Los Angeles has been identified as the city with the most severe traffic congestion in the United States, according to a recent report by Consumer Affairs. Angelenos now spend an average of 8 hours and 27 minutes stuck in traffic each week, a figure that has climbed by 36 minutes compared to the previous year. The average daily commute in Los Angeles is approximately 30 minutes, placing it sixth highest nationally for daily travel times.
The report evaluated America’s 50 most populous cities based on commute times, traffic congestion, and the rates of fatal traffic crashes. Los Angeles's ranking indicates a worsening situation from the prior year, when it held the second position.
Efforts are underway to alleviate the city's traffic issues, including infrastructure projects like the Metro D Line subway extension. The first major phase of this project is slated for completion in May 2026 and aims to provide a rail alternative between Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and the Westside. This development is seen as a crucial step in managing traffic ahead of major upcoming events, including some Soccer World Cup games in 2026 and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Following Los Angeles, Washington D.C. ranks second, with commuters spending an average of 6 hours and 27 minutes weekly in traffic. New York City, San Francisco, and Houston round out the top five. Commuters in the nation's capital experience an average travel time of 33 minutes to their destinations, despite increasing use of alternative transportation methods.
In New York City, the total distance logged by cars across its five boroughs, a key indicator of traffic density, has reportedly increased by approximately 16% between 2005 and 2023. The report also identified Rochester, New York; St. Louis, Missouri; and Oklahoma City as cities with the least congested roadways in the country.
