5 Most Congested Cities in Europe

In this article, we will take a look at the 5 most congested cities in Europe. If you would like to read our discussion on the trends in traffic, you can go to the 15 Most Congested Cities in Europe.

5. Brussels

Average Travel Time per 10 km: 27 Minutes

Brussels, the bustling city at the heart of Belgium, holds the title of being the most densely populated urban center in the country. Despite its charm and vibrancy, Brussels finds itself among Europe’s top five cities with the worst traffic congestion. Commuters navigating through Brussels during peak morning hours experience a delay of 13 minutes per 10 km journey, while those braving the evening rush hour face a 15-minute setback over the same distance. This daily gridlock now requires an additional 27-28 minutes for a round trip covering 10 km each way. With nearly 40% of its roads constantly clogged with traffic, Brussels presents a challenging environment for both locals and visitors alike.

4. Bucharest

Average Travel Time per 10 km: 27 Minutes and 40 Seconds

Bucharest, Romania’s southern capital, suffers from some of the world’s worst traffic. In 2023, congestion levels in the city hit a new high of 55%, adding 20 seconds to the travel time for a typical 10 km trip. This gridlock is partly fueled by an increase in car registrations, with a staggering 1.8 million vehicles now in Bucharest and its surroundings.

3. Milan

Average Travel Time per 10 km: 28 Minutes and 50 Seconds

Milan is situated in the Lombardy region in Northern Italy. It ranks 4^th in the world in terms of traffic congestion, with commuters spending an average travel time of 28 minutes and 50 seconds per 10 kilometers. Drivers spend 137 hours waiting in queues on the roads out of the total 276 hours spent driving in Milan.

2. Dublin

Average Travel Time per 10 km: 29 Minutes and 30 Seconds

Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland. On an average basis, drivers spend approximately 29 minutes and 30 seconds traveling 10 kilometers in the city as of 2023. This routine commute, twice a day, translates to an annual loss of around 158 hours for drivers. During rush hour, traffic slows significantly, with average speeds reducing to a mere 18.9 km/h. The most severe congestion in Dublin typically occurs between 16:00 and 17:00, labeled as rush hour, causing extensive delays across the city.

1. London

Average Travel Time per 10 km: 37 Minutes and 20 Seconds

London is at the first position on our list of the most congested cities in Europe. London’s traffic issues far surpass the rest of the UK. Interestingly, all five of the UK’s most congested routes are found within London, with the worst offender, a west London stretch, claiming 47 hours a year from drivers.