This town perched on the London-Surrey border, isn’t always the first place that springs to mind when Londoners consider escaping the city – but perhaps it should be.
While it may lack the postcard-perfect charm of Guildford’s cathedral or the rolling hills of Mickleham, it makes up for it with unbeatable transport connections, a growing town centre, and surprisingly good value when compared to neighbouring Surrey locations.
Fast and affordable connections from Redhill to London Bridge
One of Redhill’s greatest assets is just how well connected it is. Daily trains whisk commuters into London Bridge in as little as 31 minutes and Victoria in 39 minutes. It’s also only 8 minutes from Gatwick Airport, making it one of the most convenient bases for frequent flyers.
Crucially, Redhill was added to the TfL Oyster card system in 2016, thanks to its position on the line between London and Gatwick.
This means London-standard contactless fares apply, often undercutting rail ticket prices from similarly distant commuter towns in the Home Counties. The town also retains direct links beyond London, with services to Tonbridge and Reading.
Adding to its appeal, TfL bus 405 connects Redhill directly to Croydon, running up to every 15 minutes. With the £1.65 Hopper fare, locals can switch between buses at no extra cost in the space of an hour – an unusual perk for a Surrey town.
Routes to Brighton and airport access to Gatwick
It’s not just rail and buses that give Redhill the edge. The town sits between two major motorways, the M25 and M23, making car journeys north to London or south toward Brighton swift. For airport workers, the Fastway 24-hour rapid bus service runs to Gatwick every 20 minutes, opening up employment opportunities at one of the UK’s busiest airports.
Living in Redhill
House prices in Redhill average at around £444,000, according to Rightmove – significantly cheaper than nearby Reigate, where the average hits £550,000. For families, it means better value for money without sacrificing connectivity.
The town boasts a shopping centre, leisure facilities, top-performing schools, and a major hospital, as well as nearby green spaces. Among its highlights is Gatton Park, a historic National Trust landscape that offers a taste of countryside calm just minutes from the high street bustle.
The biggest criticism often levelled at Redhill is its architecture. Much of the town centre reflects the brutalist redevelopment of the 1960s, leaving it less visually appealing than some of Surrey’s historic towns.
But ongoing regeneration projects are brightening its image, with improved public spaces, retail developments, and rising local investment that are already shifting the perception of Redhill from “functional” to “up-and-coming.”
Redhill – a market town near London where you can use your Oyster card
Redhill might never match Surrey’s prettiest market towns for chocolate-box charm, but in value and convenience, it punches well above its weight. With its Oyster integration, rapid London rail links, and enviable airport access, it’s no wonder more Londoners are beginning to realise that this “overlooked” town could be one of the smartest commuter moves south of the Thames.