THE Philippines has been named the most congested country in Asia, while Davao City ranked as the most congested city in the country, according to the TomTom Traffic Index for 2025.
The report showed that the country’s average congestion level reached 45 percent, followed by India and Singapore at 37 percent each.
Davao City recorded an average congestion level of 66.2 percent, placing it fourth among 75 Asian cities in terms of traffic severity.
TomTom defines congestion level as the “average additional time (in percent) lost to traffic compared to driving in free-flow conditions.”
In 2024, Davao City ranked third among 500 cities worldwide, with a congestion level of 49 percent.
The latest data revealed that during peak traffic, drivers in Davao City typically travel only 4.4 kilometers in 15 minutes. Annual time lost due to rush hour traffic adds up to 168 hours, or roughly seven days and 40 minutes. The average travel time for a 10-kilometer trip is 34 minutes and 17 seconds, with vehicles moving at around 14 kilometers per hour during peak periods.
Manila also featured in the 2025 index, ranking 40th worldwide and 12th in Asia. The capital recorded a congestion level of 57 percent, higher than the 42 percent reported in the previous index when it placed 27th globally.
In Manila, drivers cover an average of 4.4 kilometers in 15 minutes, with annual time lost due to traffic totaling 143 hours, or nearly six days. A 10-kilometer journey typically takes 31 minutes and 45 seconds, with an average speed of 15.2 kilometers per hour during rush hour.
TomTom noted that a city’s congestion level does not necessarily reflect its average speed.
“The congestion level of a city is based on the dynamic factors that affect its traffic flow. Congestion is recognized as the difference between free-flow or optimal traffic conditions and actual travel time,” the report said. Free-flow times vary by city, depending on infrastructure, road layout, and speed limits.
