A 2025 study gathered data from America’s 13 most popular fast food chains—including Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and more—to determine which drive-thrus are the fastest.
Some drive-thru experiences can take as long as 10 to 15 minutes, but not all chains move at the same pace. This year’s study analyzed 13 major fast food brands, including newcomers like Dutch Bros Coffee, Popeyes, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons, alongside staples like Burger King, Chick-fil-A, and McDonald’s. Data was collected from 165 secret shoppers visiting drive-thrus between June and July, with an additional 120 shoppers assessing AI-assisted ordering.
America’s Fastest Drive-Thru
For the fifth year in a row, Taco Bell ranks as the fastest drive-thru in America. Customers spend an average of 256.8 seconds (about 4 minutes, 17 seconds) in line. KFC comes in second at 261.2 seconds (4 minutes, 21 seconds), followed by Tim Hortons at 265.9 seconds (4 minutes, 26 seconds).
Average service times vary by type of chain: traditional burger chains average just over 4 minutes, beverage chains around 4 minutes, 15 seconds, and chicken-focused locations tend to be slower.
Top 7 Fastest Chains (by average service time)
-
Taco Bell — 256.8 seconds
-
KFC — 261.2 seconds
-
Tim Hortons — 265.9 seconds
-
Arby’s — 272.3 seconds
-
Wendy’s — 293.3 seconds
-
Dunkin’ — 309.7 seconds
-
Burger King — 361.1 seconds
America’s Slowest Drive-Thru
Chick-fil-A ranks as the slowest drive-thru, with an average service time of 427 seconds (7 minutes, 7 seconds). Popeyes follows at 410.5 seconds, and Raising Cane’s at 383.3 seconds. Chicken-focused chains were consistently slower than traditional burger chains.
Top 7 Slowest Chains (by average service time)
-
Chick-fil-A — 427.0 seconds
-
Popeyes — 410.5 seconds
-
Raising Cane’s — 383.3 seconds
-
Dutch Bros — 382.0 seconds
-
Starbucks — 373.0 seconds
-
McDonald’s — 363.9 seconds
Beyond Speed
Speed isn’t the only factor in the fast food experience. Friendliness, order accuracy, and overall satisfaction also play key roles.
-
Friendliest Chains: Chick-fil-A (93%), Dutch Bros (92%), Raising Cane’s (89%)
-
Highest Overall Satisfaction: Chick-fil-A (98%), Dutch Bros (98%), Popeyes (96%)
-
Top Order Accuracy: Dutch Bros (96%), Dunkin’ (91%), Tim Hortons (90%)
-
Lowest Scores: KFC had the lowest accuracy (79%), and McDonald’s ranked lowest in overall satisfaction (86%).
Even with rising prices and the growing influence of AI, fast food fans can rely on Taco Bell for quick service and Chick-fil-A for friendly, satisfying interactions.