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.

Key Takeaways

City	Average Commute Time (minutes)	Days Spent in Traffic per Year	Severe Congestion Hours per Day	Fatal Car Accidents per 100,000 Residents
Washington, D.C.	33.4	71	6.5+	<6
Los Angeles	30.4	85	8	n/a
Miami	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
San Francisco	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Atlanta	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

FAQ

What city currently has the worst traffic in the U.S.?

Washington, D.C. now has the worst traffic in the U.S., surpassing Los Angeles.

What is the average daily commute time in Washington, D.C.?

The average daily commute time in Washington, D.C. is 33.4 minutes.

How much time do D.C. commuters spend in traffic annually?

D.C. commuters collectively spend 71 days in traffic each year.

Which city has the highest overall weekday congestion time?

Los Angeles has the highest overall weekday congestion time, almost eight hours of traffic each day.

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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