Just how bad is the traffic in Louisville?

Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.

An aerial shot with the Big Four Bridge in the forefront.

At least the traffic comes with a great view.

Photo provided by Louisville Tourism

What would you do with 54 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently. That’s the average time Louisvillians lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 3% worse than the year previous.

By the numbers

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

  • 24 minutes with traffic
  • 25 minutes in the peak direction
  • 29 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival

When is the worst time to drive?

Traffic is at its worst between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. In the morning, 7-9 a.m. can also be dicey.

But the hands-down worst time to commute? 4 p.m. on a Thursday. 3.1% of the area’s weekly delay happens around then.

When is the best time to drive?

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.
  • If your boss is watching, you’ll need to stay at your desk until at least 6 p.m. Or grab a nearby bite from a happy hour spot, and wait out the traffic until 7 p.m.

What about public transit?

Hop on the bus, Gus. At least you aren’t footing the gas bill.

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

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