Drivers who get stuck in Tucson’s heavy traffic lose an average of 61 hours to congestion each year, making it one of the worst traffic hotspots in the nation.

Though

Tucson’s

rich heritage, delicious restaurants, and towering cacti make the city a unique place to call home, they also come with a downside—the worst traffic in

Arizona

. If you have to brave Interstate 10 on your daily commute, you’ll want to know the best times to hit the road to avoid the worst rush hour traffic.

That’s where top-rated insurance app

Jerry

comes in! We’re here to give you the inside scoop on traffic in Tucson: why it’s so bad, how COVID-19 has impacted driving trends, and how you can tackle Tucson’s traffic without breaking a sweat.

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How bad is Tucson traffic?

Tucson is the most congested city in Arizona and,

according to CBS News

, ranks as the 37th worst city for traffic in the nation.

The city’s congestion level is 18% which means if your daily drive to work should take 30 minutes without traffic, rush hour will add at least five minutes to your trip. While that may not sound like much, it can easily add up: an extra ten minutes on your daily commute could cost you two and a half days throughout the whole year!

Since 2019, the number of hours lost to traffic in Tucson has decreased, mainly because of the COVID pandemic. Still, as locals in the city will tell you, the combination of road work, potholes, and traffic can make for a frustrating (and jaw-rattling!) daily drive.

MORE: 5 best road trips in Arizona for outdoor adventure

Why is Tucson traffic so bad?

Bad traffic is usually caused by a handful of factors such as population, road infrastructure, and the driving habits of a city’s residents. Let’s take a look at how each of these comes into play in Tucson.

Population size

Though it’s not an urban mecca like

Phoenix

, Tucson is still home to over half a million people. When hundreds of thousands of drivers all pour onto the streets at the same time, there’s bound to be a spike in traffic and delays on major highways.

Major chokepoints

Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 converge in the city and account for a bulk of congestion during rush hour. However, some of the worst junctions in Tucson aren’t even found on the highway and include the following dangerous intersections:

Alvernon Way and Grant Road

Grant and Swan

Golf Links Road and Kolb Road

Broadway and Wilmot

22nd Street and Kolb Road

Commute times

Tucson has an area of almost 230 square miles, which means that drivers have plenty of distance to cover for their daily drive. The average driver in Tucson spends about 25 minutes on their daily commute, which is plenty of time on the roads to make the highways traffic-heavy.

MORE: The best type of car insurance to get if you commute long distances

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How to navigate Tucson traffic like a pro

Traffic in Tucson is bad enough to cause some

serious frustration

—but that’s not the only danger of being stuck in traffic. Congestion on the roadways creates more risk for accidents and can even

send your insurance premium skyrocketing

, which is bad news for any driver.

Good news, though—instead of resigning yourself to a hopeless commute, you can use these helpful tips and tricks to steer clear of any traffic jams! Here are some of our favorites:

Try to avoid rush hour. In Tucson, traffic peaks between 7 and 9 AM and 3 and 6 PM. If you can sneak through the streets outside of those windows, you should be able to breathe more easily during your drive.

Opt for backroads when possible. Check a map to see if you have any route options that avoid major highways. Finding some unknown parkways or avenues could help you cut down the effect of traffic on your daily commute.

Check traffic reports (or use an app!) to stay ahead of traffic jams. Tune into KNST AM 790 to get a jump on what the roads look like or download a handy traffic app like

Google Maps

Waze

Focus, focus, focus. Despite your best efforts, you might find yourself stuck in gridlock. If that happens,

avoid distractions

and

practice safe driving

to stay out of accidents and keep your insurance payment low.

MORE:

The 3 best apps for avoiding traffic jams

Prepare for Tucson traffic by updating your car insurance

Now that you’re done with your Tucson traffic research, it’s time for something a little more exciting—saving money on

car insurance

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FAQs

Is Tucson hard to drive in?

Tucson is a tricky city for driving, especially if you run into roadwork. Be sure to map your route using a GPS, avoid congestion when possible, and take it slow on those busy highways.

What is the best time to drive through Tucson?

You can avoid rush hour by driving before 7 AM, between 10 AM and 2 PM, and after 7 PM. Of course, if you’re planning a long road trip, aim to drive through the city on the weekend when traffic is light.

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