The 5 Worst Cities in the World for Traffic (and Why You’ll Be Glad You’re Leasing)
Whether you’re sitting in a jam on the M25 or weaving through a congested city centre, there’s one thing all drivers agree on: traffic is the ultimate time thief. But while the UK has its fair share of slow-moving roads, we’re not alone in the global gridlock struggle.
At Pendle Lease, we’re all about helping drivers make smarter choices. Whether you're thinking about vehicle leasing for your daily commute or a business lease for your fleet, understanding how traffic affects travel time—and your sanity—can help you plan better.
So buckle up as we explore the top five worst cities in the world for traffic (and why a car lease can actually make those long waits a little more bearable).
1. Mumbai, India — The Global Gridlock Capital
Average time lost in traffic per year: 121 hours
Average speed during rush hour: 18 km/h (11 mph)
Welcome to Mumbai—India’s financial powerhouse, Bollywood HQ, and unfortunately, one of the world’s worst cities for congestion. A staggering population of over 20 million people paired with rapid urbanisation has left the city’s infrastructure struggling to cope.
Unregulated traffic flow, outdated road networks, and high vehicle density all contribute to long delays. What might look like a short 5-mile trip on a map could take well over an hour in real-world traffic.
Pendle Lease Perspective: If you’re travelling internationally for business or considering fleet management in growing global markets, remember that vehicle leasing gives you the freedom to choose models suited to the terrain and traffic conditions—whether that's a compact hatchback for city navigation or an EV to save fuel during idle times.
2. Lima, Peru — A Rush Hour That Never Ends
Average time lost in traffic per year: 116 hours
Average speed during peak traffic: 15 km/h (9 mph)
Lima’s growing population has exploded in recent decades, and infrastructure hasn’t kept up. With limited public transport options and a high dependence on private cars and taxis, congestion in Peru’s capital is an everyday ordeal.
To make matters worse, aggressive driving, loosely enforced road rules, and outdated traffic systems mean that even short journeys become stress-inducing.
Leasing Tip: In cities where congestion is constant, the reliability of a new leased car can take the edge off. Fewer breakdown worries, modern comfort, and the latest infotainment systems can make even the slowest commutes more manageable—especially for personal lease customers.
3. Manila, Philippines — The Unofficial Capital of Chaos
Average time lost in traffic per year: 98 hours
Average speed during peak hours: 19 km/h (12 mph)
Manila’s traffic isn’t just slow—it’s legendary. While jeepneys (iconic minibuses) and tuk-tuks add character to the city, they also contribute to its chaotic roadways. Add in flooding during the rainy season, and you’ve got a traffic cocktail that no one wants to drink.
The Philippines has tried implementing car number coding (where vehicles are banned on certain days depending on license plates), but congestion remains a massive challenge.
Fun Fact: A recent survey found that Filipinos consider traffic one of the top three most stressful aspects of life in Manila—on par with job insecurity!
Pendle Lease Insight: Leasing a car in a city with variable road conditions makes practical sense. New vehicles come with up-to-date safety features, fuel efficiency, and manufacturer warranties—perfect for surviving a city where it might take you two hours to move six miles.
4. Istanbul, Turkey — The City Where East Meets West (in Traffic)
Average time lost in traffic per year: 103 hours
Notorious for: Bosphorus Bridge bottlenecks
Istanbul’s geography is unique: it’s a city that straddles two continents, with only a few main bridges connecting Europe and Asia. The result? Bottlenecks galore—especially on the Bosphorus Bridge, where delays of over an hour are common during peak hours.
Despite investments in public transport, Istanbul’s rapid expansion and car-loving culture have only made traffic worse. Over 20,000 new cars are registered in the city every month, and rush hour can sometimes last most of the day.
Smart Leasing Move: For urban business fleets navigating congested cities, a business lease arrangement offers not only tax benefits but also the option to switch to more efficient, city-friendly vehicles. Pendle Lease offers flexibility to adapt as your environment changes.
5. London, UK — Our Very Own Congestion King
Average time lost in traffic per year: 99 hours
Worst areas: A406 (North Circular), A501 (Euston Road), and any Friday at 5pm
No need to travel far to experience one of the world’s worst traffic nightmares—London regularly ranks in the global top 10 for congestion. Despite having a comprehensive public transport system, the capital’s streets are constantly clogged with cars, buses, bikes, taxis, and delivery vehicles.
Congestion charges, ultra-low emissions zones (ULEZ), and rising parking fees have helped a little—but for drivers, traffic delays are still a daily headache.
Pendle Lease Angle: Leasing in London just makes sense. You’ll benefit from ULEZ-compliant vehicles, affordable monthly payments, and the ability to switch to hybrids or EVs when needed. Plus, there’s no risk of owning a depreciating asset in an ever-changing regulatory environment.
Why It’s Important (Even If You’re Not in These Cities)
You might not live in Lima or navigate the madness of Manila, but traffic congestion is a global issue—and the UK is far from immune. Here's why this matters for anyone considering a car lease:
1. Mental Health & Productivity
Sitting in traffic drains time and energy. Whether it’s showing up late for meetings or getting home exhausted, the impact is real.
2. Wear and Tear
Congestion increases idling time, brake wear, and fuel consumption. With vehicle leasing, maintenance is often included—giving you peace of mind if you're stuck in a slow crawl every day.
3. Emissions & the Environment
Newer leased vehicles are cleaner and more efficient, helping reduce your carbon footprint—particularly important for business lease customers under pressure to meet environmental targets.
4. Financial Flexibility
Buying a car and committing long-term might not make sense when your driving habits are dictated by gridlock. Leasing gives you room to reassess every few years.
Final Thoughts: Beat the Jam With Pendle Lease
The cities we’ve listed might top the global congestion charts, but traffic is something we all contend with. Whether you’re weaving through London traffic or planning a business lease fleet for urban deliveries, leasing offers the kind of flexibility, cost-efficiency, and vehicle choice that makes driving more manageable—even if you’re not moving very fast.
At Pendle Lease, we’re not just here to hand over keys—we’re here to help you drive smarter. From fuel-saving hybrids to low-emission business fleet options, our vehicle leasing specialists can tailor the perfect personal lease or business lease deal to match your driving environment.
Looking to beat the traffic blues? Contact Pendle Lease today and let’s get you moving—in the right direction.
