Istanbul, Turkey, was ranked as the most congested city in the world in 2024, according to a study by transportation analysis company INRIX. Drivers in the city spent an average of 105 hours stuck in traffic over the course of the year, a 15% increase on 2023.
This significant increase put Istanbul at the top of the global ranking, beating cities such as New York, Mexico City and London. The average delay time per driver in Istanbul jumped from 91 hours in 2023 to 105 hours in 2024, reflecting the challenges faced by locals in terms of urban mobility.
The average speed in the city center is only 15 mph (approximately 24 km/h), highlighting the slowness of traffic and the urgent need for improvements in transport infrastructure.
This congestion not only causes frustration for drivers, but also has significant economic implications, affecting productivity and increasing transportation costs in the city.
The INRIX report highlights that while many cities have seen an increase in congestion, Istanbul stood out due to its sharp rise in traffic delays. This situation reinforces the need for effective measures to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the city.