What would you do with 42 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently.That’s the average time Raleighites lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 14% worse than 2023.

By the numbers

According to a recent report from Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a trip that would take 20 minutes without traffic takes...

23 minutes with traffic
24 minutes in the peak direction
30 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival

When is the worst time to drive in Raleigh?

Traffic is at its worst between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays, except for Mondays. In the morning, 7-8 a.m. can also be dicey, except for Mondays and Fridays.

But the hands-down worst time to commute? 5 p.m. on a Thursday. 3.5% of Raleigh’s weekly delay happens around then.

When is the best time to drive in Raleigh?

Technically, that would be around midnight. But if you work a nine-to-five, here’s our advice:

Head to work by 6 a.m. or wait until 9 a.m.
If you can leave work early, head out by 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3 p.m. on Fridays — but Friday traffic is mild, overall.
If your boss is watching, you’ll need to stay at your desk until at least 6 p.m. Or grab a nearby bite and wait out the traffic until 7 p.m.

What about public transit?

Learn more about how to board GoRaleigh + GoTriangle buses like a pro. At least you aren’t footing the gas bill. Plus, you can get out of town via Amtrak, as close as Durham or as far as across the country.

Bicycling is also a great option. Good for traffic congestion... and your calves.