Quick Summary
- 1Mexico City, Dublin, Lima, and Bangkok have been identified as the world's most congested cities for 2025.
- 2The annual traffic report, published by navigation specialist TomTom, shows drivers spend between 140 and 160 hours in traffic annually.
- 3Moscow authorities report a significant decrease in traffic intensity, with severe congestion days dropping by half in 2025.
Global Gridlock Intensifies
The daily commute has become a defining challenge for millions of urban dwellers worldwide. A comprehensive new study on global traffic patterns reveals a stark reality: drivers in the world's most congested cities are losing nearly a full work week each year to gridlock.
Navigation technology leader TomTom has released its highly anticipated 2025 ranking of urban road congestion. The report provides a critical look at how traffic congestion continues to evolve across major international hubs, painting a complex picture of urban mobility challenges.
While some cities struggle with unprecedented traffic volumes, others are seeing improvements in their road networks. The data highlights a dynamic global landscape where infrastructure, population density, and policy decisions are reshaping the daily driving experience.
The Top Congested Cities 🚗
The 2025 report identifies four key cities leading the global congestion list. Mexico City takes the top position, followed closely by Dublin, Lima, and Bangkok. These urban centers represent diverse geographic and economic backgrounds, yet they share a common struggle with traffic saturation.
For drivers in these locations, the impact is measured in lost time and productivity. The study indicates that motorists are forced to spend between 140 and 160 hours annually navigating traffic jams. This staggering figure represents over six full days of life spent waiting at intersections and in stalled flow.
The ranking methodology focuses on the average time it takes to travel a set distance within these cities, offering a tangible metric for comparing urban stress levels. The presence of cities from Latin America, Europe, and Asia demonstrates that traffic congestion is a widespread phenomenon affecting various types of infrastructure.
- Mexico City - Leading the 2025 ranking
- Dublin - Highest in Europe for congestion
- Lima - Significant traffic challenges in South America
- Bangkok - Persistent congestion in Southeast Asia
"In the capital, the level of congestion is decreasing: in 2025, the number of days with 9-point traffic jams decreased by one and a half times."— Moscow City Authorities
A Shifting Global Landscape
Perhaps as notable as the cities that made the list are those that did not. The 2025 report marks a significant shift in the global traffic hierarchy, particularly for Russia's two largest cities. Moscow and Saint Petersburg, which were previously included in the ranking, are absent from the current results.
The last time these Russian capitals appeared in the TomTom ranking was following the 2021 assessment. Their exclusion from the 2025 list suggests a potential change in traffic dynamics or data availability in the region.
However, the situation in Moscow offers a more nuanced narrative. According to statements from city officials, the capital is actively working to improve traffic flow. The authorities report that the level of congestion in Moscow is decreasing. Specifically, the number of days characterized by severe, 9-point traffic jams has been reduced by half in 2025 compared to previous periods.
In the capital, the level of congestion is decreasing: in 2025, the number of days with 9-point traffic jams decreased by one and a half times.
This reported improvement in Moscow's traffic conditions may help explain its absence from the top of the global ranking, indicating that local mitigation efforts could be yielding results.
The Human Cost of Traffic
Beyond the statistics and rankings lies the profound impact on individual lives. The TomTom study quantifies the human cost of congestion by measuring the time drivers are effectively trapped in their vehicles. The range of 140 to 160 hours per year translates to a significant reduction in free time, increased stress, and environmental impact from idling engines.
For residents of cities like Mexico City and Dublin, this means that a commute that should take 30 minutes can easily stretch to an hour or more during peak times. This daily uncertainty forces many to leave home hours earlier than necessary, just to ensure timely arrival at work or school.
The economic implications are equally severe. Lost productivity, wasted fuel, and the psychological toll of daily gridlock create a drag on urban economies. As cities continue to grow, the pressure on existing road networks intensifies, making the findings of this annual report a vital tool for urban planners and policymakers worldwide.
Key Takeaways
The 2025 global traffic report underscores the persistent challenge of urban congestion while highlighting that effective management can yield positive results. The dominance of cities across multiple continents shows that this is a universal issue requiring tailored solutions.
Key insights from the data include the specific performance of the top four cities and the notable improvement in Moscow's traffic situation. As urban populations continue to expand, the strategies employed by these cities to manage their road networks will be closely watched by the international community.
Ultimately, the report serves as a reminder that behind every statistic is a driver spending precious hours of their day waiting to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the latest report, Mexico City, Dublin, Lima, and Bangkok are the top four cities with the most congested roads globally. These cities lead the ranking based on the average time it takes to travel through them.
The study found that drivers in the most congested cities spend between 140 and 160 hours per year stuck in traffic. This significant amount of time highlights the severity of congestion in these urban areas.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg do not appear in the 2025 ranking, though they were included in the 2021 report. However, Moscow officials report that traffic conditions have improved, with the number of severe congestion days dropping by half in 2025.
The annual ranking of urban road congestion is published by TomTom, a company that specializes in navigation technology and services. They release this data to help understand global mobility trends.
