AAA Projects Record-Breaking 72.2 Million Travelers for July 4th Holiday Week

Car Travel Hits All-Time High, With Over 61 Million Drivers Expected on the Road

Top U.S. Destinations Include Orlando, Seattle, and Anchorage; Vancouver Leads International Picks

The roads, skies, and seas are about to get much busier this summer. AAA is forecasting a record-breaking 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the extended Independence Day holiday period, spanning from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6.

That figure marks a 1.7 million increase over last year and a dramatic 7 million jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

This year’s forecast includes two weekends, offering travelers extended flexibility to get away for either a long weekend or a full week of vacation, a trend that’s driving up demand across all modes of transportation.

“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.

Gas price uncertainty

Car travel remains the most popular mode of transportation, with AAA projecting 61.6 million Americans will hit the road, up 2.2% from 2024 and the highest number ever recorded. The rise in road travel comes even as gas prices fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions and the looming

Despite modest increases at the pump driven in part by the Israel-Iran conflict, summer gas prices remain lower than in previous years, thanks to stable crude oil prices. Still, AAA warns drivers to be prepared: last year’s July 4th week saw nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls. Travelers are urged to perform routine maintenance, pack emergency kits, and avoid peak congestion by traveling early.

According to transportation analytics firm INRIX, the busiest travel days will be Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6, with afternoons bringing the worst congestion. Morning departures are recommended to avoid gridlock.

More people flying

AAA also anticipates record air travel, with 5.84 million people expected to fly—an 8% share of all travelers and a 1.4% increase over 2023. The average domestic round-trip airfare for the holiday week is $810, about 4% more than last year. For cost savings, experts recommend booking flights on weekdays like Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Meanwhile, travel by other modes—bus, train, and cruise—is projected to grow 7.4% to 4.78 million travelers, nearing the 2019 high. The uptick is largely fueled by the popularity of cruising, especially during peak Alaska cruise season.

Popular destinations

AAA’s booking data show travelers flocking to iconic destinations known for fireworks, beaches, and big city celebrations. Domestically, Orlando, Seattle, and New York top the list. Internationally, Vancouver leads, followed by major European cities like Rome, Paris, and London.

Top U.S. Destinations:

Orlando

Seattle

New York

Anchorage

Fort Lauderdale

Top International Destinations:

Experts are predicting a record-breaking travel period for this year’s July 4th holiday, but strategic planning can help you beat the most intense traffic and crowds. The American Automobile Association (AAA) anticipates record-setting numbers of car and plane travelers, respectively, for this year’s Independence Day. Overall, 72.2 million are projected to venture 50 miles or more away from home. Of that hefty sum, projections expect 61.6 million people to travel by car, the highest number on record for AAA. It also represents an estimated 2.2% increase from 2024. Additionally, the association anticipates that 5.84 million will travel by plane, which is also a record-breaking number and a 1.4% increase over last Independence Day.

Notably, AAA expects travel by other modes of transportation – bus, train, and cruise – to increase by 7.4% over last year. This year’s designated travel report forecasted travel from June 28 through July 6, which includes two weekends.

“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 the Vice President of AAA Travel, Stacey Barber. “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.”

What Else Should I Know About July 4th Travel This Year?

Transportation data and insights provider INRIX believes that the busiest days to travel by car will be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6. To avoid traffic, drivers should hit the road as early as possible. Early to late mornings will have the least congestion, whereas the afternoons and evenings will likely have peak traffic.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also anticipates a busy travel period around this Fourth of July. It estimates that 18.5 million will embark on air travel from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7. The governmental authority anticipates that the busiest air travel day for 2025’s Independence Day will be Sunday, July 6, when it expects 2.9 million travelers.

Saturday officially begins the holiday travel period and AAA is projecting a record-breaking number of travelers for July 4th week.

The travel agency says a record of 72.2 million Americans will be traveling over the week of the 4th, with most being by car. Travel is expected to increase by 2.3%.

Over 61 million people will be traveling by car, 5.84 million are flying, and over 5 million people will be traveling by bus, train, or boat.

The busiest travel times are expected to be next Wednesday and Sunday July 6th.

Anyone driving by car should leave prior to 10 a.m. to avoid major traffic.

CHARLOTTE – AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4%) over last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

To better reflect holiday travel trends, AAA’s forecast now accounts for two weekends, capturing extended trips and varied departure schedules.

North Carolina Travel Trends

North Carolina travel is expected to reach historic levels, with nearly 2.3 million hitting the road, skies, and rails – that’s up 79,000 (1%) from last year.

Driving: More than 2 million North Carolinians will take a road trip (+69,000 from last year).

More than 2 million North Carolinians will take a road trip (+69,000 from last year). Flying: Over 160,000 North Carolinians will fly domestically (+2,450 from last year).

Over 160,000 North Carolinians will fly domestically (+2,450 from last year). Other Modes: Over 100,000 North Carolinians will take buses, trains, or cruises (+7400 from last year).

North Carolina Independence Day Travelers Auto Air Other Total 2025 2 million 160,022 100,274 2.3 million 2024 1.9 million 157,572 92,635 2.2 million 2019 1.8 million 146,759 100,934 2 million

“Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities,” saidDebbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel. “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.”

How Americans Are Traveling This Independence Day

By Car:

AAA estimates 61.6 million Americans will drive—a 2.2% increase from last year and the highest number ever recorded. 1.3 million more road travelers are expected compared to 2024.

Drivers should prepare their vehicles in advance, as AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s holiday period for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.

Gas prices are likely to fluctuate before Independence Day. Last week, oil prices surged in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, increasing gasoline production costs. While analysts suggest this may be a short-term reaction, it’s too early to know whether prices will stabilize before the holiday. North Carolina drivers are currently paying $2.86. That is approximately .47 cents per gallon less than last year’s holiday. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com for the latest gas price averages.

By Air:

Air travel is reaching record-breaking numbers nationwide, with 5.84 million people flying, a 1.4% increase over last year’s previous high. This figure exclusively represents domestic leisure travel, counting complete round-trip itineraries as a single trip. This differs from TSA data, which tracks each individual airport screening separately and includes both domestic and international travel.

AAA data shows round-trip domestic flights averaging $810, up 4% from 2024. Travelers booking last-minute can find better deals by flying midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays).

By Other Modes:

Nearly 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise, marking a 7.4% rise over last year. Cruising continues to fuel this growth, particularly in peak Alaska cruise season.

AAA’s Top Independence Day Destinations

AAA booking data reveals the most sought-after travel spots for July 4th:

DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL ORLANDO, FL VANCOUVER, CANADA SEATTLE, WA ROME, ITALY NEW YORK, NY PARIS, FRANCE ANCHORAGE, AK LONDON, ENGLAND FORT LAUDERDALE, FL BARCELONA, SPAIN HONOLULU, HI DUBLIN, IRELAND DENVER, CO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS MIAMI, FL CALGARY, CANADA BOSTON, MA ATHENS, GREECE ATLANTA, GA LISBON, PORTUGAL

These destinations are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period.

Best & Worst Times to Drive

According to INRIX, expect heavy road congestion on Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6. The busiest times will be afternoons, while mornings offer the best escape from traffic.

Ideal Travel Times:

Worst hours: Afternoon to early evening

Afternoon to early evening Best hours: Early morning

Drivers should remain alert for construction delays, crashes, and severe weather. AAA reminds all motorists to Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders assisting roadside travelers.

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car Date Worst Travel Time Best Travel Time Saturday, Jun 28 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Before 10:00 AM Sunday, Jun 29 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Monday, Jun 30 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Tuesday, Jul 01 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 2:00 PM Wednesday, Jul 02 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Thursday, Jul 03 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Friday, Jul 04 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM Before 12:00 PM Saturday, Jul 05 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Sunday, Jul 06 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Before 11:00 AM

“We encourage travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect their plans,” said Haas. “Unexpected disruptions like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can turn a dream vacation into a stressful experience. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you can enjoy your Independence Day getaway with confidence.”

AAA expects record July 4 travel period

VW independent staff/submitted information

AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers.

“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. “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.”

AAA is predicting more than 72 million people will travel during the upcoming July 4 holiday period. AAA photo

Independence Day travelers by mode of transportation

By car: AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2 percent increase over last year and the highest volume on record. This Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024.

Drivers are seeing increases at the pump, but summer gas prices are still the lowest they’ve been since 2021. The Israel Iran conflict has driven up the price of oil in recent days but not dramatically. Escalation and duration of the conflict are two factors to watch. Weather is also a wild card. The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and NOAA predicts a 60 percent chance of an above-normal season. Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.

By air: The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set a new record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations; that’s eight percent of all Independence Day travelers. This year’s projection is a 1.4 percent increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers.

According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their July 4 trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is averaging $810, four percent more expensive than last year.

By other modes: Travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4 percent over last year. AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise. This year’s number is just shy of the 2019 record of 4.79 million. Cruising is driving the popularity of this category, particularly this time of year, when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.