The Best and Worst Times to Drive on Memorial Day Weekend According to AAA
Inflation be damned: According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Americans are taking their summer travel seriously this year. In fact, in a recent press release , the organization estimates that 42.3 million Americans will drive at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend (Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29), up 7% than last year.
In addition to air travel, which is likely to exceed pre-pandemic levels, about 37.1 million people will travel to their holiday destinations, up 6% from 2022. In other words, if you thought traffic was bad last year, get ready to share the road with over two million extra drivers.
Luckily, AAA has made some predictions about the best and worst moments to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend. Here’s what you need to know.
The best and worst times to drive this Memorial Day weekend
Using data from INRIX , a transportation information firm, AAA experts determined the best and worst times to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend:
Thursday, May 25
- Worst time : 15:00 to 18:00.
- Best time : before 13:00.
Friday, May 26
- Worst time : 15:00 to 18:00.
- Best time : before 12:00.
Saturday, May 27
- Minimal traffic impact expected
Sunday, May 28
- Minimal traffic impact expected
Monday, May 29
- Worst time : 12-15 hours.
- Best time : before 10 am
Tuesday, May 30
- Worst time : 16-18 hours.
- Best time : before 14:00 / after 18:00.
In general, Friday traffic is expected to be the worst, so plan accordingly. In addition, if your road trip takes you to one or more major metropolitan areas in the country, AAA will provide additional information on peak congestion periods by city and route.
The good news is that travelers won’t spend as much money on gas this year. On Memorial Day weekend 2022, the national average was over $4 a gallon; it is currently around $3.55 per gallon . However, as Bob Pishu, transportation analyst at INRIX, points out, there is a downside to this.
“Due to lower fuel prices and more travelers on the road compared to last year, drivers should expect long delays this holiday weekend, especially in and around major metros as passengers mingle with travelers on Memorial Day,” he explained. he’s in an AAA press release .