As travelers, we love visiting new places — but we don’t like being stuck in traffic. (Who does?) So, we looked to navigational technology company TomTom, which analyzed traffic data from thousands of major cities in 2025 to find the areas with the most congestion. If you’ve visited (or lived in) these destinations, you can likely attest to the bumper-to-bumper conditions and annoying delays — but if you’re willing to be patient or consider alternate methods of transportation, there are plenty of exciting things to do and see. Discover the 10 North American cities with the worst traffic.

10. Tijuana, Mexico

Located 20 miles south of San Diego, California, Tijuana is a quick hop across the U.S.-Mexico border — or at least it should be, theoretically speaking. Travelers who make the day trip to Tijuana will likely encounter some heavy traffic en route, as the border city ranks as the 10th-most-congested city in North America. On average, drivers in Tijuana lost 72 hours to rush hour traffic last year, according to the TomTom report.

9. Toronto, Canada

While there are plenty of sights to see in Canada’s largest city — from the CN Tower and High Park to the Royal Ontario Museum and St. Lawrence Market — it will take you a while to reach them. Toronto’s high congestion levels are due to a multitude of factors, including construction, the number of daily commuters, and streets that have been repurposed for bike lanes and patio dining to make the city more biker- and pedestrian-friendly.

8. Monterrey, Mexico

The capital of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León, Monterrey is Mexico’s second-largest metropolitan area in Mexico (after Mexico City), with over 5 million residents. While the charming downtown area — home to attractions such as Macroplaza, Barrio Antiguo, and Paseo Santa Lucía — is fairly walkable, the city relies heavily on cars to get around. Monterrey drivers lost an average of 89 hours (nearly four days) to traffic congestion in 2025.

7. New York, New York

Maybe they call it “the city that never sleeps” because they’re always stuck in traffic. To drive 3 miles in New York City, it takes an average of 15 minutes. The average speed in the city barely reaches 12 mph, according to TomTom’s findings. Not surprisingly, many choose to get around on foot or by the excellent subway system, but New York is also taking steps to address traffic. Congestion pricing in the lower half of Manhattan, the city’s busiest area, went into effect in 2025, and results have been positive in reducing the number of cars on city streets.

6. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is known for its stunning coastal views and lively restaurant scene, but with 116 hours lost to traffic annually, those attractions come at a cost. One of the most congested stretches of road in San Francisco lies within its most famous attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge. More than 100,000 cars traverse the historic bridge on any given day, while even more drivers cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

It may be one of America’s safest, healthiest, and most cultured cities, but Honolulu has one major downside: traffic. If you’re seeking sun and surf on world-famous Waikiki Beach or hiking Diamond Head for epic views over the city, be prepared to spend a little extra time in the car getting there. The Aloha State’s capital ranks No. 5 for worst congestion in North America, according to the TomTom report.

4. Vancouver, Canada

This busy British Columbia port city is home to picturesque parks, beaches, art galleries, museums, and a burgeoning culinary scene. It’s little wonder, then, that Greater Vancouver’s population has doubled over the last four decades. Now home to over 3 million people, Vancouver sees its fair share of traffic, too. Adding to the congestion are popular year-round events such as the Vancouver International Film Festival, the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) Fair, and the Cherry Blossom Festival.

3. Los Angeles, California

The “City of Freeways” is often synonymous with bad traffic, so it’s no surprise to see its high position on the TomTom list. L.A. drivers spent over 60% of their travel time on highways, the most of any city in the top 10. The section of Interstate 5 between L.A. and Santa Ana in Orange County ranks as the busiest highway in the U.S. — more than 500,000 vehicles use it on an average day. 

2. Guadalajara, Mexico

The vibrant city of Guadalajara is known for its local tequila, mariachi music, and, unfortunately, busy streets. Drivers here can expect to spend over 125 hours in rush hour traffic annually. While traffic does move slowly, patience is rewarded, with many things to see and do. Enjoy a fútbol (soccer) game, view the murals of the Instituto Cultural Cabanas, or explore the local culinary scene, where regional specialties like tortas ahogadas (“drowned” sandwiches) and birria (a slow-cooked meat stew) steal the show.

1. Mexico City, Mexico

As one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico City is home to fascinating historical sites such as Aztec temples, but the city also has expanded dramatically since its ancient past. Today, it’s home to around 22 million people, making it one of the world’s most populated metro areas. Due to its sprawling area, large population, and significant tourist numbers, Mexico City has the highest congestion level of any city in the world. Commuters here lose a staggering 184 hours to rush hour traffic annually, and the average distance driven in 15 minutes is just 2.7 miles.