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Memorial Day Travel to Hit Record 45.1 Million in 2025

AAA forecasts the highest-ever U.S. holiday travel volume, driven by lower gas prices and strong demand across driving, air, and alternative modes.

FILE - Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)
FILE - Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
FILE - Samuel Tadros and his daughter Serenity 3, sit with the family's bags after their flight to New York was cancelled at the Nashville international Airport Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
FILE - A motorist fills up their car at a Shell gas station ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Overview

  • AAA projects 45.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles this Memorial Day weekend, surpassing the previous record set in 2005.
  • Driving remains the dominant choice, with 87% of travelers opting for road trips, supported by gas prices averaging $3.18 per gallon, down from $3.60 last year.
  • Air travel is expected to see nearly 3.6 million passengers, a 2% increase from 2024, despite ongoing air traffic controller shortages and safety concerns.
  • Approximately 2 million people will travel by train, bus, or cruise, reflecting an 8.5% rise compared to last year.
  • Orlando, Florida, leads as the top domestic destination, bolstered by its theme parks and the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe.