Mexico City Leads Global Congestion with 75.9% Traffic Level
Mexico City, Mexico – The bustling capital of Mexico has once again garnered international attention, this time for an unenviable distinction: being the city with the highest traffic congestion globally. According to the latest TomTom Traffic Index, released yesterday, January 24, 2026, Mexico City recorded a congestion level of 75.9% in 2025, a marginal decrease of 3.6% compared to 2024 figures.
This means that commuters and residents in Mexico City collectively lose an astounding 184 hours annually due to traffic jams, an equivalent of nearly 7.6 full days. The average speed within the city stands at a mere 17.4 kilometers per hour, translating to an average advancement of just 4.4 kilometers every 15 minutes of travel.
Peak Congestion Day in Mexico City
The most challenging day for commuters in 2025 was Wednesday, May 28, when the congestion level soared to an alarming 117%. TomTom calculates this percentage by comparing actual travel times with those recorded under free-flowing traffic conditions, highlighting the severe impact of peak-hour traffic on daily life.
Mexico City’s congestion surpasses that of other major global cities such as Bengaluru (74.4%), Dublin (72.9%), Lodz (72.8%), Pune (71.1%), and Lublin (70.4%). Within Latin America, while Bogotá (69.6%), Arequipa (69.5%), and Lima (69.3%) also face significant traffic issues, they remain below the congestion levels experienced in the Mexican capital.
Monterrey and Guadalajara Also Feature in International Ranking
Beyond Mexico City, other prominent Mexican urban centers, Monterrey and Guadalajara, also made it to the international ranking, albeit with significantly lower congestion levels.
Guadalajara: 17th Globally with 63.3% Congestion
Guadalajara, Jalisco, secured the 17th position globally, reporting a congestion level of 63.3%. This represents a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Drivers in Guadalajara can expect to spend up to 126 hours annually in traffic, equating to approximately five full days. The average speed in Guadalajara is 21.2 kilometers per hour, with an average travel distance of 5.3 kilometers every 15 minutes. The most congested day for Guadalajara in 2025 was August 20, when the average congestion reached 93%, peaking at 199% during rush hour.
Monterrey: 111th Globally with 48% Congestion
Monterrey, Nuevo León, was the third Mexican city to appear in the ranking, holding the 111th position with an average congestion level of 48%. This marks a 0.9% decrease compared to 2024. The average vehicle speed in Monterrey was recorded at 32.5 kilometers per hour, covering 8.1 kilometers every 15 minutes. Residents of Monterrey lose approximately 89 hours, or three days, each year due to traffic.
The TomTom Traffic Index highlights the persistent challenges faced by Mexican cities in managing urban mobility, underscoring the need for sustainable transportation solutions to alleviate the significant time and productivity losses experienced by their populations.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/01/24/cdmx-es-la-ciudad-con-mas-congestion-en-movildiad-en-el-mundo-segun-ranking-monterrey-y-guadalajara-en-el-top-internacional/
