TomTom: US among least congested nations despite gridlock

The United States ranks among the least congested countries globally despite several cities experiencing high traffic levels, according to TomTom’s 15th annual traffic index, which shows global congestion increased five percentage points from 20% to 25% based on data from more than 3.6 trillion kilometres driven worldwide. The US placed 54th globally with average congestion of 19%, compared to Colombia in first place at nearly 50%, while Los Angeles ranked as the most congested US city at 60% congestion, followed by Honolulu and San Francisco.

New York remained the slowest US city for a second consecutive year, with drivers losing 120 hours to peak-hour traffic in 2025 based on a six-mile commute. Americans experienced a four-point increase in congestion compared to the prior year.

Ralf-Peter Schäfer, Vice President for Traffic and Travel Information at TomTom, said: “The upward trend we see necessitates urgent action in smarter mobility planning, investments in public and shared transport, improved traffic management technologies, and coordinated policies.”

The index noted that hybrid work patterns have redistributed commuting rather than reducing it, with Tuesday to Thursday becoming dominant commute days and rush-hour traffic spreading across wider time periods.

Source: TomTom