellent transport links, green spaces, and strong schools. Reigate boasts a charming high street and historic architecture, while Redhill offers a more urban feel with ongoing regeneration projects. Both towns provide a balanced lifestyle for professionals and families alike. The average property price in Reigate is approximately £652,973, while in Redhill, it's around £454,910.
Farnham
Farnham is a picturesque Georgian market town that appeals to those looking for charm and character. Located on the western edge of Surrey, it offers direct trains to London Waterloo in about 55 minutes. Farnham has a strong sense of community, highly-rated schools, and stunning countryside including the nearby Surrey Hills AONB and Alice Holt Forest.
It's ideal for families and professionals who want more space without sacrificing connectivity. The average property price in Farnham is approximately £653,000.
Earlswood
Found not far from Reigate and Redhill, you have Earlswood. It is only around 1 mile south of these bigger towns, but it has kept a much lower profile when it comes to being a commuter haven. Transport into London is simple, and you can get to London Bridge on the train within 40 minutes. In fact, Earlswood is a stop before Redhill, which means that many commuters find it much easier to get a seat before the rush of those who live in the larger towns join the journey.
One drawback to living in Earlswood compared to other commuter towns is the fact that it doesn’t have a huge amount to do if you are concerned with keeping up with your social life. However, what it lacks in nightspots and events, it makes up for with quiet charm, which many people appreciate at the end of a busy work week in the bustle of London.
Earlswood is a hidden gem for commuters seeking a quieter alternative to larger towns. Its proximity to Redhill and Reigate means residents can enjoy the amenities of bigger towns while benefiting from a more peaceful environment. The area is known for its community spirit and access to green spaces. The average property price in Earlswood is approximately £414,622.
Epsom
Epsom is a well-connected and sought-after town in Surrey, best known for the famous Epsom Downs Racecourse and its rich history. With fast trains reaching London Waterloo, Victoria, and London Bridge in around 35-40 minutes, it’s a firm favourite among commuters. The town offers a great mix of urban convenience and green space, including Epsom Common and the nearby Surrey Hills.
Epsom also boasts excellent schools, a lively town centre, and a variety of property types—from modern apartments to period homes. The average property price in Epsom is approximately £566,000.
Dorking
Dorking is a quintessential Surrey market town that combines historic charm with practical modern living, making it an excellent choice for commuters. Nestled at the foot of the North Downs and surrounded by beautiful countryside, it offers a more relaxed pace of life while still being well connected to London. Trains from Dorking to London Victoria or London Waterloo typically take under an hour, making it a convenient option for daily travel.
The town itself boasts a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as good schools and leisure facilities. For lovers of the outdoors, Box Hill and the surrounding Surrey Hills provide plenty of opportunity for walking, cycling and weekend exploring. Nearby villages like Mickleham add to the area’s rural appeal, offering scenic charm just a stone’s throw away.
Dorking is regularly praised for its balance of countryside and connectivity, and it’s no surprise it remains one of Surrey’s most desirable commuter towns. The average house price in Dorking is around £645,000, offering a range of homes from period cottages to spacious family properties.
Esher
For those seeking a more upmarket commuter option, Esher is one of Surrey’s most prestigious towns. With frequent train services reaching London Waterloo in around 30 minutes and easy access to the A3, Esher is popular among professionals, celebrities, and even international buyers.
The town offers a thriving high street, top-rated schools, and beautiful green spaces such as Sandown Park and the nearby River Mole. The average house price in Esher is around £987,000, reflecting its luxury appeal.
Woking
Woking is one of Surrey’s most popular commuter towns, and for good reason. With trains reaching London Waterloo in as little as 25 minutes and departing up to 8 times an hour during peak times, it offers one of the fastest and most frequent commutes into the capital. This makes it ideal for professionals who work in the city but prefer to live outside of it.
Beyond its unbeatable transport links, Woking has seen significant investment and regeneration in recent years. The town centre has been modernised with new shopping and dining options, cultural attractions like The Lightbox gallery, and a vibrant theatre scene. It also has well-regarded schools, leafy residential streets, and plenty of nearby green space, including Horsell Common and the Basingstoke Canal for weekend walks.
Woking continues to rank as one of Surrey’s top commuter hotspots, offering the perfect blend of connectivity, amenities, and value. With an average house price of around £520,000, it presents a relatively affordable option for buyers looking for excellent transport links without sacrificing quality of life.
Guildford
If you are looking for somewhere that is going to feel somewhat like a “mini London”, then another popular choice is Guildford. It has become so appealing to those who commute or who have lived in London that you could almost be fooled into thinking that you are still in the city, even if you are in the town instead.
Guildford has lots to offer, including shopping, eating out, nightlife and a cafe culture too. As well as those things that you are more likely to find in London, Guildford has some lovely pubs with a real village feel about them and are the perfect place to spend some time relaxing after a busy week at work.
Guildford combines the vibrancy of a city with the charm of the countryside. Its excellent schools, shopping, and cultural offerings make it a perennial favourite among families and professionals. The town's historic centre and beautiful surroundings add to its appeal. The average property price in Guildford is approximately £572,080.
Camberley
Located in the northwest of Surrey, Camberley offers a strong blend of affordability, amenities, and commuter convenience. Trains into London Waterloo take just over an hour, but many commuters choose to drive or use nearby stations for faster services. Camberley is well-connected by road via the M3, making it ideal for those who split time between London and the surrounding areas.
The town centre has undergone regeneration, with shopping, entertainment, and leisure facilities, plus access to great countryside nearby. The average property price in Camberley is around £468,000.
Walton-on-Thames
If there were an award for the closest of the commuter towns to London, then Walton-on-Thames might just win it. People joke that if you are tall enough, you could probably stretch up and see London from here. What this means for commuters is that it is incredibly easy (and not to mention quick) to get into the capital.
Most of the time you will find that there are as many as 4 trains every hour and they only take around 25 minutes to reach London Waterloo, which is often quicker than if you lived in the outskirts of the city and had to commute in.
Life in Walton-on-Thames is pretty great too. It has a much more country-esque approach to life than you may realise, with plenty of golf and riverside walks to enjoy when you are on your downtime.
Walton-on-Thames is a riverside town that offers a blend of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience. Its proximity to London, coupled with excellent schools and leisure facilities, makes it a popular choice for families. The town's vibrant community and scenic walks along the Thames enhance its desirability. The average property price in Walton-on-Thames is around £689,981.
Education in Surrey
Surrey offers an exceptional range of educational options, making it a popular choice for families seeking both top-rated schools and commuter convenience. The county is home to several outstanding independent schools, such as Charterhouse in Godalming, Epsom College, and Reigate Grammar School, all known for academic excellence and extensive co-curricular opportunities.
Guildford High School and Royal Grammar School (Guildford) are consistently ranked among the best in the UK, while schools like St John’s in Leatherhead and Cranleigh School also enjoy national reputations. Many of Surrey’s commuter towns boast strong state school options too, including Hinchley Wood School, George Abbot School in Guildford, and Tiffin School in Kingston (just over the border in Greater London).
Families will also benefit from a wide choice of nurseries, primaries, and special educational needs provision across the county, supported by a strong local commitment to education.
Transport Links
Surrey’s excellent transport infrastructure is a key draw for commuters. Fast and frequent rail services from towns like Woking, Guildford, and Redhill provide direct access to London Waterloo, Victoria, and London Bridge, often in under 40 minutes.
Woking and Farnham offer particularly quick routes into the capital, while towns such as Epsom and Dorking have multiple rail connections and good motorway access via the M25 and A3. Surrey is also well-placed for travel to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, making it ideal for business travellers and international commuters alike.
Outdoor Activities
With its blend of countryside and commuter living, Surrey offers plentiful outdoor activities. The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretches across the county, offering miles of scenic trails for walkers, cyclists, and runners. Leith Hill and Box Hill are popular weekend spots for panoramic views and hiking.
Families can enjoy well-maintained parks like Priory Park in Reigate, Stoke Park in Guildford, and Painshill Park in Cobham. For those who enjoy water sports, the River Wey and local lakes offer opportunities for paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing.
Cultural Attractions
Surrey has a rich cultural and historical identity. Guildford Castle, RHS Garden Wisley, and the Watts Gallery in Compton offer cultural enrichment, while towns like Farnham and Dorking boast thriving arts scenes with galleries, theatres, and music venues.
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and G Live host touring productions, comedy, and concerts year-round. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring historic homes such as Polesden Lacey and Hatchlands Park, both managed by the National Trust.
Local Amenities
Surrey’s commuter towns are well-equipped with modern amenities and strong community networks. Town centres like Reigate, Cobham, and Esher offer a mix of high-street favourites, independent boutiques, and farmers' markets.
Leisure facilities are plentiful, with centres like Guildford Spectrum and Woking Leisure Centre providing gyms, swimming pools, and family entertainment. Local cafés, pubs, and restaurants, from fine dining to cosy gastropubs, contribute to a vibrant social life. At the same time, regular town events and seasonal festivals help foster a strong sense of community.
Moving to Surrey with Pinnacle Removals & Storage
If you’ve decided to settle in one of Surrey’s top commuter towns, the next step is ensuring your move is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. At Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we specialise in UK removals and have extensive experience helping individuals, couples, and families relocate to and from Surrey.
With a depot based in Wallington, South London, we’re ideally located to support moves across Surrey and the surrounding commuter belt. Whether you’re moving to a vibrant hub like Guildford, a charming market town like Dorking, or a peaceful spot like Earlswood, we provide a reliable, local service you can trust.
Our team offers tailored solutions, including home or video surveys, expert packing, secure transport, and flexible storage options. Every move is managed by a dedicated Move Co-ordinator, who handles all the details so you can focus on settling into your new home.
With over 50 years of combined experience in domestic and regional removals, we understand the needs of Surrey movers, especially those commuting to London. Our fully trained staff and GPS-tracked vehicles ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time.
Planning your move to Surrey? Get in touch with Pinnacle Removals & Storage today to find out how we can make your relocation easy and stress-free.
Comments