Road Trips Reach All-Time High, Air Travel Up Nearly 2%
AAA projects that 45.1 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday period—from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. This marks an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new record for Memorial Day weekend travel, surpassing the previous high of 44 million set in 2005.
Despite inflation and concerns about rising costs, many Americans are prioritizing time with loved ones, even if that means staying closer to home.
“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “Whether it’s a big vacation or a simple road trip to the beach, this long weekend is about making memories with the people who matter most.”
How Americans Are Traveling This Memorial Day
🚗 By Car: 39.4 Million Travelers
- 87% of Memorial Day travelers are expected to hit the road.
- This is 1 million more drivers than last year.
- Gas prices are lower than last year’s average of $3.59, thanks to lower crude oil costs.
- Hertz projects Friday, May 23 to be the busiest car rental pickup day.
- Top car rental cities: Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Seattle.
✈️ By Air: 3.61 Million Travelers
- Air travel is up nearly 2% over 2024 and 12% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- The average round-trip domestic ticket: $850 (2% higher than last year).
- Top air travel destinations include: Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle.
🚆 By Train, Bus, or Cruise: 2.08 Million Travelers
- Travel by other modes is up 8.5% from last year.
- Cruising is booming, especially to Alaska (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau).
- AAA forecasts a record 19 million Americans will cruise in 2025.
Tips for Travelers: How to Save
Gas
- Use the AAA Gas Cost Calculator and check prices on AAA.com/fuel.
- Avoid gas stations right off the highway for better prices.
- Drive slower—fuel efficiency peaks around 50 mph.
- AAA members can get discounts through Fuel Rewards® at Shell stations.
Flights
- Book flights departing on Tuesdays and returning on Wednesdays for the best fares.
- Basic economy saves money—but watch for restrictions.
- Bring food from home to avoid costly airport snacks.
- Reserve airport parking in advance; AAA members get discounts at The Parking Spot.
Hotels & Rental Cars
- Book early for best prices and selection.
- Hotels outside tourist areas are often cheaper; in cities, stay near public transit.
- Smaller rental cars are more fuel-efficient and affordable.
- AAA members get exclusive benefits through Hertz.
Best & Worst Times to Drive
INRIX, a transportation analytics provider, expects afternoons to be the most congested. Morning departures are ideal. Below are the projected traffic patterns:
| Date | Worst Time to Travel | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, May 22 | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM |
| Friday, May 23 | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Saturday, May 24 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM |
| Sunday, May 25 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 1:00 PM |
| Monday, May 26 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM |
Cities with the Worst Traffic: Peak Congestion Forecasts
| Metro Area | Route | Peak Time | Travel Time | % Over Normal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | Boston to Manchester (I-93 N) | Mon 12:15 PM | 1 hr 36 min | 123% |
| New York | Jersey Shore to NYC (GSP N) | Mon 1:00 PM | 2 hr 24 min | 92% |
| Los Angeles | LA to Bakersfield (I-5 N) | Fri 5:00 PM | 3 hr 36 min | 83% |
| San Francisco | SF to Napa (I-80 E) | Thu 7:15 PM | 3 hrs | 82% |
| Washington, DC | DC to Annapolis (US-50 E) | Thu 3:45 PM | 1 hr 18 min | 80% |
(For the full list of metro congestion forecasts, see AAA.com/memorialday)
Top Memorial Day Destinations (AAA Booking Data)
Top Domestic Picks
- Orlando, FL
- Seattle, WA
- New York, NY
- Las Vegas, NV
- Miami, FL
- San Francisco, CA
- Anchorage, AK
- Chicago, IL
- Denver, CO
- Boston, MA
Top International Picks
- Rome, Italy
- Vancouver, Canada
- Paris, France
- London, England
- Athens, Greece
- Dublin, Ireland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Southampton, England
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Edinburgh, Scotland
How the Forecast Was Created
The travel forecast is based on a collaboration between AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence, using economic data such as employment, fuel prices, consumer spending, and travel booking patterns. Additional insights were provided by MMGY Global and INRIX to track real-time road travel behavior and congestion.
About AAA
Founded in 1902, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted member organizations. With over 58 million U.S. members, AAA offers roadside assistance, travel planning, insurance services, discounts, and more. Learn more at AAA.com.
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