July 4th travel to break records: The best and worst times to hit the road
The Fourth of July has always been a peak travel period in the United States, but 2025 is set to shatter all previous records. According to projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA), a staggering 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the extended Independence Day holiday week, which runs from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and a remarkable 7 million more than in 2019.
Key travel trends
Road trips dominate: Of the 72.2 million travelers, 61.6 million are expected to travel by car—an all-time high and a 2.2% increase over 2024, adding 1.3 million more road travelers than last year.
Air travel also surges: Air travel is also expected to set new records, with over 5.8 million people projected to fly, making up about 8% of all July 4th travelers.
Other modes: Roughly 4.6 million Americans will use trains, buses, or cruise ships for their holiday journeys.
Top destinations: Domestically, Orlando, Seattle, and New York are the most popular destinations. Internationally, Vancouver, Rome, and Paris lead the list, with cruises, beaches, and fireworks being top attractions.
Best and worst times to travel by car
With record numbers on the road, timing your departure is crucial to avoid the worst congestion. AAA, in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence and INRIX, has released a detailed timetable for optimal travel windows:
Date
Worst Travel Time
Best Travel Time
Saturday, June 28
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Before 10:00 AM
Sunday, June 29
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Before 11:00 AM
Monday, June 30
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Before 12:00 PM
Tuesday, July 1
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Before 2:00 PM
Wednesday, July 2
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Before 12:00 PM
Thursday, July 3
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Before 12:00 PM
Friday, July 4
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Before 12:00 PM
Saturday, July 5
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Before 11:00 AM
Sunday, July 6
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Before 11:00 AM
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by Taboola
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General Guidance:
Leave Early: The best way to avoid traffic is to hit the road before 11 a.m. (or before 10 a.m. on June 28). Morning hours are consistently less congested.
Avoid Midday to Early Evening: The worst traffic is typically from noon to 7 p.m., especially on July 4 itself. Delaying your trip to the evening or leaving very early can help you avoid gridlock.
Travel challenges and safety tips
Roadside Assistance: Last year, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday week. The most common issues were dead batteries, flat tires, running out of fuel, and lockouts.
Preparation: AAA strongly recommends routine vehicle maintenance and packing an emergency kit before setting out. This is especially important given the increased volume and potential for delays.
Fuel Prices: While gas prices are about 40 cents lower per gallon than last year, the Atlantic hurricane season could impact prices and availability, so travelers should plan accordingly.
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