Nicosia, Athens, Thessaloniki: Mediterranean Cities See Rising Traffic Congestion

Published on December 4, 2025

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, has been ranked as one of the world’s slowest cities for driving, according to TomTom’s 2024 Traffic Index. This report, which evaluates the traffic congestion in 501 cities across 62 countries, paints a concerning picture of urban transport across the Mediterranean. As the study shows, travel times in Nicosia, along with other major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, are growing longer, leading to higher delays, particularly during peak hours.

In 2024, Nicosia saw its congestion level reach 41%, with drivers spending an average of 26 minutes and 15 seconds to cover just 10 kilometers, a slight increase of 10 seconds compared to the previous year. As a result, travelers in Nicosia lost an estimated 99 hours in traffic during peak periods, underlining the growing frustration for both residents and visitors.

Traffic in Greek Cities: Athens and Thessaloniki Hit Hard by Congestion

The traffic situation isn’t much better in Greece. Athens, one of the busiest urban centers in Europe, placed 37th globally for traffic congestion in 2024. On average, a 10-kilometer drive in Athens now takes 29 minutes and 39 seconds, nearly half a minute longer than last year. This increase in travel time is coupled with a 34% congestion rate, meaning that Athens’ drivers lose an estimated 111 hours in traffic annually.

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, also experienced a significant rise in congestion. Ranked 131st globally, the city recorded an average commute of 22 minutes and 54 seconds for a 10-kilometer trip, a rise of over two minutes from 2023. With a congestion rate of 34%, drivers in Thessaloniki spent a total of 80 hours in traffic during peak hours in 2024.

The Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

The worsening traffic conditions in Nicosia, Athens, and Thessaloniki are not just a local concern but have far-reaching implications for both business travelers and tourists. For business travelers, the increase in travel times and delays can have a significant impact on productivity. Meetings may be delayed, airport transfers are more cumbersome, and navigating busy streets during rush hours can lead to missed opportunities. Moreover, higher fuel consumption due to traffic jams increases operational costs for businesses, especially those dependent on transportation.

For tourists, these cities’ worsening traffic conditions can also disrupt sightseeing and leisure activities. Long delays in reaching popular tourist destinations or in making timely connections between transport services may affect the overall experience. Nicosia’s attractions, such as the Cyprus Museum and ancient sites, may be harder to access, and visitors may find it challenging to enjoy the cultural richness of Athens with the additional stress of longer commute times.

How This Affects Travelers and What You Need to Know

As traffic congestion worsens in Nicosia, Athens, and Thessaloniki, here are some quick tips for tourists and business travelers to manage the delays:

1. Plan Extra Time for Travel: Given the rising congestion, it’s crucial to plan extra time for travel, especially if you have important meetings or time-sensitive sightseeing activities.
2. Consider Public Transport: In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, public transportation may offer a faster and more reliable alternative to driving. Use the metro or buses to avoid traffic jams.
3. Choose Off-Peak Hours: If you’re traveling for leisure, try to schedule your excursions and activities during off-peak hours to avoid the worst of the traffic.
4. Use Navigation Apps: Take advantage of real-time traffic apps, like TomTom or Google Maps, to find the fastest routes and avoid congested areas. These apps can also help you plan alternative routes if traffic worsens unexpectedly.
5. Book Airport Transfers Early: For those heading to or from the airport, booking an airport transfer in advance can save time and reduce the risk of delays during busy traffic periods.

Steps to Reduce Traffic Congestion in Mediterranean Cities

As cities like Nicosia, Athens, and Thessaloniki continue to face increasing congestion, governments and local authorities are looking for solutions to address the traffic challenges. Here are some steps that could help mitigate the problem:

1. Improve Public Transportation: Expanding and improving the efficiency of public transport systems can help reduce the reliance on private vehicles and alleviate traffic congestion.
2. Invest in Infrastructure: Expanding road networks and creating new lanes can help accommodate the increasing number of vehicles in major cities, while better-designed intersections can reduce bottlenecks.
3. Implement Congestion Charging: Several cities around the world have successfully introduced congestion pricing schemes that charge drivers to enter high-traffic areas during peak hours. This could help to reduce the number of cars on the road in major urban centers.
4. Promote Cycling and Walking: Encouraging cycling and walking, particularly in city centers, can reduce the number of short trips taken by cars and help improve overall traffic flow.
5. Telecommuting and Flexible Work Hours: Encouraging businesses to allow telecommuting or implement flexible work hours could reduce the number of commuters during peak traffic times, thus easing congestion.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Nicosia, Athens, and Thessaloniki?

As Nicosia, Athens, and Thessaloniki continue to struggle with rising traffic congestion, both local governments and citizens must work together to find solutions. For now, travelers to these Mediterranean cities must prepare for longer journeys and consider alternative transportation options. With the right strategies in place, there is hope that these cities can improve their traffic flow and enhance the overall travel experience for both locals and visitors.

The growing congestion may pose challenges for tourism and business travel in the short term, but it also offers an opportunity for cities to rethink their approach to urban mobility. For now, visitors to these destinations should be prepared, plan accordingly, and make the most of their time in these fascinating cities despite the traffic delays.

Key Points at a Glance:

• Nicosia ranks 82nd globally, with a 41% congestion rate, resulting in 99 hours lost in traffic.
• Athens sees an average 10-kilometer commute time of 29 minutes and 39 seconds, with a 34% congestion rate.
• Thessaloniki ranks 131st, with a 10-kilometer trip averaging 22 minutes and 54 seconds.
• Increased congestion impacts business travel and tourism, leading to longer wait times for both locals and visitors.
• Quick tips for tourists: plan extra time, use public transport, avoid peak hours, and consider booking early for airport transfers.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated