According to the TomTom Traffic Index, London has once again claimed the top spot as the city with the longest average commute time in the world, with drivers spending an average of 37 minutes and 20 seconds to travel just 10 kilometres.
- London has the longest average commute time in the world – 37 minutes and 20 seconds for 10 kilometers
- European cities dominate the top 10 list for longest commute times
- Traffic congestion is a pressing issue across Europe, with five European cities in the top 10
The World’s Most Congested Cities
A new report by TomTom highlights the ten cities where traffic congestion is most severe, based on the time it takes to cover a 10-kilometre distance. The data reflects real-world delays experienced by drivers across major urban areas globally.
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Below is a breakdown of the top 10 cities with the longest commute times:
| Rank | City | Country | Average Time (per 10 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | United Kingdom | 37 minutes 20 seconds |
| 2 | Dublin | Ireland | 29 minutes 30 seconds |
| 3 | Toronto | Canada | 29 minutes |
| 4 | Milan | Italy | 28 minutes 50 seconds |
| 5 | Lima | Peru | 28 minutes 30 seconds |
| 6 | Bengaluru | India | 28 minutes 10 seconds |
| 7 | Pune | India | 27 minutes 50 seconds |
| 8 | Bucharest | Romania | 27 minutes 40 seconds |
| 9 | Manila | Philippines | 27 minutes 20 seconds |
| 10 | Brussels | Belgium | 27 minutes |
London’s traffic woes deepen
London’s commuters face the longest delays globally, with increasing congestion adding more time to daily journeys. The capital continues to struggle with urban gridlock, exacerbated by roadworks, high vehicle numbers, and infrastructure limitations.
European cites dominate the list
Out of the top ten, five European cities appear on the list, indicating that traffic congestion remains a pressing issue across Europe. Dublin, Milan, Bucharest, Brussels, and London are all grappling with growing urban populations and increasing vehicle usage.
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India’s rapid urban growth reflected in commute times
Bengaluru and Pune, two major Indian cities, have also made the list. Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure strain, and a high concentration of vehicles have made commuting increasingly difficult in these tech and business hubs.
A global challenge
The data paints a clear picture: urban congestion is a global problem, affecting cities across continents. Authorities in these regions are being urged to adopt sustainable transport solutions, invest in public transportation, and implement smart traffic management systems.
