Flying or driving for July 4? Here’s the best time to leave and how much it’ll cost

Source: USA TODAY

This Fourth of July is shaping up to be one of the busiest travel periods, with over 72 million Americans expected to hit the road or skies. Globe Aware volunteers, here’s how you can make the most of the long weekend when it comes to travel.

Kathleen Wong
USA TODAY
June 23, 2025

A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation, but air travel is also expected to hit record numbers.
Travelers can find tips on the best and worst times to drive to avoid holiday traffic congestion.
Summer travelers, gear up. This Fourth of July is going to be a busy one.

Independence Day is often one of the busiest travel periods outside the winter holidays, and this year is expected to be no different. A record-setting 72.2 million travelers are estimated to go on a domestic trip between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6, according to AAA. That's 2.4% more than last year.
As usual, driving will be the most popular mode of transportation, as a predicted 61.6 million car travelers will hit the road. However, air passengers are also projected to break a record, with 5.84 million fliers despite round-trip domestic airfare being 4% more expensive than last year at an average of $810.

This year, the Fourth of July is a long weekend – the perfect chance for a summer getaway. "It’s been almost a decade since travelers have had a 'Fourth of July Friday,' meaning they are likely taking full advantage of the long weekend to build out longer trips," said Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "For travelers who are planning an international getaway this year, the day-off positioning means people can strategically build a weeklong trip without burning a full work week of PTO."

A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel domestically for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

How much are flights for the Fourth of July?

According to Going, airfare during the Fourth of July week runs slightly higher than the rest of the summer because of travel demand.

Still, summer ticket prices overall are down 7% from last year. For the holiday week, domestic airfare averages 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9%, averaging $1,396. Travelers can save a few bucks – and avoid crowds – if they fly on the holiday itself.

What are the top Fourth of July destinations?

Orlando, Florida
Seattle
New York
Anchorage, Alaska
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Honolulu
Denver
Miami
Boston
Atlanta

International

Vancouver, British Columbia
Rome
Paris
London
Barcelona
Dublin
Amsterdam
Calgary, Alberta
Athens, Greece
Lisbon, Portugal

What are the best times to drive for the Fourth of July?

For the two weeks surrounding the holiday, car travelers should aim to embark in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, according to Inrix.

Here are the best travel times:

Saturday, June 28 - Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29 - Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30 - Before noon
Tuesday, July 1 - Before 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 - Before noon
Thursday, July 3 - Before noon
Friday, July 4 - Before noon
Saturday, July 5 - Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6 - Before 11 a.m.

What are the worst times to drive for the Fourth of July?

Drivers can anticipate the busiest days on the road to be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations and Sunday, July 6, when they return home, according to Inrix. Throughout the rest of the travel period, afternoons will likely see the most congestion.

Below are the worst travel times: