Avoid Traffic: Ideal Times to Travel This July 4Th Weekend

WHO:

Fast Company - More than 72 million Americans will travel over the Fourth of July holiday period.

Fast Company - The American Automobile Association (AAA) provided travel data.

Fast Company - INRIX is the transportation data and insights partner mentioned.

WHAT:

Fast Company - 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their homes during the 2026 Fourth of July holiday period.

Fast Company - 61.4 million people are expected to travel by car, up from 61.3 million the previous year.

Fast Company - 5.85 million people are expected to travel by plane.

Fast Company - 4.93 million Americans are expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise.

Fast Company - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 2,719 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4 holiday periods from 2020 to 2024, with 38% of those drivers being drunk.

WHERE:

WTNH - The state average for gas prices is $3.91, while the national average is $3.92.

WHEN:

Fast Company - The July 4, 2026 holiday period is defined as 9 days, from Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5.

Fast Company - Best travel times by car include:

Friday, July 3: Before 11:00 AM

Saturday, July 4: After 3:00 PM

Sunday, July 5: Before 11:00 AM

Fast Company - Worst travel times by car include:

Friday, July 3: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 4: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sunday, July 5: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

WHY:

Fast Company - The travel surge is attributed to Americans traveling for fireworks, family, and fun during the holiday weekend.

HOW:

Fast Company - The NHTSA advises planning ahead for a sober ride home if consuming alcohol, ensuring non-alcoholic drinks are available for designated drivers, and always wearing seatbelts.

(UPDATED July 3, 2026 15:41 UTC)

This year, over 72 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes during the Fourth of July holiday period, with 61.4 million of them hitting the road by car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported a concerning trend, noting that from 2020 to 2024, 2,719 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the July 4 holiday, with a significant percentage of those drivers being intoxicated. As families and friends gather for fireworks and celebrations, the best travel times by car are expected to be before 11:00 AM on July 3 and before 11:00 AM on July 5, while the busiest times will be between noon and 7:00 PM on July 3.