Commuting can turn into a daily nightmare for many, especially in the most congested U.S. cities. With drivers stuck in slow-moving traffic for what feels like an eternity, the frustration is palpable.
Recent studies reveal that New Yorkers face the longest average one-way commute at 39 minutes, crawling along at just 12.4 mph. Close behind, Washington D.C. commuters spend 35 minutes on the road, averaging 14.3 mph.
But it’s not just the East Coast feeling the pain. California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco also rank high on the list, with average commute times exceeding 30 minutes and speeds often dipping below 20 mph.
As traffic congestion continues to plague metropolitan areas, understanding which cities suffer the most can help highlight the urgent need for solutions to improve urban mobility.
1: Stockton, California
Stockton ranks as one of the U.S. cities with the worst commutes. Commuters face an average one-way travel time of 32.5 minutes, largely due to traffic congestion and inadequate public transportation options.
The city’s sprawling layout often means long drives for many residents, leading to frequent frustrations.
Also, limited express lanes and heavy traffic on key arteries exacerbate delays. With these challenges, commuters in Stockton often experience unpredictable travel times, making the daily grind even more taxing.
2: Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield faces severe commute struggles, ranking among the worst in the U.S. The average one-way commute time is around 30.5 minutes, significantly affected by congested roads and a lack of efficient public transport.
Drivers often encounter bottlenecks on major routes like Highway 99, causing frustrations during peak hours.
The city’s rapid growth has exacerbated these issues, as infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with population increases.
Without significant investments in transportation solutions, residents may continue to grapple with lengthy and stressful commutes.
3: Garland, Texas
Garland ranks as the worst city in Texas for driving, with residents experiencing one of the highest accident rates in the state.
Drivers in this rapidly growing suburb go an average of 72 years between accidents, making them 391% more likely to face a collision.
The increase in population density, currently at 182 people per square mile, places immense pressure on roads that aren’t equipped to handle the traffic.
Frequent hard braking events, totaling 183 per 1,000 miles, indicate the ongoing struggles drivers face in navigating Garland’s congested streets.
4: Glendale, Arizona
Glendale ranks as the worst city on the West Coast for commuters, surprising many who associate poor driving with Los Angeles.
Drivers in Glendale are 79% more likely to get into an accident than the average American driver. They experience insurance claims approximately every 5.55 years, indicating a high frequency of traffic incidents.
With a population density of 194 people per square mile, the city faces significant traffic congestion.
Factors like hard braking events, totaling 153 per 1,000 miles, and distracted driving contribute to the challenges residents endure during their daily commutes.
5: Orlando, Florida
Orlando commuters face significant challenges, with an average one-way commute time of 31 minutes. Road congestion is common due to its tourism-centric economy, which attracts millions annually.
Drivers frequently encounter delays on highways like Interstate 4, notorious for its bottlenecks. Also, recent population growth has outpaced infrastructure improvements, worsening commute times.
Limited public transport options leave many dependent on personal vehicles, intensifying traffic woes.
Orlando’s mix of transient visitors and a growing resident base creates a perfect storm for frustrating daily travel experiences.
6: Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas ranks among the cities with the worst commutes due to its notorious traffic congestion.
Commuters here face an average one-way travel time of about 32 minutes. Increased tourism and rapid population growth strain the road network, leading to daily backups on major highways like the I-15.
Significant events and conventions exacerbate these traffic issues further, overwhelming local infrastructure.
Limited public transit options leave many reliant on cars, making commutes even more frustrating.
With frequent construction projects and a bustling nightlife, Las Vegas commuters often endure lengthy delays as they navigate the city’s busy streets.
7: El Paso, Texas
El Paso residents face a challenging commute, with an average one-way travel time of 25 minutes.
Traffic congestion frequently plagues major routes, particularly during peak hours. Insufficient public transportation options leave many reliant on personal vehicles, adding to road strain.
Limited express lanes and road infrastructure contribute to further delays. With a population density of 296 people per square mile, the city struggles to accommodate its growing number of commuters.
These factors create long and frustrating travel experiences for El Paso’s drivers.
8: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge commuters face significant challenges, with an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Traffic congestion often builds on major routes, particularly on I-10 and I-12, leading to frustrating delays.
High population growth coupled with infrastructure insufficient for peak travel times exacerbates this issue. The city’s reliance on personal vehicles, due to limited public transport options, contributes to the commute woes.
Also, annual events and energy sector traffic can spike congestion, making daily travels even more stressful for residents.
9: Aurora, Colorado
Aurora, Colorado, presents commuters with significant challenges, averaging a one-way travel time of about 32 minutes.
Congestion often builds on major roads like Parker Road and Mississippi Avenue, leading to frustrating delays.
Limited public transportation options force many residents to rely on personal vehicles, compounding traffic issues.
Recent population growth has strained the road infrastructure, further worsening commute times. The combination of busy suburban sprawl and a lack of efficient transit solutions makes navigating Aurora’s streets particularly taxing for drivers.
10: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem struggles with an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes. Traffic congestion often clogs major arteries like US-421 and Business 40, especially during peak hours.
Commuters face frequent delays due to road construction and insufficient infrastructure, making daily travel frustrating.
Limited public transportation options force many residents to depend on personal vehicles, amplifying traffic woes.
Also, the city’s growing population has not been met with adequate road expansion, leading to longer and more stressful commutes for drivers navigating its busy streets.
Alicia Richards