If commuting feels like the worst part of your day, you're definitely not alone.

In most Indian cities, getting to work (or anywhere, really) takes far longer than it should. Ideally, a commute shouldn’t take more than an hour. But in reality, some people spend over an hour in traffic, others about 45 minutes, and the lucky few wrap it up in under 30.

Whatever the duration, the daily grind of traffic, honking, and constant delays can get exhausting — especially when it's the same story every single day.

While work-from-home slowed things down for a while, traffic in most metro cities is now back in full swing. In fact, a recent survey showed that the average Indian commuter spent 59 minutes traveling just 20 km to work in major cities last year.

Commute Stress is Real

Studies across the world have shown that long commutes can take a toll–not just on your body, but on your mind too. Long commutes, particularly those conducted behind the wheel, come with a long list of potential stressors — many of which are out of our immediate control. These stressors include traffic, noise, the behaviors of other commuters, and unexpected events (such as traffic delays). 

And when you're late to a meeting, to pick up your kids, or miss dinner plans, it just adds to the frustration.bOver time, this can lead to anxiety, burnout, and even depression. In short, commuting is a headache-inducing life-suck.

So, what can you do differently?

The answer lies in reclaiming your commute – not by giving up your car, but by giving up the driver’s seat.

Thousands of car owners are now hiring professional drivers on-demand — turning stressful drives into peaceful rides. Whether it's for office commutes, errands, or long-distance trips, platforms like DriveU make it easy to book a background-verified driver whenever you need one.

From working professionals and parents to seniors and solo travelers, more and more people are realizing that their time is too valuable to waste behind the wheel. You get to relax, take calls, or even nap while someone else drives. You also avoid the stress of traffic, parking, and navigating messy roads.

So, if you hate your commute — it might be time to change how you travel.