Best, worst times to be on the road in Florida during Fourth of July week. Here's the timing
A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically during the July 4 week, according to AAA. That's 1.7 million more travelers (2.4%) than last year and 7 million more than 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Nearly 4.6 million of those hardy travelers will be Floridians, up 146,000 (3%) from 2024, the auto club said. And about 4 million of them will be behind the wheel.
That's likely due to July 4 coming at the start of a three-day weekend, the first long July 4 weekend in nearly a decade. AAA travel forecasts are for the week from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.
"Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities," said Debbie Haas, vice president of AAA Travel in a release.
"This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones."
Here's what to know, and the best time to hit the road.
By vehicle: 4 million, compared to 3.9 million in 2024
By air: 329,762, compared to 325,471 million in 2024
By other (bus, train, cruise, etc): 203,629, compared to 188,809 million in 2024
See SSSS on your boarding pass? What that means for you at the airport
Gas prices have been bouncing around lately, but they're on course to remain more than 31 cents lower than they were during last year's holiday.
As of July 2, Florida drivers are currently paying $3.15 per gallon, AAA said. That's five cents lower than the national average of $3.17. GasBuddy lists the state average as $3.11.
Load up the car early, according to traffic analyst INRIX, to avoid the worst traffic. The best travel times are:
Wednesday, July 2: Before noon
Thursday, July 3: Before noon
Friday, July 4: Before noon
Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m.
The worst times to travel will be afternoon to early evening, AAA said, and the busiest days on the road will be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations, and Sunday, July 6, when they head home, according to INRIX.
Wednesday, July 2: noon-9 p.m.
Thursday, July 3: 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, July 4: noon-7 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6: noon-6 p.m.
AAA, which responded to nearly 700,000 customers stuck on the side of the road during the holiday period last year, urges everyone to get your car in shape before you drive.
Check your tires: Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and check your tread depth to see if you need to replace any. Don't forget the spare!
Inspect your brakes: Have any grinding noises or vibrations checked out before they become a dangerous problem.
Test your battery: If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement.
Replace wiper blades: It can seem a minor thing, but wipers that streak or don't clear the windshield thoroughly can lead to hazardous conditions, especially in a state where it rains every summer afternoon.
Top off fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids. Use products recommended in your owner's manual.
Replenish your emergency kit: Make sure you have essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit.
Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities:
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Tampa to Orlando on I-4 E at 2:30 p.m.
Returning: Friday, July 4, from Orlando to Tampa on I-4 W at 3:45 p.m.
Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Atlanta to Birmingham on I-20 W at 12:15 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Savannah to Atlanta on I-16 W at 2:30 p.m.
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Boston to Hyannis on Route 3 S at 10:45 a.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Hyannis to Boston on Route 3 N at 11:45 a.m.
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Chicago to Indianapolis on I-65 S at 6 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Milwaukee to Chicago on I-94 E at 2:30 p.m.
Departing: Thursday, July 3, from Detroit to Toronto on I-94 E at 3 p.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Grand Rapids to Detroit on I-96 E at 1:30 p.m.
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Houston to Galveston on I-45 S at 11:15 a.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Galveston to Houston on I-45 N at 11:45 a.m.
Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Minneapolis to Eau Claire on I-94 E at 2 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Eau Claire to Minneapolis on I-94 W at 3:45 p.m.
Departing: Tuesday, July 1, from New York to Jersey Shore on Garden State Pkwy S at 4:30 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Albany to New York on I-87 S at 4:15 p.m.
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Philadelphia to Rehoboth Beach on I-95 & Route 13 at 10:45 a.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Poconos to Philadelphia on I-76/I-476 Pennsylvania Turnpike at 1:15 p.m.
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Washington, D.C. to Annapolis on US-50 E at 1:45 p.m.
Returning: Friday, July 4, from Annapolis to Washington, D.C. on US-50 W at 11:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fourth of July traffic predicts Wednesday as worst day to drive
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