Over 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day holiday period, from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26, 2025. This marks a 1.4 million increase in travel compared to last year, although the growth rate remains the lowest in nearly a decade.
According to AAA, the holiday travel surge signals the unofficial start of the summer travel season. However, despite the increase in travelers, the 2025 Memorial Day weekend is projected to see the smallest year-over-year growth since 2016, with travel numbers still well below those seen during the peak holiday seasons of the past.
Road Travel Dominates Memorial Day Weekend Plans
The overwhelming majority of travelers, approximately 39.4 million, are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day. Road trips have long been the preferred mode of transportation for the holiday, and 87% of travelers are choosing to drive. Lower gasoline prices, aided by falling crude oil costs, have made driving a more affordable option compared to previous years. This Memorial Day, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is significantly lower than the $3.59 recorded last year, although prices may climb as summer travel picks up.
The high demand for rental cars over the holiday is also notable, with Friday, May 23, projected to be the busiest day for rentals. Popular destinations such as Orlando, Denver, and Las Vegas are seeing the highest demand for rental vehicles, particularly SUVs.
Air Travel On the Rise, but Still Below Record Levels
AAA forecasts that 3.61 million Americans will travel by air this Memorial Day weekend. While air travel numbers are not expected to break records—3.64 million travelers in 2005 holds that distinction—this year’s air passenger count is 12% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Travelers will find that domestic flights are 2% more expensive than last year, with the average round-trip ticket priced at $850.
Destinations like Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle are expected to be among the most popular air travel spots over the long weekend.
Train, Bus, and Cruise Travel Gaining Momentum
Approximately 2.08 million Americans are expected to travel by train, bus, or cruise. This number represents a return to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2018 and 2019. However, it falls short of the record-breaking numbers of the early 2000s. The growing popularity of cruising is evident this year, particularly with strong demand for Alaska cruises. Memorial Day marks the beginning of peak cruise season to destinations like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips for Memorial Day Getaways
With many Americans still facing economic uncertainties, AAA is offering several tips to help travelers maximize their budgets this holiday weekend. For road travelers, avoiding high-priced gas stations near highways and maintaining moderate speeds can improve fuel efficiency. Drivers are encouraged to check their car’s maintenance, including tire pressure, to ensure safety and cost savings.
For air travelers, flexibility is key. Booking flights on weekdays, such as Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is generally more affordable, as weekend flights tend to be pricier. Additionally, reserving airport parking in advance can save time and money.
When it comes to accommodations, booking hotels and rental cars well in advance can prevent last-minute price hikes. AAA suggests considering hotels outside popular tourist areas and opting for smaller rental vehicles to save on both accommodations and fuel costs.
Heavy Traffic Expected During Peak Travel Hours
As millions of Americans take to the roads, AAA and INRIX, a transportation data provider, are advising drivers to plan accordingly. The most congested times are expected to be in the afternoon, with heavy traffic in major metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Top Memorial Day Weekend Destinations
According to AAA booking data, Orlando ranks as the top domestic destination, driven by its renowned theme parks and proximity to Port Canaveral, a major cruise departure port. Other top destinations include Seattle and Anchorage, where cruise activity is expected to spike as Memorial Day marks the start of the Alaska cruise season.
Internationally, Rome tops the list, followed by Vancouver, which also benefits from its cruise port. Other popular international destinations include major European cities, which continue to attract high volumes of travelers.
Methodology and Travel Forecasting
AAA’s holiday travel forecasts are based on a proprietary methodology developed in partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence. Economic indicators such as employment data, gasoline prices, and airline and hotel trends are factored into the forecast. These predictions help estimate domestic travel volumes and guide travelers in making informed decisions.
For travelers preparing for the Memorial Day weekend, AAA emphasizes planning ahead and staying aware of potential delays to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
