Flying or driving for July 4? Here's the best time to leave, busiest travel times in California
Independence Day is often one of the busiest travel periods outside the winter holidays, and this year is expected to be no different. A record-setting 72.2 million travelers are estimated to go on a domestic trip between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6, according to AAA. That's 2.4% more than last year.
As usual, driving will be the most popular mode of transportation, as a predicted 61.6 million car travelers will hit the road. However, air passengers are also projected to break a record, with 5.84 million fliers despite round-trip domestic airfare being 4% more expensive than last year at an average of $810.
This year, the Fourth of July is a long weekend – the perfect chance for a summer getaway. "It's been almost a decade since travelers have had a 'Fourth of July Friday,' meaning they are likely taking full advantage of the long weekend to build out longer trips," said Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "For travelers who are planning an international getaway this year, the day-off positioning means people can strategically build a weeklong trip without burning a full work week of PTO."
Here's what to know about Fourth of July travel in 2025.
Study: California has some of the best and worst airports for business travelers in the US
According to Going, airfare during the Fourth of July week runs slightly higher than the rest of the summer because of travel demand.
Still, summer ticket prices overall are down 7% from last year. For the holiday week, domestic airfare averages 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9%, averaging $1,396. Travelers can save a few bucks – and avoid crowds – if they fly on the holiday itself.
What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list
Domestic
Orlando, Florida
Seattle
New York
Anchorage, Alaska
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Honolulu
Denver
Miami
Boston
Atlanta
International
Vancouver, British Columbia
Rome
Paris
London
Barcelona
Dublin
Amsterdam
Calgary, Alberta
Athens, Greece
Lisbon, Portugal
For the two weeks surrounding the holiday, car travelers should aim to embark in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, according to Inrix.
Here are the best travel times:
Saturday, June 28 - Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29 - Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30 - Before noon
Tuesday, July 1 - Before 2 p.m.
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.
Drivers can anticipate the busiest days on the road to be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations and Sunday, July 6, when they return home, according to Inrix. Throughout the rest of the travel period, afternoons will likely see the most congestion.
Below are the worst travel times:
Saturday, June 28 - Between noon and 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 29 - Between 2 and 4 p.m.
Monday, June 30 - Between 2 and 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1 - Between 3 and 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 - Between noon and 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 - Between 2 and 6 p.m.
Friday, July 4 - Between noon and 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 - Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6 - Between noon and 6 p.m.
San Francisco
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from San Francisco to Sacramento, California, on I-80 E at 5:30 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Sacramento to San Francisco on I-80 W at 4:30 p.m.
Los Angeles
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Los Angeles to San Diego on I-5 S at 5 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on I-15 S at 5 p.m.
Atlanta
Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, on I-20 W at 12:15 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Savannah, Gerorgia, to Atlanta on I-16 W at 2:30 p.m.
Boston
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Boston to Hyannis, Massachusetts, 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.
Denver
Departing: Monday, June 30, from Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado, on I-25 N at 1:45 p.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Fort Collins to Denver on I-25 S at 6:30 p.m.
Houston
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Houston to Galveston, Texas, 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.
New York
Departing: Tuesday, July 1, from New York City to Jersey Shore of New Jersey on Garden State Pkwy S at 4:30 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Albany, New York, to New York City on I-87 S at 4:15 a.m.
Seattle
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Seattle to Ocean Shores, Washington, on I-5 S at 5:45 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Ellensburg, Washington, to Seattle on I-90 E at 430 p.m.
Washington
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Washington to Annapolis, Maryland, on US-50 E at 1:45 p.m.
Returning: Friday, July 4, from Annapolis to Washington on US-50 W at 11:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The busiest travel days for Fourth of July: how to beat the rush
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