Memorial Day: Here are the best and worst times to travel, according to AAA

This year's total number of travelers is projected to reach about 43.8 million -- a 4% increase from last Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.

May 23, 2024 - 13:13
Memorial Day: Here are the best and worst times to travel, according to AAA

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Memorial Day is among the busiest travel holidays of the year and AAA is predicting a record number of Americans to hit the roads this weekend.

This year's total number of travelers is projected to reach about 43.8 million -- a 4% increase from last Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.

Traffic experts suggest leaving earlier to avoid peak travel times on Sunday or Monday, which is the official holiday date.

Here are the best and worst times to travel by car this weekend, according to AAA and INRIX, a transportation data software company.

DateWorst time to travelBest time to travel
ThursdayNoon to 6 p.m.Before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
FridayNoon to 7 p.m.Before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Saturday2 p.m. to 5 p.m.Before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m.
Sunday3 p.m to 7 p.m.Before 1 p.m.
Monday3 p.m. to 7 p.m.After 7 p.m.

(Watch the video below to learn how to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy while sitting in traffic).

Data also predicts that the most congestion from the San Diego area will be on Interstate 15 to Palm Springs on Friday around 6:15 p.m. Travel time on this route is expected to be about three hours and four minutes, which is a 34% increase compared to a typical day.

The most popular domestic travel destinations are Orlando, Fla., Seattle, Wash., New York, N.Y. and Las Vegas, Nev. Meanwhile, Rome, Italy, Vancouver, B.C., Canada and London, England are the top destinations for international travel this Memorial Day weekend.

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