Which city beats Chicago for worst traffic in the world? New rankings break down global traffic trends
Posted on: Dec 05, 2025 08:52 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Traffic over-crowding is worsening crossways a great deal of the domain, and a young international report shows the reality of the problem. According to the newly released INRIX 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard, cities from the United States to Europe to Asia saw significant slowdowns this year, though one metropolitan hub stands out above the rest.
The report, covering 36 countries and nearly 1,000 cities, found that Istanbul is the world’s most congested city.
INRIX data shows drivers there lost 118 hours to traffic in 2025, a 12% surge from the previous year, reported FTN News. Travel delays continue to mount as economic growth, population increases, and infrastructure limits strain the city’s road network.
Istanbul’s ranking places it ahead of major global hubs, including Chicago, which posted the second-highest congestion level internationally.
Read More: Winter's first big snowstorm hits the Northeast as schools close and traffic slows
In the United States, Chicago has overtaken New York City as the most gridlocked city, according to INRIX. Drivers in Chicago lost 112 hours to traffic in 2025. Morning Star reported the ranking places the city ahead of New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Boston.
The delays aren’t cheap either. Chicago’s congestion alone cost drivers $2,063 each this year.
Nationwide, congestion rose in 254 of the 290 US cities studied as commuting patterns continued to shift back toward pre-pandemic levels. While more than three-quarters of U.S. Residents still commute by car, public transit use remains 22% below 2019 levels, according to Morning Star.
While congestion climbed across much of Europe, the report found that London and Paris were rare exceptions. Both cities saw delays stay the same or decline, with INRIX attributing London’s drop to policy changes that reduced traffic volumes.
Still, London remains one of the most congested major cities in the region.
Elsewhere in Europe, delays rose sharply. Germany saw congestion increase in 62 cities, with Cologne claiming the top spot nationwide and German commuters collectively losing 329 million hours to traffic in 2025, reported FTN News.
Ultimately, the INRIX 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard shows that 62% of studied cities saw congestion worsen this year.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.