Flying or driving for July 4? Here’s the best time to leave, busiest travel times in California
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Flying or driving for July 4? Here’s the best time to leave, busiest travel times in California
A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Driving will be the most popular mode of transportation, as a predicted 61.6 million car travelers will hit the road. 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. For the holiday week, domestic air fare averages 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9% at $1,396. 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. The best times to drive for the two weeks surrounding the holiday are in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, according to Inrix. The worst times are during the afternoon, when traffic is likely to be the worst in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco.
Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation, but air travel is also expected to hit record numbers.
Travelers can find tips on the best and worst times to drive to avoid holiday traffic congestion.
Summer travelers, gear up. This Fourth of July is going to be a busy one, especially across 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.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
How much are flights for the Fourth of July?
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
What are the top Fourth of July destinations?
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
What are the best times to drive for the Fourth of July?
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.
What are the worst times to drive for the Fourth of July?
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.
Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities
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
Flying or driving for July 4? Here’s the best time to leave, busiest travel times in California
A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Driving will be the most popular mode of transportation, as a predicted 61.6 million car travelers will hit the road. 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. For the holiday week, domestic air fare averages 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9% at $1,396. 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. The best times to drive for the two weeks surrounding the holiday are in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, according to Inrix. The worst times are during the afternoon, when traffic is likely to be the worst in major U.S. cities such as San Francisco.
Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation, but air travel is also expected to hit record numbers.
Travelers can find tips on the best and worst times to drive to avoid holiday traffic congestion.
Summer travelers, gear up. This Fourth of July is going to be a busy one, especially across 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.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
How much are flights for the Fourth of July?
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
What are the top Fourth of July destinations?
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
What are the best times to drive for the Fourth of July?
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.
What are the worst times to drive for the Fourth of July?
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.
Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities
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
Flying or driving for Fourth of July in Florida? Here’s the best time to leave, what it’ll cost
72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically during the July 4 week, AAA says. That’s 1.7 million more travelers 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. Air passengers are also projected to break a record, with 5.84 million fliers expected to flock to the airports. The best travel times are: Saturday, June 28: Before 10 a.m., Sunday, June 30: Before 11 p.m. and Wednesday, July 2: Before 12 p.M. The worst times to travel will be Wednesday, June 2, and Sunday, July 6, according to INRIX, when people head home. The holiday falls on a Friday, and the busiest days on the road will be early afternoon to early evening, AAA said. The average airfare for the holiday week is 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9% at $1,396.
The 2025 year of travel continues, with a record 72.2 million Americans 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.
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As usual, driving will be the most popular method, with an estimated 61.6 million drivers expected to hit the road nationwide. However, air passengers are also projected to break a record, with 5.84 million fliers expected to flock to the airports.
Part of that is due to the 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.”
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Here’s what to know, and the best time to hit the road.
How are Florida residents traveling for July 4?
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
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 to address dead batteries, flat tires and empty gas tanks.
See SSSS on your boarding pass? What that means for you at the airport
Will gas prices go up for July 4 weekend?
With war brewing in the Middle East, oil prices have surged, AAA said, but it’s too soon to tell if prices will stabilize before the holiday.
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“Of particular concern is Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passageway for about 20% of global oil shipments. While the Iranian Parliament voted in favor of the move on Sunday, the country’s Supreme National Security Council has not made a final decision,” AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins said in an email.
Florida gas prices jumped 20 cents per gallon early last week but dropped back a bit over the weekend, Jenkins said.
Florida drivers are currently paying $3.15 per gallon, AAA said. That’s almost 40 cents less than last year’s holiday.
How much are flights for the Fourth of July?
According to flight booking service Going, airfare during the Fourth of July week runs slightly higher than the rest of the summer due to the demand.
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Summer ticket prices overall are down 7% from last year as airlines struggle with reduced demands due to fluctuating trade wars, threats against Canada’s sovereignty and fears over border crackdowns.
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.
Best times to drive for July 4 week
Load up the car early, according to traffic analyst INRIX, to avoid the worst traffic. The best travel times are:
Saturday, June 28: Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29: Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30: Before 12 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1: Before 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2: Before 12 p.m.
Thursday, July 3: Before 12 p.m.
Friday, July 4: Before 12 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6: Before 11 a.m.
Worst times to drive for July 4 week
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.
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Saturday, June 28: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 29: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, June 30: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 3: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, July 4: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 5: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Florida cities in top 10 domestic July 4 destinations
According to AAA booking data, people are heading to the Sunshine State for July 4 with three of the top 10 cities and the top destination.
Orlando Seattle, Washington New York, New York Anchorage, Alaska Fort Lauderdale Honolulu, Hawaii Denver, Colorado Miami Boston, Massachusetts Atlanta, Georgia
Peak congestion times in major U.S. cities
Tampa/Orlando
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.
Atlanta
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.
Boston
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.
Chicago
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.
Denver
Departing: Monday, June 30, from Denver to Fort Collins 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.
Detroit
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.
Houston
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.
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.
Minneapolis
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.
New York
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.
Philadelphia
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.
Portland
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Portland to Eugene on I-5 S at 5 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Eugene to Portland on I-5 N at 4:45 p.m.
San Diego
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from San Diego to Palm Springs on I-15 N at 5:45 p.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Palm Springs to San Diego on I-15 S at 3 p.m.
San Francisco
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from San Francisco to Sacramento 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.
Seattle
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Seattle to Ocean Shores on I-5 S at 5:45 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Ellensburg to Seattle on I-90 E at 430 p.m.
Washington, D.C.
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.
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Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flying or driving for Fourth of July in Florida? Here’s the best time to leave, what it’ll cost