The daily grind of traffic congestion is taking a toll on drivers across the globe, but some cities are seeing the problem grow faster than others.
INRIX’s 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard reveals striking insights into urban congestion, ranking the world’s most gridlocked cities and shedding light on the economic cost of wasted time on the roads.
While major players like London, New York, and Istanbul make predictable appearances, several cities climbed the ranks, experiencing notable increases in congestion that are reshaping daily commutes.
The Heavy Hitters – London, Istanbul, and New York
London has maintained its infamous status as Europe’s most congested city, with drivers losing an average of 101 hours to traffic jams in 2024. This places the UK capital fifth globally, reinforcing its title as one of the toughest places to drive. INRIX estimates that the delays cost Londoners a staggering £942 per driver and a total of £3.85 billion for the city.
Despite London’s congestion woes, Istanbul took the top spot globally, with 105 hours lost in 2024, representing a significant 15% increase compared to the previous year. Following closely behind are New York City and Chicago, where drivers each lost 102 hours sitting in traffic.
Germany’s Rising Congestion – Düsseldorf Takes the Lead
For the first time, Düsseldorf emerged as Germany’s most congested city, surpassing previous leaders like Berlin and Stuttgart. Drivers in Düsseldorf lost an average of 60 hours to traffic, marking a 22% increase from 2023. The city’s rapid climb in the rankings is largely attributed to roadworks on key highways like the A46 and A59, which frequently brought traffic to a standstill.
Meanwhile, Berlin and Stuttgart tied for second place in Germany, each with 58 hours lost. Berlin’s congestion cost drivers an average of €631, resulting in a total of €828 million in economic losses for the city – the highest of any German urban area.
2024 European Traffic Impact Rankings
Traffic Trends Across the UK – Manchester Rises
In the UK, Manchester saw one of the most significant jumps in congestion, climbing from 8th to 4th place. Drivers lost 61 hours in traffic in 2024 – a 13% increase from the year prior. This leap placed Manchester ahead of cities like Birmingham and Wigan, highlighting the growing traffic issues outside of London.
Bristol also rose to second place, with drivers losing 65 hours annually, up 5% from 2023. The congestion surge is reflected in the city’s busiest corridor, A420 Eastbound, where peak-hour traffic delays added up to 21 hours per year for regular commuters.
U.S. Congestion – New York and Chicago Lead the Way
In the United States, New York City and Chicago topped the list, with drivers in both cities losing 102 hours to congestion in 2024. Los Angeles followed with 88 hours lost, while Boston and Philadelphia rounded out the top five with 79 and 77 hours, respectively. Despite a 10% decrease in delays, Boston remained one of the most congested cities in the U.S.
Denver experienced the highest growth in congestion among the top 25 U.S. cities, with a 19% increase in delays, pushing it to the #15 spot. Cities like Stamford and Nashville also saw notable jumps in traffic, growing by 18% and 13% respectively.
Overall, American drivers lost an average of 43 hours to congestion in 2024, costing approximately $771 per driver. The cumulative economic toll reached $74 billion, underscoring the financial impact of worsening traffic delays nationwide.
Economic Impact – The Cost of Congestion
Traffic congestion comes at a hefty price. In the UK alone, INRIX estimates that congestion cost the country £7.7 billion in 2024 – £200 million more than the previous year. This breaks down to an average of £581 per driver, underscoring the financial strain that traffic imposes on everyday commuters.
Germany faced similar economic challenges, with congestion costing drivers an average of €470 each. The total economic impact across the country reached €3.6 billion, reflecting a 14% increase over 2023.
Solutions on the Horizon?
The 2024 INRIX report highlights how some cities are fighting back against traffic congestion. London’s congestion charges and expansion of public transit are part of a broader strategy to ease pressure on roads, while cities like Berlin and Munich are doubling down on infrastructure upgrades to alleviate bottlenecks.
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst and author of the INRIX report, noted the growing need for smarter traffic management solutions. “Urban centers worldwide are grappling with the rising demand for road space. Innovative solutions, including better public transit, smart city initiatives, and dynamic tolling, will play a critical role in mitigating congestion in the years to come.”
As cities continue to grow and economic activity rebounds post-pandemic, traffic congestion remains an enduring challenge. However, by leveraging big data, cities can design more intelligent transportation systems to improve mobility and reduce the financial toll of traffic jams.
INRIX aggregates anonymous data from diverse datasets – such as phones, cars, trucks, and cities – that leads to robust and accurate insights. The data used in the 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard is the congested or uncongested status of every segment of road for every minute of the day, as used by millions of drivers around the world that rely on INRIX-based traffic services.
