Is the word trânsito the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No. While the spelling and fundamental meaning are identical, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "trânsito" is used as a universal term to describe both the general flow of vehicles and the state of being stuck in a traffic jam. In Continental Portuguese, while "trânsito" is used to refer to the movement of vehicles, speakers more frequently use "congestionamento" or "engarrafamento" to specifically denote a traffic jam or heavy congestion.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. O trânsito está muito parado hoje. (The traffic is at a standstill today.)
2. Eu odeio pegar trânsito de manhã. (I hate hitting traffic in the morning.)
3. O trânsito está muito pesado nesta avenida. (The traffic is very heavy on this avenue.)
4. Houve um acidente que travou o trânsito. (There was an accident that blocked the traffic.)
5. O trânsito está fluindo bem. (The traffic is flowing well.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. O trânsito está muito lento hoje. (The traffic is very slow today.)
2. Eu odeio apanhar congestionamentos de manhã. (I hate hitting traffic jams in the morning.)
3. O trânsito está muito intenso nesta avenida. (The traffic is very intense on this avenue.)
4. Houve um acidente que causou um congestionamento. (There was an accident that caused a traffic jam.)
5. O trânsito está fluindo bem. (The traffic is flowing well.)