Travel

Last Hurrah of Summer: Top Labor Day Travel Trends

AAA booking data shows Seattle, Orlando, and New York are top domestic destinations

red white and blue flag graphic

WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 15, 2025) – Whether it’s an Alaska cruise, Central Florida theme park, or Broadway show, many Americans are squeezing in one final trip before summer ends. According to AAA booking data, Seattle, Orlando, and New York are the three most popular cities over Labor Day weekend*. The good news for domestic travelers is that flights, hotels, and car rentals are cheaper this Labor Day weekend compared to last year. 

“Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides one final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The top cities on the domestic and international lists are Seattle and Vancouver, both port cities for Alaska cruises. While some people are going on dream cruises or European vacations, many travelers are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.” 

Domestic roundtrip flights are 6% cheaper compared to last year, averaging $720 a ticket. Many travelers are flying into Orlando, New York, Denver, and Atlanta for sightseeing, attractions, and events. AAA booking data also shows hotel rates are 11% lower and car rental costs are 3% cheaper compared to last Labor Day. AAA car rental partner Hertz says the top destinations based on advanced bookings are Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with the busiest day to pick up rental cars expected to be Friday, August 29.  

Summer gas prices have remained low, matching summer averages in 2021. Last year, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.33 on Labor Day. Barring a tropical storm or hurricane affecting Gulf Coast refineries, gas prices should stay below what they were last year. So far in 2025, gas prices have seen few fluctuations thanks to steady crude oil prices. 

The cost to travel internationally this Labor Day weekend is a mixed bag – while hotels are 2% cheaper, airfare is 8% more expensive. European cities make up most of AAA’s top international destinations, but the number one spot belongs to Vancouver. Alaska cruises are wrapping up a strong season, as AAA projected at the beginning of the year with the 2025 Cruise Forecast. 

 AAA’s Top Labor Day Weekend Destinations 

DOMESTIC 

INTERNATIONAL 

SEATTLE, WA  VANCOUVER, CANADA 
ORLANDO, FL  ROME, ITALY 
NEW YORK, NY  DUBLIN, IRELAND 
BOSTON, MA  LONDON, ENGLAND 
ANCHORAGE, AK  PARIS, FRANCE 
CHICAGO, IL  AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS 
ATLANTA, GA  BARCELONA, SPAIN 
DENVER, CO  ATHENS, GREECE 
MIAMI, FL  EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 
LAS VEGAS, NV  LISBON, PORTUGAL 

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car over Labor Day Weekend 

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the best times to drive over Labor Day weekend are before lunchtime, and for those hitting the road on Saturday, the earlier, the better! Traffic congestion worsens as the day progresses. The worst times to drive over the holiday weekend are typically in the afternoon and early evening. Saturday is expected to be extra busy with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips. 

Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car 

Date  Best Travel Time  Worst Travel Time 
Thursday, Aug 28  Before 1:00 PM  1:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Friday, Aug 29  Before 12:00 PM  12:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
Saturday, Aug 30  6:00 AM – 10:00 AM  10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
Sunday, Aug 31  Before 11:00 AM  12:00 PM – 5:00 PM 
Monday, Sep 1  Before 12:00 PM  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 

Peak Congestion by Metro 

Metro  Route  Peak Congestion Period  Est. Travel Time 

Increase 

Compared to Typical 

Atlanta 

Charleston to Atlanta  

via I-20 W 

Friday, Aug 29  

4:45 PM 

6 hours  

41 minutes  

31% 
Boston 

Boston to Manchester  

via I-93 N 

Monday, Sep 1 

 12:15 PM 

1 hour  

25 minutes  

101% 
Chicago 

Indianapolis to Chicago 

 via I-65 N 

Friday, Aug 29 

 5:15 PM 

5 hours  

6 minutes  

72% 
Denver 

Denver to Fort Collins  

via I-25 N 

Thursday, Aug 28 12:00 PM 

1 hour  

38 minutes  

81% 
Detroit 

Detroit to Grand Rapids  

via I-96 W 

Thursday, Aug 28 4:15 PM 

3 hours 

41 minutes  

44% 
Houston 

Galveston to Houston  

via I-45 N 

Thursday, Aug 28 5:15 PM 

1 hour  

31 minutes  

54% 
Los Angeles 

Los Angeles to Palm Springs  

via I-10 E 

Thursday, Aug 28 7:30 PM 

4 hours 

13 minutes  

71% 
Minneapolis 

Eau Claire to Minneapolis  

via I-94 W 

Thursday, Aug 28 4:45 PM 

1 hour  

57 minutes  

43% 
New York 

New York to Hamptons  

via Long Island Expressway E 

Friday, Aug 29 

 2:45 PM 

3 hours 

 32 minutes  

68% 
Philadelphia 

Baltimore to Philadelphia  

via I-95 N 

Friday, Aug 29 11:00 AM 

3 hours  

13 minutes  

57% 
Portland 

Eugene to Portland  

via I-5 N 

Friday, Aug 29 

 4:00 PM 

2 hours  

60 minutes  

74% 
San Diego 

San Diego to Palm Springs  

via I-15 N 

Friday, Aug 29 

 6:00 PM 

4 hours  

6 minutes  

57% 
San Francisco 

San Francisco to Sacramento  

via I-80 E 

Friday, Aug 29 

 5:45 PM 

4 hours  

25 minutes  

78% 
Seattle 

Ellensburg to Seattle  

via I-90 W 

Monday, Sep 1 

 5:15 PM 

3 hours  

48 minutes  

101% 
Tampa 

Tampa to Orlando  

via I-4 E 

Friday, Aug 29 

 4:15 PM 

3 hours 

14 minutes  

78% 
Washington, DC 

Washington, DC to Baltimore  

via Balt/Wash Parkway N 

Thursday, Aug 28 3:30 PM 

1 hour  

35 minutes  

86% 

SOURCE: INRIX 

*Labor Day Weekend  

AAA looked at booking data for Thursday, August 28 through Monday, September 1, and compared those numbers with booking data for that same five-day period in 2024.  

About AAA  

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 64+ million members across North America, including over 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com. 

 About INRIX 

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.