The 10 Fastest Drive-Thrus in America for 2025 (And the 5 Slowest)
A drive-thru is supposed to save time, not test your patience. But anyone who’s sat through a slow line knows the difference between fast food and fast service. National surveys tracked how long Americans actually wait at the window this year, and the results show some chains have mastered the art of speed while others still can’t get it right. Here’s how the fastest and slowest drive-thrus in 2025 stack up.
Taco Bell Keeps It Moving
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Taco Bell clocked the fastest average service time in the 2025 Drive-Thru Study: 4 minutes and 16 seconds. The chain is known for simple menus and efficient systems. Evaluators noticed consistently short lines and smooth handoffs. It led the “classic” fast-food segment, edging out even burger giants in total wait time.
Tim Hortons Delivers Fast and Fair
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Tim Hortons stands out for getting the balance right. Its U.S. locations may be fewer, but they run tight operations with short waits and steady accuracy. Reviewers pointed to its morning performance in particular, when most drive-thrus struggle to keep up with the coffee rush.
Arby’s Moves with Surprising Efficiency
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Arby’s posted an average drive-thru time of 4 minutes and 32 seconds, faster than many bigger rivals. Its menu isn’t simple, yet orders stayed organized and accurate during lunch rushes. Secret shopper reports found smooth pacing and clear communication at the window. With moderate traffic, Arby’s keeps lines moving without the chaos seen at busier chains.
KFC Dials in on Speed
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KFC’s drive-thru felt sharper this year, with smoother pacing and noticeably faster service during rush hours. Combo meals that once caused backups moved out quickly thanks to a tighter menu and better coordination at the window. In stores using partial automation, orders flowed efficiently from prep to pickup, cutting the average wait to 4 minutes and 21 seconds.
Dunkin’ Balances Coffee and Speed
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Dunkin’ kept an average drive-thru time of 5 minutes and 9 seconds, steady for a coffee chain. Its consistency comes from a straightforward setup with quick drink adjustments and a smaller food menu. By keeping orders simple and staff focused, Dunkin’ keeps lines moving even during the morning rush when most places start to stall.
McDonald’s Stays Competitive
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Its 6-minute and 3-second average wait time isn’t the fastest, but consistency is where it wins. Digital ordering screens, pre-set meal options, and well-practiced crews help the chain stay competitive. Secret shoppers flagged above-average satisfaction thanks to accurate orders and tech that streamlined the process.
Dutch Bros Wins with Vibes and Accuracy
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Dutch Bros averaged 6 minutes and 22 seconds in drive-thru time but still ranked at the top for customer satisfaction. Secret shoppers found orders accurate and service upbeat, even when lines were long. The atmosphere mattered as much as speed, with friendly staff and consistent drinks leaving customers just as happy as those served faster elsewhere.
Wendy’s Keeps a Steady Pace
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Wendy’s landed a spot in the top half with an average of 4 minutes and 53 seconds. It benefited from smaller lunch crowds compared to competitors, according to evaluators, and maintained high accuracy across markets. Its digital ordering systems and in-lane screens helped reduce hiccups in larger orders.
Raising Cane’s Impresses with Simplicity
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Raising Cane’s kept things moving with a clear advantage: simplicity. Its narrow menu and streamlined prep left little room for confusion or delay. Secret shoppers noted steady pacing and quick handoffs, especially during lunch hours. Even with a modest average time of 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the chain’s focus on doing one thing well paid off.
Starbucks Finds Balance Behind the Wheel
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Despite complex drink orders, the chain held up surprisingly well under pressure. Evaluators pointed to friendly staff and digital queue systems that made longer waits feel smoother. While not ideal for a rush, it remained a favorite among regulars who value consistency.
Popeyes Slows Things Down
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Popeyes ranked among the slower drive-thrus this year with an average time of 6 minutes and 50 seconds. The delay didn’t seem to bother customers much, as they rated its food and service highly. Within the chicken category that includes KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Raising Cane’s, Popeyes still stood out for flavor and overall satisfaction.
Burger King Drags Its Feet
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Burger King’s drive-thru experience averaged 6 minutes and 1 second. While it sounds competitive, undercover evaluations noted inconsistent staffing and missed steps during peak hours. Some locations handled orders efficiently, but others experienced miscommunication and repeated delays. That inconsistency kept it out of the top tier.
Culver’s Struggles with Speed
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Culver’s didn’t fare well in the customer-based Sudoku Bliss survey. More than half of regular visitors rated its drive-thru as “very slow.” Its made-to-order model adds prep time, which often means longer waits, even if the food comes out fresh.
Church’s Chicken Falls Behind
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According to survey results, 52% of regular Church’s Chicken customers reported sluggish service in the drive-thru. Timing issues varied widely by location, but common complaints included underprepared staff and disorganized workflows. Compared to other chicken chains in the study, Church’s had fewer systems in place to manage order flow during peaks.
Wingstop Comes in Last
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Wingstop earned the bottom spot in the Sudoku Bliss ranking. About 57% of regular visitors said the drive-thru took too long. The brand isn’t built for speed—wings take time, and customization slows things even further. Survey participants shared frustrations over extended waits, even during off-peak hours.