Traffic in the Worst Cities: What You Need to Know Before Visiting

Bangkok's traffic is notorious, yet predictable, with peak congestion during morning and evening rush hours. The city's central business district is perpetually clogged, although alternate routes and public transit options like the BTS Skytrain offer some respite. Despite these alternatives, navigating Bangkok's streets requires patience and planning.

Moscow's traffic troubles are twofold. While it boasts a robust public transport network, it fails to effectively serve the sprawling metropolitan area. Additionally, the city’s residents have a strong preference for personal vehicles. Despite efforts to enhance road infrastructure and public transport options, convincing motorists to ditch their cars remains a formidable challenge.

Los Angeles is almost synonymous with traffic jams. A historical lack of road construction in the 60s and 70s has led to inadequate freeway space, with few options for expansion due to logistical challenges and lengthy construction timelines. Although there's a comprehensive public bus system, only a quarter of commuters choose to use it, preferring their personal vehicles despite the congestion.

In São Paulo, a metropolis with over 12 million residents, traffic is more than a nuisance—it's a way of life. Daily, vehicles crowd the roads, creating extensive jams, especially during peak hours from 6 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Despite an extensive public transportation network, the system is overwhelmed by demand. For savvy travellers, avoiding peak times and utilising São Paulo's metro and bus services can make navigating this bustling city a tad easier.

In Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, traffic congestion is more than just a nuisance—it's a daily challenge. Despite having a rapid transit system, it struggles under the weight of the city's rapid growth and remains underdeveloped and unreliable. Minibuses are an option, but they're often packed to the brim, pushing most residents to depend on private vehicles. This reliance on cars, coupled with a large number of daily commuters travelling long distances, keeps the roads more than busy.

Home to over 19 million people, New Delhi's traffic congestion is as complex as it is chaotic. The city grapples with frequent traffic light rotations leading to severe backups, compounded by an overwhelmed metro and bus system. The streets are bustling not just with cars, trucks, and buses, but also with pedestrians and animal-driven carts, adding layers to the traffic turmoil.

Manila's traffic situation, worsened by a population exceeding 13 million and a high vehicle density, reflects the daily grind of its residents. Roads are not only narrow but also frequently flouted by traffic rules, adding to the congestion. Public transit options like the MRT, which served around 230,000 passengers daily as of 2019, offer an alternative, although conditions can be cramped. Visitors should consider travelling in off-peak hours and using rideshare apps for better mobility.

Paris, home to over 2 million people, grapples with traffic across its historic and narrow avenues, which sees high congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours from 8 AM to 10 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM. The city's robust public transportation network, which serves millions yearly, offers tourists a practical alternative to driving, with extensive metro, bus, and bike-sharing systems enhancing the Parisian experience.

Jakarta faces severe traffic congestion, characterized by slow-moving traffic, especially during peak hours from 7 AM to 10 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. The city’s dependence on private cars, in a population of about 10.5 million, has historically outstripped the development of its road infrastructure. Recent developments in mass rapid transit (MRT) and buses aim to improve this, providing better options for the city’s commuters and visitors alike.

London, with a population nearing 9 million, experiences significant congestion, despite a comprehensive public transport system. The city’s historic layout limits road expansion, maintaining high traffic volumes particularly from 7 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM. The congestion charge zone in the city centre encourages the use of public transport, which includes the Underground system that annually caters to over a billion journeys.