AAA is forecasting another busy Independence Day travel period, with 61.4 million people expected to travel by car during the July 4th holiday week.
According to AAA, 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 5. Of those travelers, 61.4 million are projected to drive to their destinations.
Most Travelers Expected to Drive
Road travel continues to account for the majority of Independence Day trips. AAA estimates that 85% of holiday travelers will travel by car during the nine-day travel period. The projected 61.4 million road travelers represents a slight increase from last year, when 61.3 million people took holiday road trips.
Overall travel is also expected to increase from 2025 levels. Last year, AAA reported that 71.8 million Americans traveled during the Independence Day holiday period.
Fuel Prices Remain Higher Than Last Year
AAA noted that gasoline prices are higher than they were during last year’s holiday travel period. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15 during the 2025 Independence Day holiday. While prices are higher this year, they remain below 2022 levels, when the national average reached $4.80 per gallon on Independence Day.
Despite higher fuel prices compared to last year, AAA expects strong demand for holiday travel. “For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is a tradition,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend.”
Barber added that while overall Independence Day travel appears to be leveling off, AAA is still expecting record travel volumes this year.
Travel Forecast Spans Nine Days
AAA’s Independence Day travel forecast covers the period from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. The organization noted that the forecast includes two weekends. Historically, the Independence Day travel period included only one weekend.
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Last updated: June 22, 2026
Source: Truckers News
