Here are the worst times to drive on July 4th weekend
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Here are the worst times to drive on July 4th weekend
A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel during the 2025 Independence Day weekend, according to the latest AAA travel forecast. The busiest travel days are expected between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6. AAA recommends driving in the mornings to avoid peak traffic congestion. TSA expects to screen more than 18.5 million people during the July 4 holiday from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7. The holiday falls on a Friday, so travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends. The best time to travel by car is before 10 a.m., the worst time is after 5 p.m.
The busiest travel days are expected between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6.
AAA recommends driving in the mornings to avoid peak traffic congestion.
Planning to travel for the upcoming July 4th holiday? You’re not alone. A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel during the 2025 Independence Day weekend, according to the latest AAA travel forecast.
AAA predicts most domestic travelers—a whopping 61.6 million people—will journey by car, the highest volume on record. Likewise, AAA expects a record 5.84 million air travelers, a 1.4% increase since last year. This year, Independence Day travel spans Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel in a news release. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
Here are the best and worst times to hit the road ahead of next week’s July 4th holiday.
Best and worst times to drive during July 4 weekend
AAA says drivers should start their trip in the morning to avoid the worst traffic next week. Here are the worst times to drive, according to transportation data company INRIX:
Worst times to travel by car
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.
Best times to travel by car
If you’re looking to avoid road congestion, these are the best times to drive:
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.
TSA expects over 18 million passengers over Fourth of July holiday
TSA announced Tuesday that the agency expects to screen more than 18.5 million people during the July 4 holiday from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7. Sunday, July 6 is expected to be its busiest day.