Washington, D.C. Claims Title for Worst Traffic in the U.S.

Washington, D.C., July 24, 2025

News Summary

In a recent report by ConsumerAffairs, Washington, D.C. has surpassed Los Angeles as the city with the worst traffic in the United States. Commuters in D.C. now face an average daily commute time of 33.4 minutes, amounting to 71 days spent annually in traffic due to severe congestion. While Los Angeles still has higher overall congestion, D.C. presents a concerning trend of increasing commute times. Despite this, D.C. has one of the lowest rates of fatal car accidents per capita, highlighting a complex relationship between urban congestion and economic growth.

Washington, D.C. has overtaken Los Angeles to claim the title for the worst traffic in the United States, according to a new report by ConsumerAffairs. With an average daily commute time of 33.4 minutes, commuters in D.C. now experience the longest travel times in the country, significantly impacted by severe congestion that extends for over six and a half hours on an average weekday. This surge in commute times has resulted in D.C. residents spending the equivalent of 71 days each year trapped in traffic.

Los Angeles, traditionally known for its traffic woes, still leads in overall congestion, facing nearly eight hours of traffic daily, equating to 85 days per year. However, commuters there enjoy a shorter average commute time of just over 30 minutes, which contrasts sharply with those in the nation’s capital. Despite the chaotic road conditions, Washington, D.C. ranks among the lowest in the nation for fatal car crashes, reporting fewer than six deadly accidents per 100,000 residents.

In the latest report, ConsumerAffairs ranked various cities across the country for traffic congestion as follows:

• 1. Washington, D.C.
• 2. Los Angeles
• 3. Miami
• 4. San Francisco
• 5. Atlanta

This ranking highlights the trend that cities with severe traffic issues often correlate with high economic output, driven by population growth and commuting patterns. Urban planning experts point out that, paradoxically, high levels of congestion can signal economic prosperity within a city. Consequently, D.C., with its bustling economy and vibrant job market, showcases such a dichotomy of urban life.

While public transportation utilization in the D.C. area has increased as a response to escalating traffic levels, it still remains below the levels observed in 2019 before the pandemic fundamentally altered commuting habits. With conditions worsening, many commuters in D.C. are resorting to adjusting their work hours or embracing telecommuting options as strategies to navigate the traffic chaos more effectively.

In stark contrast, other American cities such as Rochester, Salt Lake City, and Cleveland report significantly lower traffic congestion. These cities benefit from more available road space, allowing for swifter commutes and lesser daily travel times. Increased road space often translates to fewer traffic jams and a more efficient flow of vehicles, showcasing a potential solution to the congestion woes faced by larger metropolitan areas.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Fox 5 DC
• NBC Washington
• WJLA
• Axios
• WTOP
• Wikipedia: Traffic Congestion
• Google Search: Traffic Congestion in the US
• Google Scholar: Urban Traffic Issues
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
• Google News: Traffic America

Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.