The Summer of 2023 has been great for travel, and Labor Day weekend should be no different. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), which looks at all forms of travel, domestic travel bookings for this holiday weekend are up 4% from last year.
America’s roads certainly won’t be empty, that’s for sure. As we gear up for the upcoming Labor Day weekend road trip, there’s a silver lining: AAA, the trusted authority on travel insights, has looked at the data and presented their predictions regarding the best, and worst times to hit the road for the holiday. It’s an essential piece of information for every travel-savvy road warrior. Let’s delve into the valuable insights that will undoubtedly guide your travel plans and make your trip one to remember.
The best and worst times to hit the road this Labor Day weekend
Based on information from INRIX, a company specializing in transportation insights, AAA’s experts have identified the best and worst times to travel car this Labor Day weekend:
Wednesday, August 30
- Worst time: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Best time: Before 7:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 31
- Worst time: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Best time: Before 7:00 a.m.
Friday, September 1
- Worst time: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Best time: Before 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 2
- Worst time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Best time: After 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 3
- Minimal traffic impact expected today
Monday, September 4
- Worst time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Best time: After 7:00 p.m.
In general, traffic is expected to be worst on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday, so plan accordingly. Also, if your road trip takes you anywhere near one or more of the country’s major metropolitan areas, expect traffic to be heavier and for longer periods of time.
Holiday travelers will find gas prices slightly higher than last year’s, when the national average was roughly $3.78 a gallon.
