July 4th Set for Record Travel. These U.S. Cities Are About to Get Crowded

According to AAA, a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the July 4th holiday period (June 28th – July 6th), marking a 1.7 million increase over last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

Most travelers (61.6 million) will travel by car, a 2.2% rise over 2024 and the highest ever recorded.

Gas prices remain low, and summer rates have been the most affordable since 2021, even as geopolitical tensions slightly bump crude prices. Gas prices are currently averaging around $3.14 per gallon.

Traffic analysis from INRIX confirms that Wednesday, July 2nd, and Sunday, July 6th, will be peak congestion days. Drivers are advised to travel before 11 a.m. to avoid heavy delays.

Air travel is also expected to reach record levels, with 5.84 million airline passengers booked—a 1.4% increase over last year. AAA reports the average domestic round-trip fare is $810, up 4% from 2024.

AAA recommends flying mid-week or on July 4th for the best prices and lighter crowds.

Based on AAA booking trends, the most popular U.S. destinations for July 4th, 2025, include:

Orlando, FL
Seattle, WA
New York, NY
Anchorage, AK
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Denver, CO
Honolulu, HI
Miami, FL
Boston, MA
Atlanta, GA

AAA warns that rental car demand is particularly high in cities like Orlando, Seattle, Anchorage, and Boston, especially for SUVs and midsize sedans.

Beyond driving and flying, 4.78 million travelers will opt for trains, buses, or cruises—nearly matching the 2019 high. Alaska cruise season remains a highlight.

To make the most of a busy holiday travel week, AAA recommends:

Leave early. Travel before 11 a.m. on July 2 and 6 to avoid rush-hour traffic.
Book mid-week flights. Tuesday through Thursday departures often offer better fares and shorter lines.
Prepare your vehicle. Schedule maintenance and pack emergency essentials—last year, AAA saw 700,000 service calls.
Reserve rentals now. July 3 is projected as the busiest car-pickup day.

This July 4th holiday isn’t just busier; it’s shifting how Americans travel. There’s a clear focus on classic U.S. destinations, from the beaches of Florida to the mountains of Colorado.

Travelers who move early, plan wisely and check vehicle readiness will have the edge in what’s shaping up to be the busiest Independence Day travel period ever in the U.S.