Istanbul tops global congestion rankings in 2024, drivers spend 105h in traffic

Istanbul was named the world’s most congested city in 2024, according to the Global Traffic Scorecard by U.S.-based traffic analysis company Inrix. The report revealed that drivers in Istanbul spent an average of 105 hours stuck in traffic over the year.

Why it matters

The report highlights Istanbul’s growing traffic problems, reflecting broader urban planning challenges in major cities. It also underscores how congestion impacts quality of life and economic productivity for residents of Türkiye’s largest city.

Details

• Traffic increase: Istanbul experienced a 15% rise in delays compared to 2023.

• Morning commute: During peak hours, the average speed in central Istanbul was just 20 km/h.
• Best conditions: Even during the least congested times, such as midday, the average speed was 64 km/h.

Zoom in

Following Istanbul, New York City and Chicago tied for second place globally, with drivers losing an average of 102 hours in traffic. London ranked fourth with 101 hours, while Mexico City rounded out the top five with 97 hours lost per driver.

Zoom out

Türkiye’s congestion issues extend beyond Istanbul. The report highlighted that four Turkish cities—Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir—ranked among the top 10 most congested cities in Asia. Drivers in these cities lost an average of 65 hours annually to traffic delays, placing Türkiye alongside traffic-heavy regions like India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Bigger picture

As urbanization accelerates, major cities worldwide are struggling to manage traffic congestion. The findings emphasize the need for investments in public transportation, smarter urban design, and sustainable mobility solutions to reduce delays and improve urban livability.