Could you become a Seaside Commuter?

It’s been five years since the pandemic started and we’re beginning to see a shift in working patterns, although returning to the office post pandemic has been a slow burn.

A report on professional habits in the capital, published by the Centre for Cities, found full-time, central London office workers spent 2.7 days per week in the office in June 2024. This was up from 2.2 days in April 2023. For context, London workers spent an average of 3.9 days in the office in January 2020, just before Covid closed workplaces.

More recently, a survey of 1,000 London workers, commissioned by London Heritage Quarter, found 40% feel working patterns will revert to their pre-Covid ones by the end of 2025.

Many businesses are citing reduced productivity for the mass call back to offices, although more companies are finding hybrid working is the sweet spot. Data analysed by Centre for Cities also found three days a week in the office and two days working remotely was the most popular working pattern in 2024, with time commuting to and from the office firmly back on the table.

With onboard Wifi and tables, many travellers find a commute from the Sussex coast manageable two or three days a week, using the time to relax, catch up on box sets or get ahead with emails and assignments. The distances travelled are offset by a residential base close to the beach, with the sound of the waves and the salty air always waiting for them at the end of the working day.

If you would like to balance working back in the city with a coastal home, it’s worth nothing these Sussex train stations and travelling times:

Trains from Havant

Commuters to London frequently choose Havant station as their start point. It’s a short drive from most coastal areas and there is a fast, direct service to London. For example, the 07:32 from Havant takes 1 hour 22 minutes, arriving in London Waterloo at 08:54. It also stops at the employment hub of Guildford, for non-capital commuters.

Trains from Chichester

There is a regular, direct service into London from Chichester train station, which is a short drive from The Witterings and Bracklesham Bay. Services terminate at London Victoria, taking 1 hour and 36 minutes but earlier stops include Gatwick and Clapham Junction.

Trains from Bosham, Nutbourne & Fishbourne

These are the three stops before Chichester. The furthest out is Nutbourne, with the journey to London Victoria taking 1 hour and 46 minutes. These stations are popular with those living in the Chichester Marina and Chichester Harbour neighbourhoods.

Trains from Bognor Regis

Commuters using Bognor Regis station also enjoy a direct route to London Victoria, taking 1 hour and 49 minutes, with earlier stops also including Gatwick and Clapham Junction. The station also serves the beachside locations of Selsey, Pagham and Felpham.

Become a seaside commuter

White & Brooks is here to help you find the perfect balance between work and homelife when you next move. With branches in Bognor Regis and Chichester, we have homes for sale in the very best coastal commuter locations. Get in touch for assistance.