Istanbul Takes the Crown: World's Worst Traffic, Outpacing Chicago and Global Hubs

A new international report has revealed that traffic congestion is on the rise globally, with Istanbul emerging as the world's most congested city. According to the INRIX 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard, which covers 36 countries and nearly 1,000 cities, Istanbul drivers lost a staggering 118 hours to traffic in 2025, a 12% surge from the previous year. While economic growth and a growing population continue to put pressure on the city's road network, Istanbul's ranking takes the top spot, outpacing major global hubs, including Chicago, which ranked second. In the United States, Chicago has overtaken New York City as the most congested city, with drivers losing 112 hours to traffic in 2025. This translates to a significant cost of $2,063 per driver this year. The trend is not limited to the US; 62% of studied cities worldwide saw congestion worsen this year. In Europe, while London and Paris bucked the trend, with delays staying the same or declining, other cities saw significant increases in congestion. Germany, for instance, saw congestion rise in 62 cities, with Cologne taking the top spot nationwide. The INRIX 2025 Global Traffic Scorecard highlights the need for cities to rethink their transportation strategies and invest in infrastructure to alleviate the growing congestion problem. As commuters continue to face long delays and increased costs, policymakers must consider innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of traffic congestion on daily life.