When to drive to avoid Memorial Day weekend traffic

Higher gas prices and airfare aren't stopping 45 million Americans from traveling for Memorial Day weekend this year, according to AAA's new forecast.

"Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend," said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. "Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks."

Between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25, a record-setting 39.1 million Americans will be traveling by way of road trip – that's 87% of all predicted travelers for the holiday weekend. Air travel and cruises are also slightly up this year, with most trips booked before fuel prices affected travel costs.

Here's what to know about Memorial Day weekend 2026 travel.

What are the top Memorial Day weekend destinations?

Domestic travel is up for Memorial Day weekend, with most people kicking off summer with a theme park visit or Alaskan cruise.

According to AAA booking data, the top five domestic destinations are:

• Orlando
• Seattle
• New York
• Las Vegas
• Miami

Meanwhile, international travelers are mainly headed to Europe, with the most popular locales being Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London and Athens.

What are the best times to drive for Memorial Day weekend? 

If you're hoping to avoid the heaviest traffic, try heading out early in the morning or at night, according to INRIX data.

The best time to be on the road is after 9 p.m. on Thursday and before 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is expected to have the least traffic out of the holiday weekend.

When returning home, drivers should be driving before 10 a.m.

What are the worst times to drive for Memorial Day weekend?

Afternoons are predicted to have the worst traffic for the three-day weekend. Heavy congestion is predicted to be from noon to 9 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday and Monday, expect to run into heavy traffic between noon and 5 p.m.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Atlanta

• Worst route: Atlanta to Augusta via I-20 E 
• Worst day: Thursday
• Worst time: 5:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
• Travel time increase: 43%

Boston

• Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrims Highway S
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 3:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Travel time increase: 94%

Denver

• Worst route: Denver to Fort Collins via I-25 N
• Worst day: Monday
• Worst time: 5 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
• Travel time increase: 113%

Houston

• Worst route: Houston to Austin via I-10 W & SR-71 W
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 3 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours, 50 minutes
• Travel time increase: 56%

Los Angeles

• Worst route: Los Angeles to Palm Springs via I-10 E
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 21 minutes
• Travel time increase: 88%

New York

• Worst route: New York to Jersey Shore via Garden St Pkwy S
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 57 minutes
• Travel time increase: 102%

San Francisco

• Worst route: San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E 
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 47 minutes
• Travel time increase: 78%

Washington

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt-Wash Pkwy N
• Worst day: Thursday
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
• Travel time increase: 116%