Numbeo’s 2026 mid-year traffic index report has recently come out. Based on user data from 89 countries, the Philippines ranked 16th among countries with the most burdensome traffic. Meanwhile, Nigeria, Costa Rica, and Sri Lanka took first, second, and third place for the worst traffic so far this year.
The company’s report reflects data collected from individuals who shared their experiences and perceptions of traffic conditions within their respective cities. This is different from TomTom’s traffic index, which ranked the Philippines as the most congested country in Asia for 2025. That index was based on location data gathered from GPS devices and smartphones.
Numbeo gathers data using a time index, time exponential index, inefficiency index, and CO2-emission index. These indices form the traffic index score, which determines the rankings. The Philippines scored 178.4, putting us at 16th worst in overall traffic burden, between Lebanon at 15th and Argentina at 17th.
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Filipino users claimed an average of 41.7 minutes for daily one-way travel within their respective cities. The Philippines also got an inefficiency index score of 230.5, indicating a preference for private car use over public transportation for long commutes.
However, the country did improve its position from six years ago, when Numbeo ranked the Philippines the ninth worst in the world in 2020 with a traffic index score of 198.8. If you want to see Numbeo’s full list and rankings, and how the Philippines stacked up against other countries in terms of traffic in 2026, click on these underlined words.
What do you think about Numbeo’s report? Do you think the traffic and commute situation has improved since 2020? Share your discussions in the comments.
