Record-Breaking Travel Expected for Fourth of July in the U.S.

As the United States gears up to celebrate Independence Day, a record number of travelers are expected to hit the roads, skies, rails, and seas. According to the latest projections from AAA, an estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between June 28 and July 6, making this the busiest Fourth of July travel period ever recorded.

This figure surpasses both 2024 and pre-pandemic 2019 numbers, signaling strong consumer confidence and a continued surge in demand for summer vacations and holiday getaways.

The majority of travelers—roughly 61.6 million—will be driving to their destinations. This marks a 2.2% increase from last year and sets a new record for car travel volume during the holiday. While fuel prices remain relatively low compared to recent years, experts warn that traffic congestion will be significant, particularly on Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6.

Transportation analysts recommend drivers start their trips early in the morning to avoid peak afternoon gridlock. AAA also anticipates handling nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls during the week, urging motorists to check their vehicles and carry emergency kits.

The number of Americans flying during the holiday is also on the rise, with 5.84 million passengers expected to take to the skies—a 1.4% increase over last year. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently set a record, screening over 3.1 million travelers in a single day, and anticipates similar numbers around July 4.

Airports are ramping up operations, with many implementing facial recognition technology to reduce wait times and ease congestion at checkpoints. Travelers are advised to arrive early, have their REAL ID-compliant identification ready, and brace for delays as airport traffic reaches all-time highs.

Alternative modes of travel are also seeing a resurgence. Approximately 4.78 million people are expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, approaching pre-2020 levels. The popularity of Alaska cruises, in particular, is boosting numbers for sea travel, while more travelers are choosing Amtrak and intercity buses for regional trips.

This year’s most popular domestic travel destinations include Orlando, Seattle, New York City, Anchorage, and Miami—all cities offering a mix of beach escapes, family attractions, and fireworks celebrations. Internationally, Americans are booking trips to Paris, London, Rome, and Cancún, capitalizing on summer deals and favorable exchange rates.

The holiday also falls during the Atlantic hurricane season, and forecasters are closely monitoring tropical systems that could disrupt travel plans, particularly in the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Travelers are urged to stay informed and consider travel insurance to protect against potential cancellations or delays.