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Just how bad is the traffic in Asheville?

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

Downtown Asheville. Photo by @robertfilm_fx

At least the traffic comes with a great view.

Photo by @robertfilm_fx

What would you do with 52 hours? Sit in traffic, apparently. That’s the average time Asheville drivers lost to traffic congestion in 2024, which is 7% 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...

  • 22 minutes with traffic
  • 23 minutes in the peak direction
  • 25 minutes to plan for a punctual arrival

When is the worst time to drive?

Traffic is at its worst between 4 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? Redditors warn to avoid I-26 during rush hour. Nationally, 4 p.m. on Thursdays tends to see the worst congestion.

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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