Average emergency room wait time varies widely across states and countries, driven by factors like hospital capacity, staffing levels, and patient demand. In some areas, wait times at ER facilities can stretch well beyond three hours, affecting when and how patients receive treatment. 

In this article, we’ll break down the latest data on wait times at ERs across the United States and compare healthcare wait times by country around the world. You’ll learn which countries provide rapid care—and where delays remain a serious concern for patients and their families.

If your loved one is facing a medical emergency, REVA provides fast, reliable air ambulance services to connect them with reputable hospitals in over 90 countries. Contact us today to plan a medical evacuation for your loved one– we’re here to make this stressful time easier for you.

United States

In 2024, the national median emergency room wait time in the United States was 2 hours and 42 minutes. These prolonged delays are often caused by understaffed hospitals, high patient volumes, and limited access to available beds or providers. Non-critical patients may wait even longer, as emergency departments prioritize the most urgent cases first.

States with the longest wait times

Patients in the following U.S. states experience average ER visit times well above the national median, with delays frequently exceeding three hours. The District of Columbia reports the longest average emergency room wait time at over five hours, followed by Puerto Rico and Maryland. These extended delays are common in areas with high population density or fewer healthcare facilities per capita. For patients, this may cause substantial treatment delays, especially when hospitals are overwhelmed.

State, Region, or Territory	Average Emergency Room Wait Time
District of Columbia	5 hrs 14 min
Puerto Rico	4 hrs 41 min
Maryland	4 hrs 10 min
Rhode Island	3 hrs 38 min
Massachusetts	3 hrs 36 min
Delaware	3 hrs 31 min
New York	3 hrs 24 min
North Carolina	3 hrs 11 min
New Jersey	3 hrs 11 min
Connecticut	3 hrs 9 min
California	3 hrs 6 min
Pennsylvania	3 hrs 3 min

 

States with average wait times

These states report average ER visit times close to the national median, typically between two and three hours. Factors like regional population, hospital size, and seasonal surges in illness can all influence wait times at ERs. Even small improvements in staffing, triage, or care coordination can reduce delays and enhance patient experience.

 

State	Average Emergency Room Wait Time
Vermont	2 hrs 59 min
Illinois	2 hrs 55 min
Maine	2 hrs 55 min
Arizona	2 hrs 50 min
Virginia	2 hrs 46 min
Michigan	2 hrs 45 min
New Hampshire	2 hrs 45 min
South Carolina	2 hrs 43 min
New Mexico	2 hrs 42 min
Florida	2 hrs 41 min
Georgia	2 hrs 40 min
Tennessee	2 hrs 38 min
Oregon	2 hrs 37 min
Washington	2 hrs 37 min
Ohio	2 hrs 36 min
Kentucky	2 hrs 35 min
Missouri	2 hrs 35 min

States with below-average wait times

The following states have the lowest average emergency room wait times in the U.S., many clocking in under two hours. Rural states like North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska often report the shortest ER visit times due to smaller patient loads and more efficient triage. These regions may also have better patient-to-staff ratios and quicker hospital throughput, which helps patients receive care faster.

 

State	Average Emergency Room Wait Time
Alabama	2 hrs 26 min
Texas	2 hrs 26 min
West Virginia	2 hrs 25 min
Nevada	2 hrs 24 min
Idaho	2 hrs 22 min
Alaska	2 hrs 20 min
Wisconsin	2 hrs 18 min
Colorado	2 hrs 15 min
Wyoming	2 hrs 15 min
Arkansas	2 hrs 13 min
Louisiana	2 hrs 12 min
Utah	2 hrs 12 min
Mississippi	2 hrs 7 min
Montana	2 hrs 7 min
Minnesota	2 hrs 6 min
Indiana	2 hrs 5 min
Kansas	2 hrs 1 min
Oklahoma	2 hrs
Iowa	1 hr 59 min
Hawaii	1 hr 57 min
Nebraska	1 hr 54 min
South Dakota	1 hr 53 min
North Dakota	1 hr 50 min

North America

Emergency room wait times across North America reflect a wide range of healthcare models. Differences between public and private care, as well as access to providers, influence average ER visit times throughout the region.

Mexico

Mexico reports an average emergency room wait time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. In cities like Mexico City and Monterrey, private hospitals provide faster care, while public systems may see longer delays due to higher patient loads and limited resources.

Canada

Canada’s average emergency room wait time closely mirrors that of the United States, coming in at 2 hours and 12 minutes. In major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, high demand and staff shortages can cause longer wait times in busy emergency departments.

Europe

Across Europe, the average emergency room wait time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes—dramatically shorter than the U.S. national median, directly reflecting the impact of universal healthcare systems. 

While times vary from country to country, these comprehensive healthcare models systematically reduce emergency department pressure by providing universal primary care access, implementing structured triage protocols, and ensuring citizens can seek preventive and early medical interventions before health issues escalate to emergency-level crises.

Germany

Germany reports one of the fastest ER wait times in Europe– on average, patients are seen in just 22 minutes. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg benefit from a well-funded healthcare system, advanced preventative care, and strong infrastructure between primary doctors and hospital services.

Sweden

Sweden’s average emergency room wait time is 38 minutes, thanks to its national healthcare model and widespread use of nurse triage. Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö hospitals manage demand well, diverting non-urgent cases to primary care clinics.

United Kingdom

At 1 hour and 52 minutes, the U.K.’s average emergency room wait time is longer than some of its European neighbors (though shorter than most states in the US). NHS hospitals in London, Manchester, and Birmingham have faced increasing demand in recent years, though new initiatives to fast-track urgent cases and streamline care are helping reduce delays.

France

France’s emergency room wait times hover just above the European average, at 2 hours and 21 minutes. In cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, high volumes of both emergency and non-emergency cases can strain public hospitals, although access to care remains widely available under the country’s universal system.

Italy

Italy reports one of the highest healthcare wait times by country in Europe, averaging 2 hours and 44 minutes. Overcrowding in hospitals in Rome, Milan, and Naples—especially during flu season—contributes to longer delays.

Asia

Asia reports some of the world’s fastest average emergency room wait times, ranging from 50 to 52 minutes. Many countries emphasize urgent care access and advanced hospital systems to prevent overcrowding in emergency departments.

Japan

Japan reports one of the shortest average ER visit times in Asia– patients are typically seen in just 35 minutes. In cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, patients benefit from universal coverage, widespread primary care access, and excellent care coordination.

India

India’s emergency room wait time averages 45 minutes in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Private hospitals often offer quicker service, while public hospitals may see variable wait times based on region and resources.

China

ER wait times are slightly longer in China, averaging at one hour. In densely populated cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, rising patient demand and occasional hospital overcrowding can delay care, though expanded infrastructure and digital triage tools are helping to improve access.

South Korea

South Korea maintains efficient healthcare wait times, with an average ER visit time of 48 minutes. Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon benefit from advanced medical technology, well-distributed hospitals, and strong public health planning that supports fast response times.

South America

Healthcare wait times by country in South America vary widely due to differences in public vs. private healthcare access, urban vs. rural infrastructure, and funding disparities. Emergency care in some areas is efficient, while in others, patients may face substantial delays depending on location and hospital capacity.

Brazil  

In Brazil, average ER visit times can range dramatically—from just 30 minutes in some private hospitals to as long as six hours in overcrowded public facilities. In major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília, high patient volumes and unequal resource distribution often create longer delays for emergency treatment.

Chile

Chile’s emergency care data is limited, but elective procedures can take up to 97 days in the public system. Cities like Santiago and Valparaíso tend to provide faster emergency care, though wait times can increase during flu seasons or staffing shortages.

Africa

Healthcare wait times by country in Africa can vary significantly based on access to care, infrastructure, and urban vs. rural disparities. While data across the continent is limited, many countries face challenges with staffing, hospital funding, and patient overload—especially in public systems.

South Africa

South Africa’s average emergency room wait time is about 2 hours. In urban areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town, private hospitals often offer faster service, while public facilities can experience delays due to staffing and demand.

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Sources

Mackenzie Bean. “ED visit times, by state.” Becker’s Hospital Review. September 15, 2023. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/rankings-and-ratings/ed-visit-times-by-state/ 

Lorenz Konrad. “ER Waiting Times.” Doctorsa. March 23, 2025. https://doctorsa.com/stories/er-waiting-times/ 

The World Ranking. “Emergency Room Visit Times by State in the United States October 2024.” October 2024. https://www.theworldranking.com/statistics/727/emergency-room-visit-times-by-state-in-united-states/ 

Jenny Yang. “Emergency room visit rates in the U.S. in 2022, by state.” Statista. November 26, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1474839/emergency-room-visit-rates-in-the-us-by-state/ 

Kayla Zhu. “Mapped: Emergency Room Visit Times by State.” Visual Capitalist. January 14, 2025. https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-emergency-room-visit-times-by-state/