Average Urban Commute Reaches 41 Minutes
The majority of workers driving to jobs in major urban areas nationwide spend on average 30 to 41 minutes behind the wheel, according to new data from Geotab.

The average commute for commercial vehicles with Geotab telematics systems reached 40 minutes in several cities.
Graphic courtesy of Geotab.
The majority of workers driving to jobs in major urban areas nationwide spend on average 30 to 41 minutes behind the wheel, according to new data from Geotab.
Drivers who work in Washington, D.C. have the longest commute as compared with other cities in the nation — logging on average 41 minutes behind the wheel to get to work, with 12% of workers driving over one hour.
Geotab evaluated drive times to work in 20 major cities across the nation.
Other cities that ranked among the top five longest commutes include Boston and New York, both with an average commute time of 40 minutes, San Francisco with 36 minutes, and Atlanta, and Chicago, each with an average drive-time of 35 minutes.
Of the 20 major cities evaluated, only seven offer an average commute time behind the wheel of under-30 minutes.
The data points to the need for drivers to stay alert in gridlock. Congestion and stop-and-go traffic can be a major frustration for motorists that can potentially lead to hazardous situations ranging from drowsy driving to road rage.
More than two out of every five miles of U.S. interstates are congested, according to ASCE's 2017 Infrastructure Report. Moreover, AAA reports that nearly 80% of drivers demonstrate some form of aggression behind the wheel.
Commuters need to remain cautious and vigilant behind the wheel — especially as the majority will be driving 30 minutes or more just to get to work.
Among the 20 cities evaluated by Geotab, the three with the shortest commutes include San Diego with an average drive time to work of 26 minutes, and Phoenix and Minneapolis, each with an average 27-minute commute.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Operations

Automotive Fleet Opens 2026 Personal Use Survey for Commercial Fleet Managers
Commercial and corporate fleet managers are invited to share how their organizations handle company vehicle personal-use policies, charges, and driver eligibility.
Read More →
Fleet Safety, Technician Trends and Mixed-Energy Strategy
Take a look at the people, preparation, leadership, and technology helping fleets stay ready before something goes wrong this month.
Read More →
The Next Generation of Fleet Is Ready to Get to Work | Shades of Fleet
Meet the apprentices, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders bringing curiosity, new ideas, and people-first thinking to fleet.
Read More →
Shades of Fleet Call for Voices: Family Ties
Fleet may run on vehicles and data, but for some professionals, it also runs in the family. August’s Shades of Fleet explores the pride, pressure, lessons, and legacy behind family-run operations and multi-generational fleet careers.
Read More →
WEX Launches SecureFuel AI-Powered Fuel Fraud & Theft Protection Tool
WEX launched SecureFuel, a fraud-detection tool that uses AI-powered models to analyze fleet card transaction data and compare it with vehicle telematics data to prevent misuse or fraudulent purchases. In an exclusive interview, Work Truck learned more.
Read More →
Fleet Leadership, Mixed-Energy Strategy, and DOT Marijuana Rules Lead the News
From hard-earned leadership lessons to fuel strategy, fleet technology, and compliance, this week’s Truck Chat Cheat Sheet covers the stories fleet professionals are reading most.
Read More →How Atlas Helps Drivers Without Distractions
Motive Atlas brings AI directly into the cab, helping drivers log in with their voice, get route and weather information, locate fuel stops, and instantly capture important road events, all while keeping their hands on the wheel. This video provides all the details.
Read More →
Top 50 Executive Fleets
It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!
Read More →
Behind the Scenes: Building the Ringmaster of the Road from Body to Paint Part 2
The body is built, the paint is on, and Team Fletcher’s Soap Box Derby car is nearly ready for testing ahead of race day in Akron.
Read More →
It's All Downhill from Here! Fleet Industry Raises $22,000 for Skilled Trades Scholarships
Work Truck’s Lauren Fletcher and Automotive Fleet’s Chris Brown turned a friendly racing rivalry into $22,000 for automotive technology and skilled trades scholarships.
Read More →
