61.4M expected to drive for July 4, despite costs. See the worst times

Despite rising travel costs, Americans are still packing their bags for July 4 getaways.

This year, AAA projects that a record 72.2 million Americans will travel, including 61.4 million who will hit the road, for the holiday period between June 27 and July 5 – slightly more than 2025's 61.3 million drivers, despite higher prices. Gas prices are just slightly lower than their four-year high and domestic flights to popular destinations such as Chicago and Denver are 5% costlier than in 2025.

"For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a June 17 news release. "The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we're still expecting record volumes this year."

This year's Independence Day is also America's semiquincentennial, with major celebrations being hosted across the country.

Here's what travelers should know about the July 4 weekend.

What are the top July 4th weekend destinations?

Domestic travelers are headed to major U.S. cities like New York, Chicago and Boston to attend festivities celebrating July 4 and America's 250th birthday, said AAA. Many are also going to Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to visit theme parks and embark on cruises. With the Alaska cruise season in full swing, Seattle, Anchorage and Fairbanks are also popular domestic destinations for the holiday.

European destinations of Rome, Dublin, Paris and London top the list for international travelers. Many are also headed north to Vancouver and Calgary, according to AAA.

What are the best times to drive for the July 4th weekend?

Travelers should be on the road in the morning to avoid the worst congestion, said transportation data and insights firm Inrix. Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30, are expected to have the least traffic.

Here are the best times to travel by car:

• Saturday, June 27: Before 10 a.m.
• Sunday, June 28: Before 11 a.m.
• Monday, June 29: Before noon
• Tuesday, June 30: Before 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1: Before noon
• Thursday, July 2: Before noon
• Friday, July 3: Before 11 a.m.
• Saturday, July 4: After 3 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: Before 11 a.m.

What are the worst times to drive for the July 4th weekend?

According to Inrix, the heaviest traffic is expected on the weekend of July 4, starting as early as Thursday. There'll also be peak congestion on June 27 as travelers kick off weeklong vacations.

Here are the worst times to drive:

• Saturday, June 27: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 28: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, June 29: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 30: 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 1: noon to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, July 3: noon to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sunday, July 5: Noon to 6 p.m.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Atlanta

• Worst route: Atlanta to Augusta via I-20 East 
• Worst day: July 2
• Worst time: 2 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 58%

Boston

• Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrims Highway South
• Worst day: June 27
• Worst time: 10:45 a.m.
• Travel time increase: 100%

Denver

• Worst route: Denver to Fort Collins via I-25 North
• Worst day: June 29
• Worst time: 2:30 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 78%

Houston

• Worst route: Galveston to Houston via I-45 North
• Worst day: July 5
• Worst time: 1 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 71%

Los Angeles

• Worst route: Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 North 
• Worst day: June 27
• Worst time: 2:45 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 67%

New York

• Worst route: Jersey Shore to New York via Garden State Parkway North 
• Worst day: July 5
• Worst time: 12:45 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 90%

San Francisco

• Worst route: Sacramento to San Francisco via I-80 West 
• Worst day: July 5
• Worst time: 4 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 71%

Washington, DC

• Worst route: Washington to Annapolis, Maryland, via U.S. 50 East 
• Worst day: July 3
• Worst time: 12:45 p.m.
• Travel time increase: 100%