What Are the Most Congested Cities in the World?

Mexico City Takes Crown of ‘Most Traffic Congested City’ in World from Istanbul, according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2016, the annual report detailing the cities around the world with the most traffic congestion. 

Drivers in the Mexican capital can expect to spend on average, 59% extra travel time stuck in traffic anytime of the day, and up to 103% in the evening peak periods versus a free flow, or uncongested, situation – adding-up to 219 hours of extra travel time per year.

Next in the rankings are Bangkok (57%), Istanbul (50%), Rio de Janeiro (47%), and Moscow (44%), making up the top five most congested cities in the world.

Using data from 2015, the TomTom Traffic Index looks at the traffic congestion situation in 295 cities in 38 countries on six continents – from Rome to Rio, Singapore to San Francisco. 

Looking at TomTom’s historical data, it’s clear that traffic congestion is up by 13% globally since 2008. But, interestingly, there are shocking differences between continents. While North America’s traffic congestion has increased by 17%, Europe as has only increased by 2%.