Skip to main content

45 million people are traveling for Memorial Day: Here’s how to avoid the traffic

AAA highlights the best times to hit the road during the holiday weekend

Traffic
planet_fox / Pixabay

Get ready for packed roads and long lines, as 45.1 million Americans are expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year, marking a new record, according to AAA. The travel period runs from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, and most of those travelers, nearly 39.4 million, are hitting the road. While air travel and other modes of transportation like trains, buses, and cruises are also up this year, driving remains the top choice for Memorial Day travelers.

With gas prices lower than last year’s average ($3.59 per gallon), road trips are more appealing than ever. In fact, 87% of travelers will be driving to their destinations, making traffic jams and congested highways all but guaranteed.

Recommended Videos

To help avoid the worst of it, travel experts recommend hitting the road early in the morning or later in the evening, when highways are less clogged. Thursday and Friday afternoons are expected to see the heaviest traffic, especially near major cities and popular getaway spots.

The best and worst times to travel by car

Thursday, May 22 is expected to kick off the holiday rush, with the worst traffic between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM. If you can, leave before noon to beat the gridlock.

Friday, May 23 will be even more hectic, especially between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, as most travelers begin their long weekend. The smoothest travel will be before 11:00 AM.

Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25 will see lighter congestion overall, but it’s still best to leave before noon on Saturday and before 1:00 PM on Sunday to avoid the afternoon slowdown.

Memorial Day Monday, May 26 will see the weekend’s final travel surge as people return home. Expect the worst traffic from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and aim to be on the road before 2:00 PM for a smoother ride.

Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Is it safe to visit Thailand right now? Here’s what travelers need to know
Your guide to staying safe when visiting one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations
temple in Thailand

Over the years, I’ve known quite a few people who’ve traveled to Thailand, some with a backpack and a tight budget, others on luxurious beach holidays or cultural adventures through ancient temples. No matter the style of travel, they’ve all come back with glowing reviews: the food, the scenery, the people – it’s easy to see why Thailand has become such a go-to destination.

But lately, I’ve noticed a shift. With recent earthquakes in the region and ongoing unrest in some neighboring countries, a growing number of would-be travelers are asking the big question: Is it safe to visit Thailand right now?

Read more
Luxury travelers say they’re avoiding this one trend in 2025
Luxury travelers are looking to avoid "Beige-ification"
A hand opening a hotel room door with the room interior in the background

If there’s one thing affluent travelers are steering clear of in 2025, it’s sameness.

According to the newly released 2025 Luxury Travel Report from Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the biggest turnoff for today’s high-end jet-setters isn’t long flights or price hikes, it’s what the report calls “Beige-ification.” The term captures a growing dissatisfaction with the copy-and-paste culture of luxury travel, where experiences, design, and service have become nearly indistinguishable from one destination to the next.

Read more
This famously safe country is now under a sudden U.S. travel advisory
Switzerland was placed under a Level 1 travel advisory
Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland, long celebrated for its neutrality, low crime rates, and overall stability, has been quietly placed under a Level 1 travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State as of May 20. While a Level 1 notice, the lowest on the State Department's four-tier scale, simply advises travelers to “exercise normal precautions,” the move raised eyebrows for its suddenness and lack of explanation.

The advisory update came without fanfare or detail. The only note included on the State Department’s website reads: “Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.” Yet, just four days later, on May 24, the Department reported demonstrations near the main train station in Bern, Switzerland’s capital, accompanied by a heavy police presence.

Read more