72 Million Americans Are Traveling for July 4th. Here are the Best and Worst Hours to Drive This Weekend.

This holiday weekend is set to be a doozy. Not only is this Fourth of July the celebration of America’s 250th, but the holiday falls on a Saturday, so many folks have a 3-day weekend, getting Friday off from work. And while that’s wonderful for a much-needed summertime recharge, it’s not so great for congestion on the roads and skyways. AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, July 5, while TSA expects to screen nearly 18.7 million travelers at U.S. airport security checkpoints between Tuesday, June 30, and Monday, July 6. They’ve released their data on the best and worst times to travel, and also added tips on how to get the most out of your weekend.

“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend.” The numbers bear this out: 85% of Americans traveling for Independence Day are expected to drive to their destinations, with 61.4 million people traveling by car. Despite higher gas prices, driving remains the most economical option for families, especially right now. The national average sits higher than last year, but still considerably lower than 2022 when prices hit $4.80 a gallon on Independence Day—meaning your road trip is still the budget-friendly choice.

Hertz expects Thursday, July 2 to be the busiest rental car pickup day, with Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City seeing the highest demand based on advanced bookings. Though it’s the most economical way to travel, inflation has also hit domestic car rentals, which are 10% more expensive this holiday week compared to last year. If you’re already committed to renting, book sooner rather than later.

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For flyers, TSA anticipates the highest passenger volume, accounting for more than 3 million people, to be on Thursday, July 2, so if you’re flying out that day, arrive even earlier than usual. Roundtrip domestic flights to popular destinations like Chicago and Denver are running about 5% more expensive, with tickets averaging around $830.

Here’s AAA’s breakdown of the best and worst times to travel this week:

The best strategy for avoiding the heaviest traffic is to leave early in the day or consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday. In major metros, Saturday morning and Monday afternoon tend to be sweet spots if you can swing them. One more thing: if you do hit the road, keep safety top of mind. AAA urges drivers to commit to safe driving this summer, with nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involving an impaired driver. Arrange a sober ride before you go out, and remember to move over for roadside responders. With a little strategic planning, you can actually enjoy your long weekend.