With an average one-way travel time of 34.38 minutes, Munich ranks among the cities with the longest commutes in Germany. Only in Leipzig do workers face longer travel times, averaging 46.43 minutes.
The nationwide average commute time is approximately 28 minutes. In Munich, however, employees travel an average of 15.8 kilometers each way. A closer look reveals a distinct difference between morning and evening journeys: the average morning commute lasts 35.95 minutes, while the trip home in the evening stretches to 42.18 minutes, indicating heavier congestion and slower traffic after work hours.
Low Speeds Highlight Congestion in City Traffic
In addition to lengthy durations, the study also found that commuters in Munich travel at notably low speeds. During morning peak hours, the average speed is just 21.7 kilometers per hour. By evening, it drops to 20.2 kilometers per hour. Compared to 29 major German cities, Munich ranks 25th in terms of average commuting speed. Only Berlin fares worse, where commuters crawl through traffic at 19.0 kilometers per hour in the morning and just 17.4 in the evening.
Thursday Afternoons Mark the Peak of Congestion
Traffic is not spread evenly throughout the week. According to the Allianz analysis, the worst traffic nationwide occurs on Thursdays at 4 p.m. At that time, drivers need an average of 23.7 minutes to cover just ten kilometers. This time slot marks the peak of weekly congestion and significantly extends commute times.
Study Methodology and Scope
The data was collected on March 27, 2025, and analyzed traffic patterns across major German cities. The study evaluated frequency of traffic jams, average speeds, and commute durations. It also identified the busiest times of day, which consistently occurred between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the morning, and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the evening.
With congestion growing and commute times rising, the study highlights the everyday challenges faced by Munich’s workforce and underscores the need for sustainable traffic solutions in urban centers.
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