Traffic congestion can make life in a city hard, affecting time and money. In some U.S. cities, gridlock is a daily reality, making commuting a serious hassle. Whether it’s outdated infrastructure, rapid population growth, or narrow roads, these cities are notorious for their traffic jams, leading to slow commutes and stressed-out drivers.

New York City, New York

New York City’s heavy traffic is a notorious part of daily life. The city’s dense population, narrow streets, and constant flow of vehicles make it a traffic hotspot. The endless gridlock is especially bad in Manhattan, where rush hour can turn a short drive into a lengthy ordeal. This opinion comes from general reports on the city’s infrastructure and urban challenges, making it widely recognized as one of the worst cities for traffic.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s old infrastructure and tight city layout contribute to some of the worst traffic in the country. The city’s roadways, designed in colonial times, weren’t built for modern traffic volumes, and this often causes significant backups during rush hour. Long delays are common, especially around the city’s tunnels and bridges. Many local news sources and traffic analysis reports have repeatedly ranked Boston as one of the most congested cities.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s downtown area, known as the Loop, and its surrounding highways, like the Dan Ryan Expressway, are infamous for constant traffic jams. The city’s sprawling nature and heavy suburban commuting make congestion a regular problem. Locals and travelers alike dread the frequent delays, and Chicago consistently ranks high on lists of worst traffic in major cities.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s combination of old infrastructure and densely packed streets leads to frequent traffic snarls. The city’s aging roads and bridges and a high volume of commuters make daily driving challenging. The close proximity to other major northeastern cities also contributes to heavy traffic. Traffic data from several transportation studies highlights Philadelphia’s ongoing congestion problems.

Miami, Florida

Miami faces a unique mix of tourist and local traffic, which adds to its congestion. Its highways and main streets become gridlocked during peak tourist seasons, and the city’s growth has outpaced its infrastructure. Reports frequently mention Miami’s traffic as being among the worst in the Southeast, especially during rush hour.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s steep hills and tight streets make traffic particularly difficult, especially in the downtown area. The city’s infrastructure struggles to handle the volume of cars, especially during rush hours. Commuters often face long delays on bridges and in the financial district. The city’s notorious congestion is often cited in surveys of drivers across the U.S.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans’ unique street layout and frequent events and parades create unpredictable traffic patterns. The city’s historic roads weren’t designed for modern vehicle volumes, leading to regular congestion, particularly near popular areas like the French Quarter. Local publications often highlight the frustrations of navigating New Orleans’ streets during busy times.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is one of the most well-known cities for traffic problems. With sprawling highways like the I-405 and a car-dependent culture, traffic in L.A. is part of everyday life. The city’s reliance on freeways and the sheer number of commuters make gridlock common throughout the day, not just during rush hour. Due to its relentless congestion, L.A. regularly tops lists of worst traffic cities.

Houston, Texas

Houston’s rapid expansion and wide highways have led to significant traffic issues. Although the roads are large, the volume of cars often exceeds capacity, causing major slowdowns, especially on routes like I-10 and I-45. Houston’s traffic challenges are often cited by local news and transportation studies that emphasize the growing problem.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s traffic is concentrated around its perimeter highway, I-285, which sees significant congestion daily. The city’s reliance on a few major highways means any accident or delay can cause long backups. Traffic reports frequently place Atlanta high on lists of worst-traffic cities, largely due to its sprawling nature and dependence on driving.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas has seen major growth in recent years, and with that growth comes increased traffic. Although Dallas has large highways, the city often experiences long delays during peak hours. Traffic reports highlight Dallas’ issues with congestion, particularly on routes leading into the city center.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s roadways are often congested due to a combination of population growth and limited road space. Traffic jams during peak times are common, and the city’s layout doesn’t always provide quick alternative routes. Local traffic studies often rank Portland as one of the more congested cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington, D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., sees heavy traffic, especially during the workweek. Its streets become packed with commuters, government officials, and tourists, all trying to navigate the city’s busy roads. Traffic studies frequently place D.C. among the worst cities for gridlock, especially around the major government buildings.

Concord, California

Although smaller than many other cities on the list, Concord suffers from significant traffic congestion due to its proximity to larger urban areas like San Francisco. Commuters often face long delays, especially when traveling to or from the Bay Area. Local news reports often discuss the city’s traffic woes in connection with the broader congestion of the region.

Stamford, Connecticut

Stamford’s location near New York City makes it a hotspot for traffic congestion. Commuters traveling between the two cities regularly face long delays, particularly on the highways leading into New York. Stamford’s traffic issues are frequently mentioned in local media as part of the broader challenges facing the New York metropolitan area.