Traffic in Lusaka
In 2024, Lusaka's transportation landscape is dominated by car usage, with a significant portion of the population relying on buses.
Despite the heavy reliance on cars, there are opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions in Lusaka's traffic system.
Average Commute Times
The average commute involves around 3.57 minutes waiting, 21.71 minutes driving, and covers a distance of 17.62 km.
- Bus - Bus commuters spend about 12.5 minutes waiting and 22.5 minutes on the bus, covering a distance of 5.25 km.
- Car - Car users experience a driving time of 30.4 minutes with a total distance of 22.57 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Bus
Average when primarily using Car
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the rainy season due to poor road conditions.
Holiday seasons see a spike in traffic as residents travel to visit family.
Commuter Pain Points
Frequent traffic jams during peak hours cause significant delays.
Limited public transport options lead to overcrowding on buses.
Best Travel Times
Traveling before 7 AM or after 7 PM can help avoid peak traffic.
Midday travel is generally smoother due to reduced congestion.
Event Impacts
Public events and festivals often lead to road closures and increased traffic.
Sporting events can cause localized congestion around stadiums.
Sustainability Efforts
Lusaka is exploring bus rapid transit systems to improve public transport efficiency.
Initiatives to promote cycling and walking are being considered to reduce car dependency.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible transport options.
These services help reduce the number of cars on the road, easing congestion.