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  • Just How Bad Is DC Traffic from a Global Perspective?
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Just How Bad Is DC Traffic from a Global Perspective?

The nation’s capital scored high both nationally and globally for roadway congestion.

By Debbie Williams December 4, 2025 at 2:06 pm

Anyone who spends time driving in DC knows heavy traffic is a way of life. But just how does DMV road congestion compare to other parts of the world?

A new study from data analysis company INRIX confirms that DC traffic is no joke. DC ranked No. 9 on the list for the most congested U.S. cities. Globally, it ranked at No. 19.

Chicago took the No. 1 spot on the national list and was also ranked third internationally, behind Istanbul and Mexico City. Other U.S. cities in the global top 10 include New York at No. 3, Philadelphia at No. 4, and Los Angeles at No. 10.

According to the study, DC drivers lose 70 hours per year stuck in traffic at a cost of $1,289 per driver. The busiest corridor was along 295 in DC.

The report also noted traffic congestions in Northern Virginia along the Toll Road/Greenway between Hunter Mill Road in Reston and Claiborne Parkway in Ashburn, as well as along I-66 between the beltway and Fair Oaks.

A July report by Consumer Affairs stated the average commute to work in DC is 33.4 minutes — the longest in the U.S. On an average weekday, traffic congestion lasts more than 6.5 hours.

Feature image, Milan/sotck.adobe.com

Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams

Senior Editor

Northern Virginia Magazine Senior Editor Debbie Williams is a George Mason University graduate and longtime NoVA resident. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of nonprofit, lifestyle, and government publications, including for AARP.org and USA TODAY magazines.

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