Pius IkeTraffic is a reality that everyone has to deal with. But if you think it is bad in your city then you really should see this list of cities with the worst traffic; and then understand what real traffic looks like.
While for some people, traffic is a convenient excuse for going to work late; for others it is a real problem; a cause of downtime, and a matter of life and death.
In the cities highlighted below, it is common to spend hours on the road, in the searing heat, surrounded by bad tempered drivers shouting insults at one another. This makes a bad situation even more frustrating; an everyday occurrence which people have no choice but to experience, taking all the fun out of life.
Top 50 Cities With The Worst Traffic
Absolutely, Ike! Here’s a detailed set of 80-word descriptions for the Top 20 cities with the worst traffic in the world (2025). Each entry highlights the unique challenges that make commuting in these cities a daily ordeal—from infrastructure failures to population surges and urban planning missteps.
🚦 Top 20 Cities With the Worst Traffic (2025)
1. Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos tops the global traffic misery index in 2025. With over 20 million residents and limited road infrastructure, daily commutes can stretch beyond two hours. Bottlenecks on bridges like Third Mainland and frequent breakdowns clog arterial routes. Poor public transport options force reliance on private cars and minibuses, which worsen congestion. Flooding during rainy seasons and chaotic driving culture amplify delays. Despite ongoing expansion projects, Lagos remains a gridlocked metropolis where movement is a daily battle.
2. San José, Costa Rica
San José suffers from chronic congestion due to outdated road networks and explosive vehicle growth. Narrow streets and poor traffic signal coordination lead to gridlock during peak hours. Public transportation is underdeveloped, forcing commuters into cars. Construction zones and frequent protests further disrupt flow. With limited bypasses and no metro system, the city’s traffic woes are compounded by poor urban planning. Residents routinely spend over an hour commuting, making San José one of Latin America’s most frustrating cities to navigate.
3. Los Angeles, United States
Los Angeles remains infamous for its sprawling freeway grid and relentless congestion. Despite having one of the largest road networks in the world, car dependency and urban sprawl overwhelm capacity. Peak-hour traffic on I-405 and I-10 can stretch for miles. Public transit options like Metro Rail are underutilized, and ride-sharing hasn’t eased pressure. Construction delays and frequent accidents add to the chaos. LA’s car culture, combined with poor alternatives, makes commuting a daily endurance test.
4. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah’s traffic nightmare stems from rapid urbanization and its role as a commuter hub for Dubai. With limited public transport and narrow roads, congestion builds quickly during rush hours. The city’s infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with population growth, and bottlenecks at border crossings into Dubai are notorious. School zones and industrial areas add to the gridlock. Despite efforts to expand roadways and introduce smart traffic systems, Sharjah remains one of the UAE’s most congested cities.
5. Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo’s traffic woes are fueled by narrow colonial-era roads and a surge in vehicle ownership. Tuk-tuks, buses, and private cars compete for limited space, creating daily chaos. Poor enforcement of traffic laws and frequent construction projects worsen delays. Flooding during monsoon season adds unpredictability. The lack of a metro system and limited rail coverage force reliance on road transport. Despite some flyover projects, Colombo’s congestion remains a major urban challenge.
6. Delhi, India
Delhi’s traffic is a complex mix of overcrowded roads, pollution, and erratic driving behavior. With over 11 million vehicles, the city’s infrastructure is overwhelmed. Major intersections like ITO and Ring Road are perpetual choke points. Metro expansion has helped, but many areas remain underserved. Construction zones, political rallies, and weather disruptions add to delays. Air quality concerns also stem from idling traffic. Delhi’s traffic reflects the growing pains of a megacity struggling to modernize.
7. Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka’s traffic is a daily ordeal marked by gridlock, noise, and unpredictability. With limited road space and explosive population growth, vehicles crawl through the city at a snail’s pace. Rickshaws, buses, and cars jostle for space, often ignoring lanes and signals. Poor infrastructure, frequent flooding, and lack of enforcement compound the problem. Commuters routinely spend hours in transit, and productivity suffers. Dhaka’s traffic is a reflection of urban planning failure and unchecked expansion.
8. Kolkata, India
Kolkata’s traffic is shaped by its historic layout and dense population. Narrow streets, tram lines, and aging infrastructure create bottlenecks across the city. Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws dominate the roads, often leading to chaotic intersections. Monsoon rains flood key routes, and flyovers offer limited relief. While the metro system helps, it doesn’t cover all areas. Kolkata’s traffic is a blend of colonial legacy and modern congestion, making daily commutes a slow and stressful affair.
9. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala City faces severe traffic due to poor road design and rapid urban growth. With few ring roads and limited public transit, commuters rely heavily on cars and buses. Rush hour gridlock is common, especially in zones 1 and 10. Road maintenance is inconsistent, and traffic signals are often ignored. Political protests and frequent construction projects add to delays. The city’s mountainous terrain and lack of bypasses make traffic management a persistent challenge.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City’s traffic is legendary for its scale and intensity. With over 5 million vehicles and limited parking, congestion is constant. Major arteries like Periférico and Insurgentes are gridlocked during peak hours. Air pollution from idling cars is a serious health concern. While the metro system is extensive, overcrowding limits its effectiveness. Road closures for events and protests are frequent. Despite smart traffic initiatives, Mexico City remains one of the most congested capitals in the world.
11. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta’s traffic is a daily grind, worsened by flooding, poor road design, and high motorbike usage. With over 10 million residents, the city’s infrastructure is stretched thin. Bus lanes are often misused, and traffic rules are loosely enforced. Construction of new MRT lines has helped, but many areas remain underserved. The city’s geography—built on swampy land—adds to the challenge. Jakarta’s traffic is a symbol of rapid urban growth outpacing infrastructure.
12. Mumbai, India
Mumbai’s traffic reflects the city’s density and economic importance. Narrow roads, slum encroachments, and high vehicle density create daily bottlenecks. Monsoon rains flood key routes, and flyovers offer limited relief. The suburban rail system is overcrowded, pushing more commuters onto roads. Areas like Andheri and Bandra are notorious for gridlock. Despite infrastructure projects like coastal roads and metro expansion, Mumbai’s traffic remains a major urban headache.
13. Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi’s traffic is shaped by poor road planning and rapid urbanization. Key routes like Mombasa Road and Thika Highway are frequently jammed. Matatus (minibuses) dominate the roads, often driving erratically. Infrastructure projects cause long-term disruptions, and enforcement is weak. Pedestrian safety is low, and traffic accidents are common. Despite bypass construction and expressway plans, Nairobi’s congestion continues to frustrate commuters and businesses alike.
14. Bangalore, India
Bangalore’s tech boom has outpaced its infrastructure, leading to chronic traffic jams. Narrow roads, poor signal coordination, and construction zones plague the city. Areas like Silk Board Junction and Whitefield are infamous for delays. The metro system is expanding but still limited. High vehicle ownership and lack of parking worsen congestion. Bangalore’s traffic is a daily struggle for its growing population of tech workers and students.
15. Tehran, Iran
Tehran’s traffic is driven by high car ownership, fuel subsidies, and limited public transport. Major roads like Modarres and Valiasr are gridlocked during peak hours. Air pollution from idling vehicles is a serious concern. Metro coverage is improving but still insufficient. Political events and poor enforcement add unpredictability. Tehran’s traffic reflects a car-centric culture struggling to adapt to modern urban demands.
16. San Francisco, United States
San Francisco’s traffic is shaped by its hilly terrain, limited parking, and aging infrastructure. Key routes like Market Street and the Bay Bridge are frequently congested. Tech-driven population growth has increased car usage, while public transit faces reliability issues. Construction zones and bike lanes add complexity. Despite efforts to promote walking and cycling, San Francisco’s traffic remains a challenge for residents and visitors alike.
17. Cairo, Egypt
Cairo’s traffic is a chaotic blend of old city layout, high population density, and weak enforcement. Major roads like Salah Salem and Ring Road are often gridlocked. Informal transport systems and poor pedestrian infrastructure add to the disorder. Metro expansion is underway but slow. Air pollution and noise are constant companions for commuters. Cairo’s traffic reflects decades of underinvestment in urban planning.
18. SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo’s traffic is notorious for long commutes and unpredictable delays. With over 7 million vehicles, congestion is constant on roads like Marginal Tietê and Avenida Paulista. Public transport is overcrowded, and road maintenance is inconsistent. Rainstorms and protests frequently disrupt flow. Despite smart traffic systems and bus corridors, São Paulo’s sprawl and car dependency keep it among the world’s worst cities for traffic.
19. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s traffic is shaped by its unique geography—split between Europe and Asia—and limited bridge capacity. Bosphorus crossings are major choke points, and narrow streets in historic districts worsen congestion. Metro expansion helps, but many areas remain underserved. Tourist traffic and frequent construction add to delays. Istanbul’s traffic reflects the tension between ancient layout and modern growth.
20. Lima, Peru
Lima’s traffic is a daily grind marked by informal transport systems, poor road quality, and weak enforcement. Commuters face long delays on major routes like Javier Prado and Panamericana Sur. The city’s rapid expansion has outpaced infrastructure, and public transit options are limited and overcrowded. Frequent protests and construction zones add unpredictability. With chaotic intersections and minimal traffic discipline, Lima’s congestion reflects deep urban planning challenges that continue to frustrate residents and visitors alike.
Cities Ranked #21–50 – Worst Traffic in the World
| # | City | Country | Traffic Index | Avg Commute (min) | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Manila | Philippines | 233.6 | 50.7 | Jeepney congestion, flooding, poor enforcement |
| 22 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | 231.8 | 51.5 | Beach traffic, tunnel bottlenecks |
| 23 | Bogotá | Colombia | 225.0 | 51.6 | Bus congestion, poor road quality |
| 24 | Krasnodar | Russia | 224.4 | 51.8 | Rapid urbanization, poor traffic flow |
| 25 | Pretoria | South Africa | 224.4 | 44.4 | Limited public transport, suburban sprawl |
| 26 | Detroit | United States | 221.7 | 44.2 | Poor transit options, suburban spread |
| 27 | Noida | India | 215.7 | 44.4 | Construction zones, bottlenecks |
| 28 | Moscow | Russia | 214.3 | 50.4 | Ring road congestion, snow delays |
| 29 | Miami | United States | 212.0 | 42.9 | Tourist traffic, poor mass transit |
| 30 | Irvine | United States | 209.9 | 42.8 | Suburban layout, car dependency |
| 31 | Boston | United States | 208.7 | 44.4 | Historic roads, tunnel congestion |
| 32 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | 208.6 | 49.8 | Dense city core, outdated signals |
| 33 | Bangkok | Thailand | 208.6 | 45.1 | Monsoon flooding, tuk-tuk traffic |
| 34 | Saint Petersburg | Russia | 208.2 | 49.0 | Snow delays, bridge congestion |
| 35 | Cape Town | South Africa | 208.2 | 42.4 | Tourist traffic, limited roadways |
| 36 | Houston | United States | 205.6 | 41.7 | Highway overload, urban sprawl |
| 37 | Recife | Brazil | 204.4 | 46.9 | Narrow streets, poor traffic signals |
| 38 | Honolulu | United States | 202.2 | 41.2 | Island geography, limited road space |
| 39 | Johannesburg | South Africa | 201.1 | 40.7 | Long commutes, poor rail connectivity |
| 40 | Toronto | Canada | 199.9 | 44.6 | Winter delays, high car usage |
| 41 | Naples | Italy | 199.5 | 44.7 | Historic layout, scooter congestion |
| 42 | Alexandria | Egypt | 199.4 | 44.3 | Port traffic, narrow roads |
| 43 | Atlanta | United States | 199.4 | 41.4 | Highway dependence, suburban sprawl |
| 44 | Coimbatore | India | 198.9 | 47.0 | Industrial traffic, poor road design |
| 45 | Chennai | India | 197.3 | 46.6 | Monsoon flooding, high vehicle count |
| 46 | Jaipur | India | 196.5 | 42.1 | Tourist traffic, poor traffic control |
| 47 | Seattle | United States | 196.2 | 42.5 | Bridge congestion, tech boom traffic |
| 48 | Bandung | Indonesia | 194.5 | 45.3 | Mountain roads, high population density |
| 49 | Hyderabad | India | 193.8 | 44.9 | IT corridor congestion, poor planning |
| 50 | Bucharest | Romania | 192.7 | 44.6 | Old city layout, limited metro reach |
Closing:
The cities with the worst traffic in the world have a common denominator; they have rapidly growing populations. Perhaps it is that single factor, by straining the available infrastructure beyond capacity that results in the huge traffic gridlocks that can be observed in these cities.
Many interesting solutions are being developed, it is interesting to see the effect they have, and how traffic can be managed in the future.