Chicago's traffic has always been notoriously bad but recent road work and shifting traffic patterns have exacerbated the issues. Even for a population used to sitting in traffic jams these new issues are pushing commuters to their breaking points.
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Driving conditions vary greatly from city to city, with some motorists faring better than others. Chicago has long been known for its traffic woes, but a study has now ranked it among one of the five worst U.S. cities for drivers in 2022.
Chicago traffic is worst in North America, costing drivers an extra $300 in gas each year: study. Chicago traffic is the most congested in North America, followed by Boston and New York, according to a new study from Inrix.
Additionally, the city's traffic worsens during the summer due to increased construction, tourism, and the end-of-year school period. Depending on when you are on the road, timing can vary significantly. However, the best times to drive on Chicago roads are 5 am and 2:30 pm before the morning and evening rush hours.
They aren't. A whopping 60% more tourists — nearly 48.9 million domestic and international visitors — came to Chicago in 2022 compared to the year before, according to the tourism group Choose Chicago.
9: Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is easy to navigate on foot and that's especially true for its downtown area. Many other parts of the city have sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly designs, too. Some of the best walkable areas include East Ukrainian Village, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Noble Square and Oak Park.
Chicago is an extremely walkable city, from our downtown to our vibrant neighborhoods. Explore this map of pedestrian-friendly streets for the best areas to explore by foot.
If you're tired of trekking to your destination on foot, try public transportation. Chicago is well known for its public transit system. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a network of trains and buses to move the city's 2.6 million residents from one place to another.
There are a million reasons to visit Chicago — our award-winning food scene, stunning green spaces, iconic attractions, innovative theatre, and vibrant neighborhoods.