How Bad Is West Palm Beach Traffic?
West Palm Beach has heavy traffic between 7:00 am and 8:30 am. Otherwise, most commutes take under 20 minutes.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Traffic in West Palm Beach isn’t too bad considering the city's coastal appeal—but drivers still should plan around the time of day when making plans or going to work.
From pulsating nightclubs to seaside eateries, West Palm Beach,
Florida
, is a tropical town like no other. But you’d be wrong to think all residents worry about are mosquito repellent and UV rays. Depending on the time of day, this one-of-a-kind city is home to some pretty serious traffic that can only be avoided by planning ahead.Worried congestion will affect your next commute?
Jerry
, the #1-rated car insurance
app and broker, is here to break down everything you need to navigate traffic in West Palm Beach. Join us in investigating when traffic is at its worst and how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected driving in West Palm Beach. Then, stick around for some tips to help lower your West Palm Beach car insurance costs
.How bad is West Palm Beach traffic?
According to
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
, the average commuter in the US will spend 62 hours in traffic a year by 2025—West Palm Beach drivers will also feel the impact of the rising numbers of drivers and resulting traffic jams. West Palm Beach drivers only lose a few hours a year from congestion on Interstate 95 (I-95). While this is only a fraction of the hours lost in the nearby city of
Miami
(the ninth-worst traffic city in the country), drivers can still feel the impact of traffic on their wallets.
Traffic in West Palm Beach has improved since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic but congestion is slowly on the rise. For information about traffic in other Florida cities, explore the chart below.
City | Hours lost to congestion | Cost per driver |
|---|---|---|
Miami | 81 hours | $1,199 |
Tampa | 87 hours | $1,200 |
Orlando | 68 hours | $980 |
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Why is West Palm Beach traffic so bad?
Traffic in West Palm Beach results from city infrastructure, population, nearby hotspots, and how Florida residents drive. Here’s an in-depth look at how these factors contribute to West Palm Beach traffic.
Population size
When it comes to square mileage, West Palm Beach is a small town—but with a population size of 109,767, it's the 19th most populated city in Florida. Lots of people mean lots of commuters—78% of residents commute exclusively by auto vehicles. The sheer amount of drivers can create congestion in highly-populated areas.
Location
West Palm Beach is a coastal town, tourist hotspot, and a short hour and a half drive from Miami—home to the 9th worst traffic in the country. These elements combine to make West Palm Beach traffic nearly unbearable during the summer months, especially if you don’t know the best ways to avoid congested areas.
Driving habits
A big part of West Palm Beach's congestion is due to the location and driving habits of most drivers. Several hotspots around the city contain the bulk of West Palm Beach drivers, but none are as bad as I-95—which often experiences lane closures due to construction and collisions.
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How to navigate West Palm Beach traffic like a pro
Traffic isn’t just frustrating, it can also be deadly. According to the
Florida Department of Health
, there were 3,273 traffic-related deaths in 2019. Fatalities are just a fraction of the thousands of car collisions and injuries Florida traffic causes each year.Accidents can also have a big impact on your wallet. Even a small fender bender can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket—giving drivers another reason to despise city traffic.
In some cases, traffic may seem unavoidable. But fear not, Florida drivers. We’ve got some helpful tips to help you navigate West Palm Beach roads like a pro.
- Watch out for rush hour. West Palm Beach traffic is at its worst from 7:00 am to 8:30 am. If you can, plan trips around this time window for the quickest drives.
- Utilize back roads. This might seem easy, but one of the best ways to avoid traffic build-up is to stay off the main roads. Because West Palm Beach is a coastal town, this means steering clear coastal roadways and downtown areas—especially during rush hour.
- Make use of traffic apps. Using an app can be a great way to see what traffic lies ahead before getting into your vehicle. Modern GPS systems usually come equipped with some form of traffic alert features. Regardless of your preferred app or local news channel, using a traffic monitor can save you plenty of headaches.
- Stay alert. Sometimes traffic is unavoidable. If you’re stuck in a jam, drive carefully to avoid accidents. Practicing skills like avoiding your phone and leaving space before the next car can prevent collisions.
Prepare for West Palm Beach traffic by updating your car insurance
Regardless of your skill as a driver, it can be hard to avoid accidents on the congested roadways of West Palm Beach. So, consider protecting your vehicle using
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
FAQs
Is West Palm Beach hard to drive in?
Driving in West Palm Beach is only as hard as you make it. Try your best to avoid erratic or frustrated drivers on the Interstate and during rush hour. Taking the back roads can also reduce your risk of an accident or landing yourself in stop-and-go congestion.
What is the best time to drive through West Palm Beach?
Avoid the worst of the morning rush by driving before 7:00 am or after 8:30 am.
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