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Commute Times in Gujranwala: How Long Will You Spend in Traffic? (And Other Things They Don't Tell You)

@Oscar Finch2/8/2026blog
Commute Times in Gujranwala: How Long Will You Spend in Traffic? (And Other Things They Don't Tell You)

okay, so, you're thinking about Gujranwala, huh? Smart. Really smart. It’s got… potential. But let’s be real, nobody talks about the traffic. Like, seriously. People gloss over it like it’s a minor inconvenience. It’s not. It’s a lifestyle choice. A commitment. A test of your patience. I’m a touring session drummer, so I’m used to weird hours and chaotic travel, but even I was surprised.


Right now, the weather’s… sticky. Like someone left a giant, damp towel over the city. It’s that kind of humid where your hair just gives up. And the dust! Don't even get me started. You can taste it. My lungs are still protesting. I flew in from Berlin - you know, where the air is crisp and the people are… well, different. But hey, at least I’m getting a tan, I guess.

So, the commute. Let's break it down. I’ve been bouncing around, hitting gigs in Lahore and Islamabad, and trying to get a feel for Gujranwala. The main arteries - GT Road, Canal Road - they’re… a mess. A beautiful, chaotic mess, but a mess nonetheless. Rush hour? Forget about it. It’s not rush hour, it’s rush days. I’m talking 45 minutes to an hour just to cross a relatively short distance. And that’s if you’re lucky. If there’s an accident… pray for a miracle.

a red and black ladybug sitting on top of a tree


I overheard this guy at a chai stall the other day - he looked like he hadn’t slept in three days - and he was ranting about how the new flyover near Satellite Town is just making things worse. “More lanes, more cars,” he mumbled, stirring his sugar aggressively. “It’s a vicious cycle, I tell you!” Drunk advice, maybe, but he had a point.

*The Industrial Area is a whole other beast. Trucks. Everywhere. Massive, rumbling, horn-blasting trucks. If you’re trying to get anywhere near the industrial estates, factor in an extra 30 minutes, minimum. And wear earplugs. Seriously. My drums are quieter than the traffic out there.

Rent’s surprisingly reasonable, though. I’m paying around PKR 25,000 for a decent one-bedroom apartment near the city center. That’s insane compared to Berlin. You can actually afford to live here. The job market… well, it’s growing. Lots of textile factories, apparently. And there’s a decent startup scene bubbling up, if you’re into that. I saw a post on the Gujranwala subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Gujranwala/) about a new co-working space opening up. Might be worth checking out.

Speaking of Reddit, someone posted a thread asking about safe neighborhoods. Apparently, Model Town is considered pretty secure, but it’s a bit pricier. People also mentioned DHA Gujranwala, but that’s further out. I’ve been using Yelp (https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Gujranwala&find_loc=Gujranwala%2C+Punjab%2C+Pakistan) to find decent restaurants - the food scene is actually pretty good, once you navigate the traffic to get there.

The Old City is… an experience. Narrow streets, bustling markets, the smell of spices… it’s sensory overload. But navigating it by car? Forget about it. You’ll be spending more time apologizing to pedestrians and rickshaw drivers than actually moving. I tried it once. Once. I’m still having nightmares.

Someone at the gym warned me about the traffic police. Apparently, they’re… enthusiastic. “Be careful, beta,” she said, wiping sweat from her brow. “They love to find reasons to fine you.” So, yeah, brush up on your traffic laws. And maybe invest in a dashcam.

Parks and Recreation are… developing. There’s a new park near the university, but it’s still a bit rough around the edges. I’m hoping they’ll improve it. I need somewhere to escape the concrete jungle.

I checked TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303943-Gujranwala_Punjab_Pakistan-Vacations.html) for things to do, and it’s… limited. Mostly just historical sites and religious places. Which is cool, I guess, but I’m used to a bit more nightlife. Lahore’s only a few hours away, though, so that’s a plus. You can always escape.

shallow photography of wood burning


Okay, quick pro-tip: download Waze. Seriously. It’s a lifesaver. It’ll reroute you around accidents and traffic jams (sometimes). And learn a few basic Urdu phrases. It’ll make your life a lot easier. Also, be prepared for power outages. They’re… frequent. I’m looking at you, electricity company.

Cost of Living Breakdown (Rough Estimates):

 Rent (1-bedroom apartment): PKR 25,000 - 40,000
Food: PKR 8,000 - 15,000 (depending on your tastes)
 Transportation: PKR 5,000 - 10,000 (fuel, rickshaws, etc.)
Utilities: PKR 3,000 - 5,000 (expect fluctuations)
 Entertainment: Varies wildly

So, yeah. Gujranwala. It’s got its charms. The people are friendly, the food is good, and the rent is cheap. But be prepared for the traffic. It’s a beast. And maybe bring a good audiobook. You’ll need it. I found a local board (https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/general-car-discussion/276888-gujranwala-car-owners-club) where people discuss traffic issues - might be helpful for real-time updates.

Honestly, I'm still figuring it out. But hey, at least I'm getting some good material for my next gig.

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About the author: Oscar Finch

Optimist by choice, realist by necessity.

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