As New Yorkers plan to take one last trip before sending the kids back to school, you may be wondering when the best and worst time to travel to and from your Labor Day weekend destination is.
Over this Labor Day weekend, AAA’s Labor Day travel trends report states overall domestic travel is up 9% compared to last year and the cost to travel domestically is down 2%. And if you’re planning to drive, you’ll probably be paying less for gas compared to last year as gas prices have been hovering around $3.50 versus $3.81 in 2023.
“For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins,” AAA says. “To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time.”
Here’s what to know.
Where are the most popular Labor Day destinations?
New York City ranked high on AAA’s list of the top 10 most popular Labor Day weekend destinations in the U.S. for 2024, in fourth place, behind Seattle, WA, Orlando, FL and Anchorage, AK.
Here’s AAA’s list of the top 10 most popular Labor Day weekend destinations in the U.S. this year:
- Seattle, Washington
- Orlando, Florida
- Anchorage, Alaska
- New York, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Denver, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Juneau, Alaska
- San Francisco, California
What are the best and worst times to drive for Labor Day weekend 2024?
You should avoid traveling in the afternoon and early evening hours of Thursday and Friday, according to transportation data and insights provider INRIX, but travel in the afternoon if you’re planning to leave on Saturday.
If you’re returning home on Sunday or Labor Day, it’s best to leave as early as possible to avoid heavy afternoon traffic.
“Drivers should expect the most severe traffic jams before the holiday weekend as commuters mix with travelers,” INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue says. “Monitoring traffic apps, local news stations and 511 traveler information services may help drivers navigate around congestion and reduce driver frustration this Labor Day.”
Here are the best and worst times to travel by car this Labor Day weekend, according to AAA and INRIX:
Best times for departing
- Thursday, Aug. 29: Before 11 a.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: Before noon, after 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: After noon
Worst times for departing
- Thursday, Aug. 29: 1-7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: 2-6 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: 8-11 a.m.
Best times for returning
- Sunday, Sept. 1: Before noon
- Monday, Sept. 2: Before 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 3: After 1 p.m.
Worst times for returning
- Sunday, Sept. 1: 2-8 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 2: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Sept. 3: 8 a.m.-noon
When is Labor Day 2024?:Date, meaning, and why we celebrate
What days of the week are the best days to fly this Labor Day weekend?
Here are the best and worst days to fly on Labor Day weekend, according to NerdWallet.com. This list is based on an average from the past four years. The days are listed in order, from the most to least busy travel days of the week of Labor Day.
- Friday before Labor Day (most crowded)
- Labor Day Monday
- Sunday after
- Thursday before
- Friday after
- Monday after
- Thursday after
- Monday before
- Tuesday after
- Sunday before
- Saturday before
- Wednesday before
- Wednesday after
- Saturday after
- Tuesday before (least crowded)
Contributing: USA TODAY Network-Florida reporter Lianna Norman
Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
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