Los Angeles Joins New York, Newark, Jersey City, Atlanta, Wilmington in Becoming Stressful for Driving Among Americans, New Update is Here

Published on November 25, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Los Angeles has officially joined New York, Newark, Jersey City, Atlanta, and Wilmington as one of the most stressful cities for driving in America. This new update reveals that these urban giants have become infamous for their traffic congestion, aggressive drivers, and constant roadwork. In fact, Los Angeles now ranks alongside New York, Newark, Jersey City, and Atlanta in terms of sheer driving stress, with residents and visitors alike facing daily gridlock and frustrating commutes.

This rise in stress levels isn’t limited to just one city. New York, Newark, Jersey City, and Atlanta have all been highlighted in recent studies for their overwhelming traffic conditions. Likewise, Wilmington’s driving environment has also become a serious concern for residents navigating its crowded roads. But now, Los Angeles is firmly in the mix, with rising congestion and ever-increasing frustration for drivers. The new update is here to shed light on this growing issue, and it’s a wake-up call for those who thought traffic woes were limited to just a few places.

Travel And Tour World urges you to read on as we dive deeper into why Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Jersey City, Atlanta, and Wilmington are now among the most stressful cities for driving in America, and what it means for the future of urban travel.

Holiday travel in the United States is a chaotic and stressful experience every year, but this year, it’s set to be worse than ever. Over 71% of Americans are planning to drive for the upcoming holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s, and it’s no surprise why people are feeling anxious. From expensive fuel prices to family feuds in cramped cars, the stress of long drives is pushing people to their limits. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but for many, it’s a stressful, exhausting journey filled with traffic jams, delays, and endless hours on the road.

Why 71% of Americans Are Choosing to Drive for the Holidays Despite Stress and Chaos

Over 71% of Americans are still choosing to hit the road despite knowing that holiday travel is notoriously stressful. With Christmas (52%), Thanksgiving (44%), and New Year’s (16%) all right around the corner, families are gearing up for the dreaded holiday road trips. But why are so many people choosing to endure this chaos? The answer lies in cost, time off from work, and family traditions. The rising cost of flights, along with the comfort of driving directly to family gatherings, is making long car rides the preferred method of travel for millions.

Despite the headaches, families are looking for ways to make the best of the long journeys ahead. With 65% of people saying that cost is the biggest factor influencing their travel decisions, it’s clear that driving remains the most affordable option. However, the convenience of driving comes with a price, and stress levels are skyrocketing. For many, the hope of enjoying the holidays is overshadowed by the anxiety of sitting in traffic for hours on end.

Holiday Road Trips: A Stressful Journey No One Is Ready For

A staggering 72% of Americans say that holiday travel is stressful, and it’s no surprise why. The busy roads, endless delays, and uncomfortable rides can make what should be a fun family event feel like a nightmare. According to the data, New Year’s travel is the most stressful, with 72% of people saying it’s a major source of stress. Thanksgiving follows closely behind at 71%, and Christmas is at 69%. The stress of holiday travel is a growing problem, and many are left questioning whether it’s worth it at all.

With so many factors contributing to the stress of driving, from bad weather to road closures, the anticipation of the holiday season can quickly turn to dread. As the busiest travel days approach, families must mentally prepare themselves for the worst. While holiday road trips are a tradition, the anxiety they cause can take the fun out of celebrating with loved ones.

The Most Popular Days to Start Your Holiday Road Trip: Are You Ready for the Madness?

For those brave enough to embark on a holiday road trip, knowing when to start is key. According to research, the most popular days to start travel during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are all packed with chaos. For Thanksgiving, the busiest travel day is Wednesday, November 26, while the least popular day is Saturday, November 22. The same pattern emerges for Christmas, with Tuesday, December 23 being the busiest, and Thursday, December 18 being the least popular. For New Year’s, Friday, December 26 is the most popular travel day, while Sunday, December 28 sees the least amount of travel.

For those who choose to travel on the busiest days, expect endless traffic and delays. But for those looking to avoid the crowds, planning a trip on the least popular days might offer some relief. Regardless of when you choose to travel, the reality of navigating the holiday roadways remains a daunting task.

Breaking Down the Holiday Road Trip: How Long Will Your Journey Really Take?

When it comes to one-way travel time by car, the numbers tell a shocking story. During Christmas, 19% of drivers will spend less than two hours on the road, while 28% will drive for 2 to 4 hours, and 15% will be on the road for more than eight hours. Thanksgiving follows a similar pattern, with 22% spending less than two hours on the road, while 15% will endure journeys that last over eight hours. New Year’s sees 10% of drivers spending less than two hours in the car, while 15% will drive for over eight hours.

The long hours spent in a car make holiday travel even more stressful. The average person will be cramped in their car, battling traffic, tiredness, and discomfort. For families with young children or pets, the ordeal becomes even more challenging. The lack of space, the constant need for bathroom breaks, and the stress of navigating unknown routes can turn what was supposed to be a fun road trip into a nightmare.

Top Metro Areas You’re Driving From and To This Holiday Season

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are planning to drive, you may be heading from one of the busiest metro areas in the country. The top five metro areas Americans are driving from include Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA, New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta, GA, Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD, and Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TX. These heavily populated cities are notorious for heavy traffic, especially during the holiday season.

Where are you driving to? The top destinations include Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta, GA, New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, Charlotte–Concord–Gastonia, NC-SC, Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TX, and Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The competition for road space in these areas is fierce, making holiday travel even more difficult. Be prepared for long hours stuck in traffic, especially if you’re driving in or out of these major metro areas.

What’s Really Influencing Your Holiday Travel Plans? Here’s What You Need to Know

The decision to drive for the holidays comes down to several factors. The number one factor for 65% of Americans is cost. With skyrocketing airfare prices, driving remains the most affordable option for many families. Time off from work is another key consideration, with 47% of families planning their trips around when they can get time off. Family traditions also play a huge role, with 37% of people choosing to drive in order to continue cherished holiday customs.

Comfort and convenience factor into the equation as well, with 35% of Americans prioritizing ease of travel. Other considerations like kids’ schedules, weather conditions, and pet accommodations also impact travel decisions. The biggest concern, however, remains safety. With 10% of people citing safety as a major concern, it’s clear that families are prioritizing secure travel options, even if it means enduring long hours on the road.

Is the Holiday Road Trip Worth It? The True Cost of Travel Stress

So, is it worth the stress? While 71% of Americans plan to drive for the holidays, the reality of the journey is anything but smooth. The long hours, potential weather delays, and family tensions make road trips a stressful ordeal. But despite the challenges, families continue to hit the road, determined to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a cost-effective solution or a tradition that can’t be broken, driving for the holidays remains a staple in American culture, despite the stress it brings. The true cost of the holiday road trip, however, may be far higher than we ever imagined – both in terms of time and sanity.