AAA expects Memorial Day travel to break all previous records in 2025. Their projections show 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes during the holiday weekend. The numbers show 1.4 million more travelers than last year, which surpasses the previous record from 2005 when 44 million people took to the roads.
The 2025 Memorial Day weekend promises unprecedented activity in every form of transportation. Roads will be packed with 39.4 million drivers – a million more than in 2024. Air travel will also surge with 3.61 million passengers taking to the skies. These numbers are 2% higher than last year and exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%. The holiday rush extends to other modes of transport too. AAA’s forecast reveals 2.08 million people will choose trains, busses or cruises – an 8.5% jump from last year. Holiday travelers should note that Friday before Memorial Day typically sees the most flights. They should also plan around heavy afternoon traffic in major cities to make their holiday trip smoother.
AAA Memorial Day Travel Forecast 2025
AAA has shattered expectations with their forecast of the biggest Memorial Day travel surge we’ve seen in twenty years. Their numbers show that a staggering 45.1 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles from home during May 22-26. This number beats the previous Memorial Day weekend record of 44 million from 2005.
Americans have made travel their priority for the 2025 holiday, even with economic uncertainty in the air. Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA puts it well: “Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway”.
Let’s look at how people plan to travel:
- Road trips remain dominant with 39.4 million people hitting the roads. This makes up 87% of all holiday travelers. Drivers will see better prices at the pump since gas prices haven’t gone up as expected this season. The national average for regular gas sits at $3.13, which is nowhere near last year’s Memorial Day price of $3.59 per gallon.
- Air travel continues growing as 3.61 million passengers take to the skies, up almost 2% from last year. While this doesn’t quite reach the 2005 record of 3.64 million, it’s still a big deal as it means that pre-pandemic levels are exceeded by 12%. Travelers should know that domestic flights cost about 2% more this year, with average roundtrip tickets at $850.
- Alternative transportation shows renewed strength with 2.08 million people choosing trains, busses or cruises – up 8.5% from 2024. These numbers now top the pre-pandemic figures from 2018 and 2019.
Stacey Barber, AAA Travel’s Vice President, reminds us that “Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and get pricey. Long holiday weekends are ideal for travel because many people have an extra day off work and students are off from school”.
AAA points out that many Americans adapt their plans by taking shorter trips closer to home instead of canceling their travel completely.
How Americans Are Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend
Americans overwhelmingly choose road trips this Memorial Day weekend, with 87% of holiday travelers opting to drive. The highways will see an estimated 39.4 million people between May 22-26. This represents a significant jump of one million drivers compared to last year.
Lower gas prices give drivers additional motivation to take their vehicles this year. Motorists now pay $3.14 per gallon for regular gasoline nationwide, which sits well below the $3.59 per gallon price tag from Memorial Day 2024. Reduced crude oil costs bring this welcome relief at the pump. AAA warns that prices might increase as summer approaches.
The post-pandemic air travel boom continues with 3.61 million passengers taking to the skies. While this shows a 2% increase from last year, the numbers fall slightly short of 2005’s all-time air travel record. Notwithstanding that, current figures surpass pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 12%. Travelers should budget more this year, as domestic flights cost about 2% more, with average roundtrip fares reaching $850.
Alternative transportation methods attract 2.08 million Americans who choose trains, busses or cruises. This marks an 8.5% increase from 2024. The numbers now exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2018 and 2019, though they haven’t matched the early 2000s peak.
The cruise industry shows remarkable growth. Alaska emerges as a hotspot, with Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau ranking among top domestic cruise destinations. AAA projects 19 million Americans will cruise in 2025, setting a new record.
Rental car companies expect peak activity, with Hertz identifying Friday, May 23 as their busiest pickup day. Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle lead rental demand.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, shares her perspective: “Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and get pricey. While some travelers start 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”.
Smart Travel Tips to Save Time and Money
Smart planning can help you save time and money during the record-breaking Memorial Day weekend 2025 travel rush.
You can cut fuel costs using the AAA gas cost calculator to estimate trip expenses. Gas stations right off interstates charge premium prices. A short drive away from major highways often leads to better rates. You’ll save five to ten cents per gallon by paying cash instead of credit and avoiding processing fees. Proper tire inflation boosts fuel efficiency by up to 3.3%. Your vehicle burns less fuel when you remove extra weight – each 100 pounds adds about 3 cents per gallon.
Flight timing makes a big difference. Historical data reveals that booking flights two weeks before Memorial Day weekend can lead to savings up to 7%. Even last-minute bookings just one week before still offer decent 4% savings. Lower fares are available when you depart on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Friday and return mid-week rather than Monday.
The quietest pre-Memorial Day travel happens on the Saturday prior (2.21 million passengers) and Tuesday (2.25 million passengers). After the holiday, Saturday (2.21 million travelers) and Wednesday (2.24 million) offer calmer airports.
Budget travelers should know basic economy restrictions before booking: no changes allowed, no free checked bags and Group 9 boarding. Your carry-on might need checking since overhead bins fill up fast.
Your wallet will thank you when you pack snacks and drinks instead of buying at airports and convenience stores. Early accommodation bookings help avoid price spikes. Airbnb options often beat hotel prices, especially with kitchen access for meal prep.
These strategies help you handle the busiest Memorial Day weekend yet while keeping costs down.
Best and Worst Times to Travel During Memorial Day Weekend
Smart timing makes all the difference for Memorial Day travel in 2025. Millions of travelers will take to the roads and skies, and the right departure time can transform a stressful journey into a smooth one.
Morning departures work best for drivers. INRIX data shows that afternoon hours consistently rank as the worst times to drive. Travelers heading out on Thursday, May 22 should leave before noon to avoid heavy traffic from 1:00-9:00 PM. The best time to start your Friday journey is before 11:00 AM, which helps you dodge the 12:00-8:00 PM rush. Saturday travelers should hit the road before noon to avoid the 2:00-6:00 PM backup. Sunday’s sweet spot comes before 1:00 PM, since 1:00-5:00 PM brings major slowdowns. Memorial Day itself moves fastest before 2:00 PM, with traffic peaking between 4:00-7:00 PM.
Flying patterns show the Friday before Memorial Day as the busiest pre-holiday air travel day, with 2.69 million passengers taking to the skies. The rush continues after the holiday, with 2.62 million travelers on Sunday and 2.56 million on Monday. Travelers looking for lighter crowds should consider flying on Saturday before the holiday or Tuesday and Wednesday afterward.
Major cities face their own challenges. Boston’s travel times spike by 123% on Monday at 12:15 PM. Los Angeles drivers should stay off the roads Friday at 5:00 PM when delays jump 83%. The Jersey Shore route from New York slows down by 92% on Memorial Day at 1:00 PM. San Francisco’s route to Napa Valley takes 82% longer on Thursday evening.
The data points to one clear conclusion – early morning departures offer the best travel experience. INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue puts it simply: “Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal”.
Enjoy Memorial Day Travel
The Memorial Day weekend of 2025 will be a game-changer for American travel. A record 45.1 million people will start a trip at least 50 miles from home. This holiday marks the biggest travel surge we’ve seen in two decades and breaks the previous record from 2005. Most Americans still prefer driving, but growth in all types of transportation shows people’s steadfast dedication to travel even with economic uncertainty.
This year brings a mix of good and bad news for travelers. The 39.4 million people driving will enjoy lower gas prices. Air travelers will pay a bit more but have more flights to choose from. Morning departures give you the smoothest ride on any day. This is a big deal as it means that some cities might see travel times more than double during rush hours.
Smart travelers can save money in several ways. They pick the right gas stations, keep their cars in good shape and book flights at the right time. Staying at different places and packing snacks helps the budget go further.
Smart planning makes all the difference during this record-breaking rush. Leaving before noon, picking less busy flight days or mapping backup routes can turn a stressful trip into a great one. Americans who plan ahead will get the most out of their well-deserved holiday weekend.
FAQs
Q1. When is Memorial Day in 2025 and what is its significance?
Memorial Day in 2025 falls on Monday, May 26. It’s a day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, paying tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
Q2. How many travelers are expected for Memorial Day weekend 2025?
AAA predicts a record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day weekend in 2025, surpassing the previous record set in 2005.
Q3. What are the best and worst times to travel during the Memorial Day weekend?
The best times to travel are generally in the mornings. The worst times are typically Friday afternoons and Monday evenings. For example, on Friday, May 23, it’s best to leave before 11:00 AM to avoid the 12:00-8:00 PM rush.
Q4. How can travelers save money during their Memorial Day trip?
Travelers can save money by using gas price comparison apps, booking flights on off-peak days, reserving accommodations early, packing their own snacks and considering basic economy airfares. For road trips, proper vehicle maintenance can also improve fuel efficiency.
Q5. What are the most popular modes of transportation for Memorial Day travel in 2025?
Road trips remain the most popular, with 39.4 million Americans expected to drive. Air travel is also rebounding, with 3.61 million passengers expected to fly. Additionally, 2.08 million people are projected to travel by train, bus or cruise.
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