A comprehensive study has officially declared London as having the worst traffic of any capital city in the world, with drivers enduring significant delays that highlight ongoing challenges in urban mobility.
London Tops Global Traffic Congestion Rankings
According to the annual TomTom traffic index, London has been crowned the slowest city in Europe and the second slowest globally, securing the unenviable title of the world's most congested capital. The data indicates that London's traffic conditions deteriorated from 2024 to 2025, underscoring persistent issues in the city's transport network.
Key Findings from the TomTom Report
The study reveals that London drivers spent an average of 141 hours stuck in rush hour traffic last year, equivalent to nearly six full days. This places London among the top 20 cities worldwide for time lost in traffic, with only Barranquilla in Colombia experiencing worse congestion.
In 2025, it took an average of three minutes and 38 seconds to travel one kilometre (0.6 miles) in London, an increase of four seconds from the previous year. The congestion level, measured by comparing ideal free-flowing traffic times with actual times, rose from 50.6% to 51.6%. Additionally, free-flow travel times increased by one second to two minutes and 23 seconds per kilometre.
Implications for Infrastructure and Urban Planning
The report suggests that changes to infrastructure may not be effectively improving travel times for cars, as free-flow states did not show enhancement. It notes, 'This could suggest that changes to infrastructure do not improve outright travel times for cars, as free-flow state did not improve. The rise in congestion level further suggests that England's capital is not improving the flow of vehicles through its inner-city corridors.'
London's traffic was slower than in other major global cities, including Bengaluru and Kolkata in India, which ranked third and fourth respectively. Other cities in the top 10 for slowest traffic include Dublin, Mexico City, Lima, Trujillo in Peru, Davao City in the Philippines, and Kyoto in Japan.
Broader Context and Future Considerations
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about transport improvements in London, such as new bus routes and potential tube line modifications. The findings highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to address congestion, potentially involving enhanced public transport, cycling infrastructure, and traffic management strategies.
As London continues to grow, tackling traffic congestion will be crucial for economic productivity, environmental sustainability, and quality of life for residents and commuters alike.
