Finest and worst instances to drive for Memorial Day weekend journey 2026

---

More Americans are hitting the street, boarding flights and taking cruises this Memorial Day, in keeping with AAA.

Higher fuel costs and airfare aren’t stopping 45 million Americans from touring for Memorial Day weekend this 12 months, in keeping with AAA’s new forecast.

“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” stated Stacey Barber, vice chairman of AAA Travel, in an announcement. “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 likely be touring by the use of street journey – that is 87% of all predicted vacationers for the vacation weekend. Air journey and cruises are additionally barely up this 12 months, with most journeys booked earlier than gasoline costs affected journey prices.

Here’s what to learn about Memorial Day weekend 2026 journey.

What are the highest Memorial Day weekend locations?

Domestic journey is up for Memorial Day weekend, with most individuals kicking off summer time with a theme park go to or Alaskan cruise.

According to AAA reserving information, the highest 5 home locations are:

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

Meanwhile, worldwide vacationers are primarily headed to Europe, with the most well-liked locales being Rome, Vancouver, Paris, London and Athens.

What are the most effective instances to drive for Memorial Day weekend?

If you are hoping to keep away from the heaviest site visitors, attempt heading out early within the morning or at evening, in keeping with INRIX information.

The greatest time to be on the street is after 9 p.m. on Thursday and earlier than 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is anticipated to have the least site visitors out of the vacation weekend.

When returning residence, drivers must be driving earlier than 10 a.m.

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

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

Peak congestion instances in main US cities

Atlanta

• Worst route: Atlanta to Augusta by way of I-20 E
• Worst day: Thursday
• Worst time: 5:15 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 43%

Boston

• Worst route: Boston to Hyannis by way of Pilgrims Highway S
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 3:15 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 94%

Denver

• Worst route: Denver to Fort Collins by way of I-25 N
• Worst day: Monday
• Worst time: 5 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 1 hour, 47 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 113%

Houston

• Worst route: Houston to Austin by way of I-10 W & SR-71 W
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 3 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 3 hours, 50 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 56%

Los Angeles

• Worst route: Los Angeles to Palm Springs by way of I-10 E
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 4 hours, 21 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 88%

New York

• Worst route: New York to Jersey Shore by way of Garden St Pkwy S
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 2 hours, 57 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 102%

San Francisco

• Worst route: San Francisco to Napa by way of I-80 E
• Worst day: Friday
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 2 hours, 47 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 78%

Washington

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore by way of Balt-Wash Pkwy N
• Worst day: Thursday
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated journey time: 1 hour, 56 minutes
• Travel time enhance: 116%