As Memorial Day 2025 approaches, over forty five million Americans are gearing up for road trips and getaways, with major cities like Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco expected to experience the heaviest traffic. Whether you’re heading to the beach, visiting family, or embarking on a road trip, knowing the best times to travel can help you avoid the worst congestion.
While this surge in travelers signifies a strong recovery and continued growth in the tourism and transportation sectors, it also means travelers will face heightened congestion, particularly on highways, at airports, and in rental car lines. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a beach getaway, or a city visit, preparing for the traffic conditions and knowing the best times to travel can help you make the most of the holiday weekend.
Memorial Day 2025: A Record-Breaking Year for Travel
Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time for families to head out on weekend getaways, with many choosing to drive to nearby destinations. For those traveling by car, AAA predicts that a significant portion of travelers will be taking road trips. The busiest day for rental car pickups is expected to be Friday, May 23, as many travelers will need vehicles to explore their Memorial Day destinations. Furthermore, air travel is also expected to increase by 2%, indicating a steady demand for flights.
AAA’s Travel Forecast for Memorial Day 2025
According to AAA, the Memorial Day weekend is a prime time for families and solo travelers to escape, as many individuals have an extra day off work and students are out of school. While some travelers may choose to fly across the country for exotic getaways, many will opt for local road trips, taking advantage of the long weekend to visit nearby beaches, family members, or attractions.
AAA’s Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, emphasizes that Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant to be enjoyable. “While some travelers embark on dream vacations and fly hundreds of miles across the country, many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or take a road trip to visit friends. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school,” she explained.
Key Insights on Travel Times During Memorial Day 2025
If you are planning to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, being aware of peak travel times can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Here are the best and worst times to drive and return during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, based on data from transportation insights company INRIX.
Best Times to Drive
To avoid the heaviest traffic, it’s recommended that you start your journey early or at times when the roads are less crowded. The best times to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend are:
- Thursday, May 22: Leave before noon to avoid peak traffic congestion.
- Friday, May 23: Depart before 11 a.m. to beat the crowds.
- Saturday, May 24: Leave before noon to avoid the afternoon rush.
For returning from your destination:
- Sunday, May 25: Plan to leave before 1 p.m. for a smoother drive.
- Monday, May 26: Depart before 2 p.m. to avoid the late-day congestion.
Worst Times to Drive
The worst traffic times are typically during the afternoon and evening, especially around major cities and tourist areas. According to INRIX, you can expect major congestion during the following times:
- Thursday, May 22: Between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Friday, May 23: From noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 24: Expect heavy traffic from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25: The worst travel times will be between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Monday, May 26: Avoid driving between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Peak Congestion Times in Major U.S. Cities
Several metropolitan areas across the U.S. are expected to experience severe congestion during the Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a breakdown of the worst routes and peak congestion times in key cities:
Atlanta
- Worst route: Atlanta to Augusta via I-20 E
- Worst day: Thursday, May 22
- Worst time: 5:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 58 minutes, 43% increased travel time
Boston
- Worst route: Boston to Manchester via I-93 N
- Worst day: Monday, May 26
- Worst time: 12:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 54 minutes, 123% increased travel time
Chicago
- Worst route: Milwaukee to Chicago via I-94 E
- Worst day: Thursday, May 22
- Worst time: 5 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 1 minute, 53% increased travel time
Denver
- Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 S
- Worst day: Friday, May 23
- Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 43 minutes, 59% increased travel time
Los Angeles
- Worst route: LA to Bakersfield via I-5 N
- Worst day: Friday, May 23
- Worst time: 5 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours 39 minutes, 83% increased travel time
New York
- Worst route: Jersey Shore to New York via Garden St Pkwy N
- Worst day: Monday, May 26
- Worst time: 1 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes, 92% increased travel time
Philadelphia
- Worst route: Atlantic City to Philadelphia via Atlantic City Expressway
- Worst day: Monday, May 26
- Worst time: 12 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 46 minutes, 67% increased travel time
San Francisco
- Worst route: San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E
- Worst day: Thursday, May 22
- Worst time: 7:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 21 minutes, 82% increased travel time
Washington, D.C.
- Worst route: Washington, D.C. to Annapolis via US-50 E
- Worst day: Thursday, May 22
- Worst time: 3:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour 33 minutes, 80% increased travel time
Tips for Minimizing Traffic During Memorial Day Weekend
While Memorial Day weekend travel is expected to be busy, there are ways to minimize the stress of congestion:
- Leave Early: Plan to hit the road early in the morning to avoid the bulk of traffic.
- Use Traffic Apps: Stay updated with real-time traffic apps like Waze and Google Maps, which can help you navigate around congestion.
- Consider Alternative Routes: Sometimes, avoiding major highways can save you time, even if it means taking a less direct route.
- Be Flexible: If possible, adjust your travel times to avoid peak congestion, even if it means leaving a little earlier or later than planned.
Conclusion
As 45.1 million Americans prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend 2025, planning ahead is essential to avoid traffic congestion. By understanding peak travel times, using traffic apps, and being flexible with your schedule, you can make the most of this busy holiday weekend. Whether you’re driving to visit family, head to the beach, or embark on a road trip, taking proactive steps can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience.
The post Atlanta, Boston, LA, New York and San Francisco: Over Forty Five Million Travellers Expected for Memorial Day 2025 How to Avoid the Worst Traffic You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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