Traffic in Spain is a reflection of its urban dynamism, with cities that combine a rich history, a vibrant cultural life and, in many cases, considerable road congestion. According to the most recent data available, the five Spanish cities with the most traffic congestion problems are Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. We are going to review the traffic situation in each of them and offer some practical advice for tourists planning to visit them by car.
1. Barcelona: the queen of traffic jams
Barcelona consistently tops the charts as the most congested city in Spain. In 2024, according to the TomTom Traffic Index, drivers in this city faced an average time of 31 minutes and 13 seconds to travel 10 kilometres, making it the third most congested city in Europe, behind only London and Dublin. The most congested areas include Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Ronda Litoral, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Barcelona is a tourist magnet thanks to its unique architecture, such as the Sagrada Familia, and its Mediterranean atmosphere, but its urban density and the influx of vehicles make it a challenge for drivers.
Tip: avoid driving between 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning or between 17:00 and 19:00 in the evening. Opt for peripheral car parks such as those in the Zona Universitaria and use the efficient public transport (metro and buses) to get around the centre.
2. Madrid: the capital on the move
Madrid ranks second in Spain in terms of congestion, although on a global and European level it is less affected than Barcelona. In 2024, the average time to travel 10 kilometres was approximately 18 minutes, with an average speed of 29 km/h. The most critical points include the Paseo de la Castellana and the M-30, especially at the entrances and exits of the city on weekdays.
As Spain’s political and economic epicentre, Madrid attracts millions of daily visitors and workers, which saturates its road arteries, although restrictions such as Madrid Central have partially relieved the pressure on the urban core.
Tip: plan your commute outside peak hours (8:00-9:30 and 18:00-20:00). If you arrive by car, consider leaving it in a park-and-ride car park (such as Plaza de Castilla) and use the metro, which is fast and covers the whole city.
3. Seville: heat and traffic jams
Seville ranks third among Spanish cities with the most traffic jams. Although it does not reach the congestion levels of Barcelona or Madrid, in 2020 it recorded a congestion level of 20%, with problem points such as Ronda Urbana Norte and Avenida de Andalucía. High summer temperatures and the narrow street design in the old town exacerbate the sense of road chaos.
Seville charms with its Andalusian charm, from the Giralda to flamenco, but its traffic can be a hindrance, especially in summer, when the heat pushes more people to use air-conditioned vehicles.
Tip: avoid the historic centre by car; it’s best to park in areas such as the Plaza de Armas car park and explore on foot or by public transport. Be patient on the ring roads, where traffic jams are frequent.
4. Palma de Mallorca: the trapped island
Palma de Mallorca, with congestion levels reaching 25% in previous years and rising sharply in 2024, is the fourth most affected city. Roads such as the Ma-20 and the access to the centre from the airport are particularly prone to traffic jams, aggravated by mass tourism in high season.
Palma combines spectacular beaches and a charming old town, but its insular condition and dependence on the car to move between tourist spots generate inevitable bottlenecks.
Tip: rent a car only if you plan to explore outside Palma; within the city, park in areas such as Parc de la Mar and use buses or walk. Avoid driving in July and August when traffic intensifies.
5. Valencia: increasing congestion
Valencia closes the top five with a notable increase in travel times in 2024 (40 seconds more per 10 kilometres compared to 2023, according to TomTom). The most congested areas include the Avenida del Cid and the accesses to the city via the V-30, also affected by weather events such as the DANA.
Valencia is seductive with its City of Arts and Sciences and its gastronomy, but urban sprawl and recent infrastructure woes have caused congestion to skyrocket.
Tip: Park in car parks such as those on Avenida de Francia and use the metro or the city’s popular bicycle. Avoid rush hour (8:00-9:00 and 17:00-19:00).
Traffic in these five cities reflects the pulse of modern life in Spain: a mix of economic activity, tourism and urban challenges. For tourists visiting Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Palma de Mallorca or Valencia by car, the key is to plan your schedule, take advantage of public transport and, above all, be patient. Driving in these cities can be an adventure, but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare.