AAA expects a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend, marking the highest volume since tracking began in 2000. The 2025 forecast surpasses the previous all-time high of 44 million in 2005 and reflects a 3.2% increase from last year.
The Memorial Day travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 through Monday, May 26.
Road trips to hit new highs with 39.4 million travelers
Driving remains the most popular way to travel over the holiday. AAA projects 39.4 million people will take to the roads — up 1 million from last year. That’s 87% of total Memorial Day travelers.
Lower gas prices are helping fuel the surge. This spring’s national average is below the $3.59 per gallon seen during Memorial Day 2024, thanks to decreased crude oil costs.
Top rental car cities: Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle.
Travel tip: Avoid highways right off the interstate when refueling to find better gas prices, and consider slowing down — fuel economy typically peaks at 50 mph.
Nearly 3.61 million to fly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels
Airports nationwide are preparing for heavy traffic as 3.61 million passengers are expected to fly over the holiday — a nearly 2% increase from 2024. While it doesn’t top the air travel record from 2005, this year’s figure is 12% higher than 2019’s pre-pandemic total.
Average domestic airfare: $850, up 2% from last year.
Top destinations by air: Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle.
Travel tip: Departing Tuesday or returning Wednesday can save travelers money on flights. Basic economy fares offer further savings for flexible passengers.
Cruises, trains, and buses make strong post-pandemic recovery
More than 2 million people are expected to travel by train, bus, or cruise this year — an 8.5% jump from 2024. This category has now exceeded pre-COVID travel numbers from 2018 and 2019.
Cruising in particular is booming. Demand for Alaska cruises is strong, with Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau ranking among the top domestic cruise destinations.
Best and worst times to drive
According to transportation analytics firm INRIX, peak congestion will hit in the afternoons across most major metros. Early morning departures are recommended.
Worst travel times (local time):
- Thursday, May 22: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday, May 23: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday, May 24: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, May 25: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday, May 26: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cities with the worst congestion
- New York: Garden State Parkway northbound from the Jersey Shore, Monday at 1 PM
- Los Angeles: I-5 north to Bakersfield, Friday at 5 PM
- Boston: I-93 north to Manchester, Monday at 12:15 PM
- Washington, DC: US-50 east to Annapolis, Thursday at 3:45 PM
Travel times in some regions could double compared to typical conditions.
AAA’s top Memorial Day destinations
Top U.S. destinations:
- Orlando, FL
- Seattle, WA
- New York, NY
- Las Vegas, NV
- Miami, FL
Top international destinations:
- Rome, Italy
- Vancouver, Canada
- Paris, France
- London, England
- Athens, Greece
How travelers can save
Gas: Use the AAA gas cost calculator to estimate trip fuel costs. AAA members can access discounts at Shell through the Fuel Rewards® program.
Flights: Fly mid-week for cheaper fares. Bring food from home to avoid airport prices.
Hotels & rentals: Book early and consider smaller, fuel-efficient cars. AAA hotel partners and Hertz offer discounts for members.
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