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If you’re planning a getaway for Labor Day weekend, be prepared for crowded roads and higher gas prices, according to AAA.
Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, in 2026, marking the unofficial end of summer.
Millions of travelers are expected over the holiday weekend as the busy summer travel season winds down, according to a recent AAA news release.
“Labor Day weekend travelers are looking to squeeze the most out of the unofficial end of summer,” AAA said in an Aug. 24 news release.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or flying to a vacation destination, when you decide to head out can make a difference.
Here’s what Californians need to know about Labor Day travel in 2026:
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Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York are the most popular domestic destinations for Labor Day weekend in 2026, according to AAA’s travel forecast.
For international travelers, Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris top the list.
AAA said “mild temperatures and longer days” are prompting many travelers to seek outdoor experiences and make the most of the final holiday weekend of summer.
“Travelers are seeking memorable experiences, and these top Labor Day destinations reflect that desire,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the release.
The cost of a Labor Day getaway will depend largely on whether you’re traveling by car or plane — and whether you’re staying in the country or heading abroad.
Round-trip domestic flights are averaging about $750 per ticket — which is an increase of 2% from 2025, according to AAA.
However, flights to the most popular domestic destinations, including Seattle and Orlando, are even more expensive, with tickets averaging nearly $800. That is a 20% increase from 2025.
International airfare is somewhat cheaper than the previous year, AAA said.
Round-trip international flights are averaging about $1,240. That is a 4% drop from 2025.
For California travelers hitting the road for Labor Day, AAA said, gas is likely to be one of the biggest expenses.
Gas prices are higher than they were during Labor Day weekend in 2025, as ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran continue to put pressure on global oil markets.
The national average for regular gasoline was $3.19 per gallon on Labor Day in 2025, when crude oil prices were lower.
California drivers are feeling the increase at the pump, with prices reaching their highest level ever recorded for this time of the year, according to AAA.
In California, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached about $5.69 on Monday, Aug. 31.
That is roughly $1.61 more than the national average of $4.08 per gallon.
Though gasoline demand typically drops this time of year, fuel experts said, higher crude oil prices and disruptions to global refining capacity are driving up costs at the pump.
If you’re planning a trip for Labor Day weekend, when you leave could make a major difference.
According to AAA, Friday, Sept. 4, is expected to be the busiest travel day, with the heaviest congestion likely in the afternoon.
“Many travelers will hit the road after work on Thursday or during the day on Friday,” AAA said. “That will bring holiday traffic onto roads that are already carrying normal commuter volumes.”
Here are the best times to travel by car for Labor Day 2026:
Here are the worst times to travel by car for Labor Day 2026:
“Even leaving an hour or two earlier can make a meaningful difference,” AAA said.
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