August 12, 2025
The Top 20 Locations With the Busiest Roads in the World
Most drivers around the world know the feeling of being stuck in standstill traffic, especially when driving during rush hour. In some locations across the world, the roads are a constant hustle and bustle, as cars and vehicles can stretch for miles.
Our team at DiscoverCars.com has researched the world’s top 20 busiest roads. We surveyed 12,015 drivers and asked them to rank how busy the roads of the location they visited were.
Our team at DiscoverCars.com has researched the world’s top 20 busiest roads. We surveyed 12,015 drivers and asked them to rank how busy the roads of the location they visited were.
Methodology
Our team surveyed 12,015 drivers from around the world, and asked them to rank the location they visited on a scale of 0-10 on how busy they found the roads. 0 being very quiet, and 10 being extremely crowded. We then found the average scores for each location and ranked them to find the top 20 places with the busiest roads around the world. Only locations that received 50 or more votes were included in the ranking.
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Albania
In first place for the busiest roads around the world is Albania, where drivers scored this country’s roads 7.14 out of 10. Albania’s capital, Tirana, is known to have particularly busy roads, where you can expect to experience a fair amount of congestion.
There can also be a lot of restrictions when it comes to parking in Tirana, so this is something else to be aware of if you find yourself driving in the capital city.
Driving through Albania may be a little hectic at times, but this country is an underrated European travel destination. Albania is home to four UNESCO heritage sites, including the ancient city of Butrint, which is located near Saranda, a stunning coastal city in southern Albania.
There can also be a lot of restrictions when it comes to parking in Tirana, so this is something else to be aware of if you find yourself driving in the capital city.
Driving through Albania may be a little hectic at times, but this country is an underrated European travel destination. Albania is home to four UNESCO heritage sites, including the ancient city of Butrint, which is located near Saranda, a stunning coastal city in southern Albania.
Montenegro
In second place is Montenegro, which scored 7.12 out of 10 for its busy roads. Driving in Montenegro can be a great experience, especially as the roads are usually free and in good condition. However, one thing to expect is heavy traffic in some of the tunnel roads.
There’s a system of complex tunnels on the road between Podgorica and Kolasin, which can get pretty busy, especially as there’s only one lane!
Montenegro is home to the Tara River Canyon, which is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. This country is also known for its stunning coastlines and mountains, making it a fantastic European destination to explore, even if the roads can get a little busy!
There’s a system of complex tunnels on the road between Podgorica and Kolasin, which can get pretty busy, especially as there’s only one lane!
Montenegro is home to the Tara River Canyon, which is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. This country is also known for its stunning coastlines and mountains, making it a fantastic European destination to explore, even if the roads can get a little busy!
Morocco
Third place goes to Morocco, with a score of 6.91 out of 10. Casablanca, one of Morocco's major cities, is known to have busy traffic jams. In Marrakech, another large city, you’ll likely encounter lots of scooters and motorbikes whizzing by. The Medina of Marrakech, which is what the old town is called, is a popular tourist destination that travelers may be driving to visit.
If you were to venture down to the southern coastal cities, like Agadir and Essaouira, you may find driving down these roads a little easier.
If you were to venture down to the southern coastal cities, like Agadir and Essaouira, you may find driving down these roads a little easier.
Germany
Germany is in fourth place, with a score of 6.74 out of 10. Germany’s highway system, the autobahn, is known to get jam-packed with traffic. In some areas of the autobahn system, there is no enforced speed limit, so drivers can go as fast as they please, but it’s recommended by the government not to surpass 80mph.
While navigating Germany's busy roads may seem intimidating at first, it’s sure to be a unique experience, especially for driving enthusiasts who will be able to tick driving on an autobahn off their bucket list!
While navigating Germany's busy roads may seem intimidating at first, it’s sure to be a unique experience, especially for driving enthusiasts who will be able to tick driving on an autobahn off their bucket list!
Turkey
In fifth place is Turkey, which scored 6.71 out of 10. The roads in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, can be quite hectic during peak travel times, with traffic jams and congestion expected. You may also see plenty of scooters whizzing and weaving their way through.
However, driving across the country towards the coastal towns and cities is a great way to explore the sights and visit the stunning beaches. Turkey is also one of the countries with the best gas stations.
However, driving across the country towards the coastal towns and cities is a great way to explore the sights and visit the stunning beaches. Turkey is also one of the countries with the best gas stations.
Poland
In sixth place is Poland, which scored 6.67 out of 10 for its busy roads. There are plenty of vehicles on Polish roads that can make them pretty crowded, especially in the summertime near tourist hot spots. The roads in Poland are in good condition, however, and driving is one of the best ways to get around. Poland’s capital, Warsaw, is also one of our top destinations for a family vacation.
Mauritius
Mauritius is in seventh place, with a score of 6.63 out of 10. The roads in this tropical island country are known to be slammed with heavy traffic during the day. However, most parking lots are free of charge, which is a great benefit for drivers.
Travelers may be driving to one of Mauritius's sandy beaches to soak up the sun or partake in water activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Another advantage is that Mauritius boasts the world’s politest drivers, according to our research.
Travelers may be driving to one of Mauritius's sandy beaches to soak up the sun or partake in water activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Another advantage is that Mauritius boasts the world’s politest drivers, according to our research.
Canada
In eighth place is Canada, scoring 6.56 points out of 10. Canada has a huge network of very wide roads, and driving is the main way to get around. Travelers may be driving to visit one of Canada’s 37 breathtaking national parks, or they may be taking a trip to the well-known Niagara Falls.
Although spacious compared to many places in the world, Canada’s roads can also get quite congested in some areas.
Although spacious compared to many places in the world, Canada’s roads can also get quite congested in some areas.
France
In ninth place is France, which scored 6.45 out of 10. The roads can get very busy during summertime in France, as many parts of the country are popular tourist destinations such as Paris, where travelers can visit attractions such as the Louvre museum and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
However, despite the busy roads, renting a car is a great way to explore, especially if you’re visiting the countryside.
However, despite the busy roads, renting a car is a great way to explore, especially if you’re visiting the countryside.
Bulgaria
Rounding up our 10 for busiest roads is Bulgaria, which scored 6.36 out of 10.
Bulgaria's Hemus Highway connects the capital city, Sofia, to the popular port city Varna, which is located in the north of Bulgaria’s stunning Black Sea coast. This highway is known to get very busy during the summer, which is something for travelers driving along this route to watch out for.
Bulgaria's Hemus Highway connects the capital city, Sofia, to the popular port city Varna, which is located in the north of Bulgaria’s stunning Black Sea coast. This highway is known to get very busy during the summer, which is something for travelers driving along this route to watch out for.
The rest of the top 20 countries with the busiest roads
Below are the destinations that make up the rest of the top 20 locations with the busiest roads.
Italy scored 6.33 out of 10.
Australia scored 6.23 out of 10.
Spain scored 6.19 out of 10.
Croatia scored 6.13 out of 10.
The United Kingdom scored 6.01 out of 10.
Portugal scored 5.99 out of 10.
Greece scored 5.72 out of 10.
New Zealand scored 5.45 out of 10
Cyprus scored 5.24 out of 10.
Ireland scored 5.19 out of 10, rounding up our top 20.
Italy scored 6.33 out of 10.
Australia scored 6.23 out of 10.
Spain scored 6.19 out of 10.
Croatia scored 6.13 out of 10.
The United Kingdom scored 6.01 out of 10.
Portugal scored 5.99 out of 10.
Greece scored 5.72 out of 10.
New Zealand scored 5.45 out of 10
Cyprus scored 5.24 out of 10.
Ireland scored 5.19 out of 10, rounding up our top 20.
Tips for traveling on busy roads
If you’re planning on driving through any of the above locations any time soon, you may want to be prepared to drive on some lively roads! Although intimidating to some drivers, traffic jams and congested roads are normal in the world of driving. However, if you’re planning on traveling to a new location that’s known to be busy, it may be best to do some preparation beforehand. Our article on the most unusual road signs will also help you feel more confident while driving abroad.
Plan your route in advance
When you’re planning a road trip or driving in a new location for the first time, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time. This way, you’ll have an idea of where you’re going, making the experience as smooth-sailing as possible.
Consider alternative routes just in case
In the case of super busy roads and congestion, it may be worth considering an alternative route to your destination. This way, you might avoid ending up in gridlocked traffic.
Download maps before you set off
If you’re traveling in a location where you might not have mobile data ora good signal, it’s best to download a map of the area in advance. By doing this, you’ll be able to find your way without relying on mobile service.
If you’re looking to rent a car for your next vacation or road trip, please consider booking with us. We can help you find the right rental car to suit your preferences and needs in over 145 countries.
Plan your route in advance
When you’re planning a road trip or driving in a new location for the first time, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time. This way, you’ll have an idea of where you’re going, making the experience as smooth-sailing as possible.
Consider alternative routes just in case
In the case of super busy roads and congestion, it may be worth considering an alternative route to your destination. This way, you might avoid ending up in gridlocked traffic.
Download maps before you set off
If you’re traveling in a location where you might not have mobile data ora good signal, it’s best to download a map of the area in advance. By doing this, you’ll be able to find your way without relying on mobile service.
If you’re looking to rent a car for your next vacation or road trip, please consider booking with us. We can help you find the right rental car to suit your preferences and needs in over 145 countries.
Top Related Locations
Here are some destinations in those countries with the busiest roads, including their nearest airports.
- Tirana, Albania (Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza): Congested streets and limited parking make driving in the capital hectic.
- Podgorica, Montenegro (Podgorica Airport): Tunnel roads often get backed up, especially on the route to Kolasin.
- Casablanca, Morocco (Mohammed V International Airport): Frequent gridlock in the city center and on main routes.
- Berlin, Germany (Berlin Brandenburg Airport): Autobahn traffic can be heavy despite its high-speed reputation.
- Istanbul, Turkey (Istanbul Airport): Rush-hour jams and dense traffic are common in the city’s sprawling network.
- Warsaw, Poland (Warsaw Chopin Airport): Roads near tourist hubs get especially crowded in summer.
- Port Louis, Mauritius (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport): Daytime traffic is often bumper-to-bumper in the city and coastal routes.
- Toronto, Canada (Toronto Pearson International Airport): Busy expressways and downtown congestion are everyday occurrences.
- Paris, France (Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport): Summer tourism brings heavy traffic to city streets and highways.
- Sofia, Bulgaria (Sofia Airport): Major routes like the Hemus Highway clog up during peak travel seasons.
- Rome, Italy (Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport): Traffic snarls are frequent, especially near historical sites.
- Sydney, Australia (Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport): Motorways and bridges experience regular bottlenecks.
- Madrid, Spain (Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport): Ring roads can be slow-moving during commuting hours.
- Zagreb, Croatia (Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport): Summer holiday traffic can slow travel in and out of the city.
- London, United Kingdom (London Heathrow Airport): Central London congestion charges reflect the city’s chronic traffic.
- Lisbon, Portugal (Humberto Delgado Airport): Narrow streets and busy avenues keep traffic moving slowly.
- Athens, Greece (Athens International Airport): Dense traffic and frequent jams on main boulevards.
- Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland Airport): Commuter traffic clogs main motorways daily.
- Larnaca, Cyprus (Larnaca International Airport): Coastal routes and city approaches can back up during peak hours.
- Dublin, Ireland (Dublin Airport): Heavy rush-hour congestion is common on city approaches.
Aleksandrs Buraks
Head of Growth at DiscoverCars.com
Aleksandrs has over 10 years of experience in marketing with a focus on creating stellar content that provides topical insights using data. Having taken five road trips across Europe and one in the U.S., he is passionate about traveling by car. His favorite countries to visit are Denmark and Thailand. You can find him on Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter.
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