In 2025, the car might be smarter, the fuel might be cleaner, but in these cities, driving still sucks. Whether it’s hours of congestion, outrageous parking costs, or poor road conditions, these metros prove that a better commute still isn’t a given—even in the future.
Here is the 2025 Mid Year Top 5 Worst US Cities to Drive in.
1. Los Angeles, California
- Why it’s terrible in 2025: LA is still the poster child for traffic misery. Despite EV growth and more HOV incentives, highways like the 405, 5, and 101 are gridlocked daily. Add in urban sprawl and limited public transit outside the metro core, and you’ve got hours of wasted drive time.
- Fun fact: LA drivers lose an average of 98 hours a year in traffic as of 2025.
2. New York City, New York
- Why it’s terrible in 2025: Congestion pricing was introduced in Midtown and Lower Manhattan, but it hasn’t totally fixed the problem. Between horrific parking, aggressive drivers, constant street closures, and delivery trucks blocking lanes, driving in NYC remains a frustrating, expensive last resort.
- Bonus pain: Alternate-side parking still exists—and still confuses everyone.
3. Chicago, Illinois
- Why it’s terrible in 2025: Endless roadwork, brutal winters, and potholes make for a rough ride. Combine that with high gas prices, expensive tolls, and some of the worst bottlenecks in the Midwest (looking at you, I-290), and it’s a headache year-round.
- Worst intersection: The Jane Byrne Interchange, still under improvements after nearly a decade.
4. San Francisco, California
- Why it’s terrible in 2025: Narrow streets, steep hills, endless construction, and limited parking options make SF a logistical nightmare. Autonomous vehicles are increasing in number, but sometimes block traffic or get stuck in weird situations, making human drivers even more frustrated.
- 2025 fun fact: Average monthly parking in downtown SF is over $400.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
- Why it’s terrible in 2025: Atlanta’s downtown connectors are notorious for bottlenecks, accidents, and unpredictable backups. Sprawl and lack of convenient mass transit force people into cars, leading to painful commutes. The I-285 beltway? Still a nightmare.
- Rush hour reality: A 20-mile drive can easily take 90 minutes or more.
Dishonorable Mentions:
- Seattle, WA – Tunnel construction may be done, but traffic still crawls.
- Boston, MA – Confusing street layout and angry drivers make every turn a gamble.
- Houston, TX – Massive sprawl and construction-heavy freeways continue to clog.
