Flying or driving for July 4? Here's the best time to leave, busiest travel times in California
Independence Day is often one of the busiest travel periods outside the winter holidays, and this year is expected to be no different. A record-setting 72.2 million travelers are estimated to go on a domestic trip between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6, according to AAA. That's 2.4% more than last year.
As usual, driving will be the most popular mode of transportation, as a predicted 61.6 million car travelers will hit the road. However, air passengers are also projected to break a record, with 5.84 million fliers despite round-trip domestic airfare being 4% more expensive than last year at an average of $810.
This year, the Fourth of July is a long weekend – the perfect chance for a summer getaway. "It's been almost a decade since travelers have had a 'Fourth of July Friday,' meaning they are likely taking full advantage of the long weekend to build out longer trips," said Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going. "For travelers who are planning an international getaway this year, the day-off positioning means people can strategically build a weeklong trip without burning a full work week of PTO."
Here's what to know about Fourth of July travel in 2025.
Study: California has some of the best and worst airports for business travelers in the US
According to Going, airfare during the Fourth of July week runs slightly higher than the rest of the summer because of travel demand.
Still, summer ticket prices overall are down 7% from last year. For the holiday week, domestic airfare averages 3.4% more at $585, while international flights are higher by 3.9%, averaging $1,396. Travelers can save a few bucks – and avoid crowds – if they fly on the holiday itself.
What is the best US airline? This carrier topped The Points Guy's 2025 Best Airlines list
Domestic
Orlando, Florida
Seattle
New York
Anchorage, Alaska
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Honolulu
Denver
Miami
Boston
Atlanta
International
Vancouver, British Columbia
Rome
Paris
London
Barcelona
Dublin
Amsterdam
Calgary, Alberta
Athens, Greece
Lisbon, Portugal
For the two weeks surrounding the holiday, car travelers should aim to embark in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, according to Inrix.
Here are the best travel times:
Saturday, June 28 - Before 10 a.m.
Sunday, June 29 - Before 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30 - Before noon
Tuesday, July 1 - Before 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 - Before noon
Thursday, July 3 - Before noon
Friday, July 4 - Before noon
Saturday, July 5 - Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, July 6 - Before 11 a.m.
Drivers can anticipate the busiest days on the road to be Wednesday, July 2, as people head to their destinations and Sunday, July 6, when they return home, according to Inrix. Throughout the rest of the travel period, afternoons will likely see the most congestion.
Below are the worst travel times:
Saturday, June 28 - Between noon and 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 29 - Between 2 and 4 p.m.
Monday, June 30 - Between 2 and 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1 - Between 3 and 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2 - Between noon and 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 - Between 2 and 6 p.m.
Friday, July 4 - Between noon and 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 - Between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6 - Between noon and 6 p.m.
San Francisco
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from San Francisco to Sacramento, California, on I-80 E at 5:30 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Sacramento to San Francisco on I-80 W at 4:30 p.m.
Los Angeles
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Los Angeles to San Diego on I-5 S at 5 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles on I-15 S at 5 p.m.
Atlanta
Departing: Sunday, June 29, from Atlanta to Birmingham, Alabama, on I-20 W at 12:15 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Savannah, Gerorgia, to Atlanta on I-16 W at 2:30 p.m.
Boston
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Boston to Hyannis, Massachusetts, on Route 3 S at 10:45 a.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Hyannis to Boston on Route 3 N at 11:45 a.m.
Denver
Departing: Monday, June 30, from Denver to Fort Collins, Colorado, on I-25 N at 1:45 p.m.
Returning: Saturday, July 5, from Fort Collins to Denver on I-25 S at 6:30 p.m.
Houston
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Houston to Galveston, Texas, on I-45 S at 11:15 a.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Galveston to Houston on I-45 N at 11:45 a.m.
New York
Departing: Tuesday, July 1, from New York City to Jersey Shore of New Jersey on Garden State Pkwy S at 4:30 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Albany, New York, to New York City on I-87 S at 4:15 a.m.
Seattle
Departing: Wednesday, July 2, from Seattle to Ocean Shores, Washington, on I-5 S at 5:45 p.m.
Returning: Sunday, July 6, from Ellensburg, Washington, to Seattle on I-90 E at 430 p.m.
Washington
Departing: Saturday, June 28, from Washington to Annapolis, Maryland, on US-50 E at 1:45 p.m.
Returning: Friday, July 4, from Annapolis to Washington on US-50 W at 11:30 a.m.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The busiest travel days for Fourth of July: how to beat the rush
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-best-matching-sets-tout-9b9778ddce7141a3bc638bb2aeef7225.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
32 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
The 7 Best Matching Sets for Women at Amazon
Deciding what to wear on vacation can feel more overwhelming than planning the trip itself. When your itinerary is packed but your suitcase is still empty, matching sets can make getting dressed a whole lot easier. We read dozens of Amazon reviews to find these stylish sets that are both practical and polished, making them perfect for everything from airport travel to exploring your destination in comfort and style. These versatile outfits offer the ease of a one-and-done look without sacrificing style. Plus, many are made with lightweight fabrics that won't take up too much room in your luggage, leaving you more space for souvenirs. Here are the matching sets we loved most at Amazon. Credit: Walmart $49 at Amazon View on Walmart Looking very chic and put-together has never been easier, thanks to this highly rated matching set at Amazon. The button-down vest and matching shorts can be dressed up or down depending on the event. Just throw on some slides or sneakers for a casual day exploring the city, or add heels, earrings, and a clutch for a night out. This set is our overall favorite because it's flattering on everyone's figure, and shoppers especially love the lightweight fabric for warmer weather. The material feels high-quality, comfortable, and one customer noted that it almost feels like linen. With 25 different shades available and six sizes, we know this is an excellent addition to your summer wardrobe. The Details: XS-XXL | 25 Colors | Polyester, viscose, elastane 'This outfit is feel of the fabric is really nice and looks pretty expensive…I couldn't ask for a better fit. After being extremely satisfied with this outfit, I purchased a second one.' — Amazon Shopper Credit: Amazon Have you ever envied those people in the airport who look stylish and put-together, while you're in a frumpy pullover and pilling leggings? We can bet they're probably wearing this two-piece set while jetting on the go. It has nearly 1,000 5-star reviews at Amazon, and shoppers love the set because it feels comfy, can be dressed up or down, and fits well, too. The reviews are mixed on the thickness of the material—some shoppers say the material is thin and might not last long after many wash cycles, while others think it's thick (at least too thick to wear on a hot summer day). The Details: S-XXL | 23 Colors | Polyester, rayon, spandex 'Love this! I ordered this because an influencer said it was THE outfit to have for traveling this summer. So I wore it on a flight to Vegas and then on the way home two days later. It never wrinkled! It was super comfortable and breathable. I am going to order it in a few other colors.' — Amazon Shopper Credit: Amazon Loungewear, but make it elevated and warm-weather-approved: this is the perfect set for summer, thanks to its lightweight and breathable fabric. Shoppers love the oversized fit and look, and also appreciate the wide range of color options. It's a great option for lounging around the house or running errands. Some customers mention the shades shown in the pictures vary slightly from reality. Also, the fabric is pretty sheer, so you might need to wear something underneath if that makes you uncomfortable. That said, this set would be a great cover-up for any beach or pool day you have coming up. The Details: XS-XXXL | 24 Colors | Polyester Credit: Amazon Whether you wear it as a swimsuit cover-up or a casual daytime outfit, this two-piece set is ideal for warm weather. Shoppers love how versatile it is. You can mix and match each piece with other items in your closet for endless outfit options. Just keep in mind that some reviewers mention the shorts fit a bit snug, so you may want to size up depending on your preference. The Details: S-XL | 26 Colors | Polyester Credit: Amazon $40 at Amazon View on Walmart If you've ever wished you could wear pajamas in public without getting side-eye, this set is your answer. It offers the comfort of loungewear while still looking polished enough to wear out and about. Shoppers rave about how cozy it is, the vibrant color options, and the relaxed fit. It's also a great pick for travel days when you want to feel comfortable but still look put-together. The Details: S-XL | 22 Colors | Viscose, polyester, elastane 'This outfit is honestly the BEST outfit I have bought. It is seriously comfortable. I wore this all day in 85-degree sunny weather with a little sweater over it, and I was so comfortable. I will definitely be buying more of this clothing line. I'm still shocked about the comfort level. Great purchase. If you want style, comfort, and value, this is definitely for your wardrobe.' — Amazon Shopper Credit: Amazon This set gets major points for its flattering fit. The cropped top and high-waisted, wide-leg pants create a balanced, stylish silhouette that works well on all body types. It's also a win for shorter shoppers, as the pant length is more forgiving than similar styles. While the fabric isn't the most luxe, many reviewers agree the look and comfort make it worth it. Just be gentle when laundering to help it last longer. The Details: S-XXL | 26 Colors | Polyester Credit: Amazon This set marries style with comfort, and can seamlessly transition from the airport lounge to a sunset dinner. The belted waist and tailored silhouette offer a polished look, while the lightweight fabric keeps things breezy and comfortable in warm climates. It comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your travel aesthetic. The reviews are mixed on the fit of this two-piece—some say that it's true to size, while others think it runs large. The Details: XS-XL | 26 Colors | Polyester
USA Today
33 minutes ago
- USA Today
Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks: Livestream, TV channels, more
Happy Fourth of July and Independence Day! It is going to be a busy holiday weekend as a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6, according to AAA (American Automobile Association), a 2.4% increase from last year. While rain and potential thunderstorms are in store for Americans in several states, there is good news: About two-thirds of the country will have clear weather that'll be perfect for viewing fireworks shows on the Fourth, according to AccuWeather forecasters. The origins of the national holiday date back to July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, the annual observation of the holiday only became a regular occurrence after the War of 1812, when events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities, according to the Library of Congress. By the 1870s, Independence Day had become the most important nonreligious holiday for many Americans, and on June 28, 1870, Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday. As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, here is what to know about the Fourth of July celebrations and how to watch on TV and streaming. Watch the Fourth of July celebrations with a Fubo FREE trial Fourth of July forecast: See where weather could disrupt fireworks, travel How to watch the Fourth of July fireworks Multiple broadcasting corporations will be airing the Fourth of July celebrations live on their TV channels and streaming platforms (details below). Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle Fourth of July: What are the top destinations for this year? How to watch CNN's Fourth of July fireworks special? CNN's Fourth of July special, titled "The Fourth in America," will air from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET. The special, featuring "studded performances and firework shows from across the country," will be hosted by CNN anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and anchor Boris Sanchez from Washington, D.C., along with anchor and correspondent Victor Blackwell and senior national correspondent Sara Sidner from San Diego. 'The Fourth in America' will feature musical performances by Noah Kahan, Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Sting, Nelly, Counting Crows, Timbaland, The Fray, CAKE, Sublime, Ice Cube, Kaskade, 4 Non Blondes, Ashley McBryde, The War and Treaty, I Love the 90's Tour with Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Rob Base and Tone Loc, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The United States Air Force Band, the network said in a news release. The channel will also air fireworks shows from coast to coast, including in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis, San Diego, Seward, Alaska and Washington, D.C. "The Fourth in America' special will broadcast live on CNN and CNN International and will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN connected TV and mobile apps. It will also stream live on Max for subscribers. Watch CNN with a Fubo FREE trial Fourth of July fireworks in Boston: 2025 start time, how to watch Will CBS air a Fourth of July fireworks special? CBS Television Network did not announce its plan for the Fourth of July and did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for information. Will ABC air a Fourth of July fireworks special? ABC will not be airing fireworks but will instead be airing repeats of Celebrity Jeopardy and 20/20, a network spokesperson told USA TODAY. How to watch Fourth of July fireworks on NBC NBC will air "America's largest and most iconic fireworks display" on the Fourth of July. The 49th annual 'Macy's 4th of July Fireworks,' hosted by actor and singer Ariana DeBose, will air live on NBC and simulcast live on Peacock on Friday, July 4 from 8-10 p.m. ET, the network said in a news release. Telemundo's telecast will air from 9-10 p.m. An hourlong encore presentation of the show will air at 10 p.m. on NBC, the network said. Performers for the event include Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood, among others. Macy's 4th of July performers: Star-studded lineup for fireworks show How to watch Fourth of July fireworks on Fox Fox News Media will air patriotic-themed programming for its annual "Proud American" coverage throughout the day across Fox News Media platforms on Friday, July 4, which will culminate with a live three-hour primetime special. "The Big Independence Day Special" from FOX Square in New York City will air live on the channel and its platforms from 8 -11 p.m. ET and will feature live fireworks from Washington, D.C., along with a performance from country music band Dugger Band. The show will be hosted by Fox News Channel's Johnny Joey Jones, Carley Shimkus, Aishah Hasnie and Griff Jenkins. Abby Hornacek, meanwhile, will broadcast live from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she will join the coastal town's Fourth of July festivities, the network said in a news release. How to watch Fourth of July fireworks on NewsNation NewsNation will present special live coverage of the Fourth of July celebrations across the country throughout the day on July 4, which will culminate in a special edition of NewsNation Prime from 6-10 p.m. ET, the network said. National correspondent Marcus Espinoza will be on the ground in New York, "hearing from people as they await the city's annual fireworks show," while White House correspondent Libbey Dean will report from the White House, NewsNation said. How to watch Fourth of July celebrations on PBS PBS will air its Fourth of July special "A Capitol Fourth" from 8-9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, July 4. The live broadcast will also be available on its website, YouTube and to troops serving around the world on American Forces Network. The show, which is celebrating "45 spectacular years as America's national Independence Day tradition," will broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with actor and television host Alfonso Ribeiro returning as host. The evening will "feature all-star musical and patriotic performances from pop, country, R&B, classical and gospel artists" and will air Independence Day fireworks from the D.C. skyline. We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Forbes
41 minutes ago
- Forbes
Trump Policies Will Cost The U.S. Up To $29 Billion In Tourism
While tourism is booming across the rest of the world, the U.S. is a notable loser this year as tens of millions of international visitors are choosing to travel elsewhere—costing the economy up to $29 billion—and risking millions of jobs. U.S. inbound tourism is in decline this year as millions of international visitors choose to travel ... More elsewhere. getty Last month, a study from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) that analyzed the economic impact of tourism in 184 countries revealed the U.S. was the only country forecast to see international visitor spending decline in 2025. The WTTC projects the U.S. to be on track to lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year compared to last year, according to the research. It could be argued, however, that the actual losses will be significantly larger, given that Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, had originally forecasted the U.S. would see a 9% jump in international inbound travel in 2025. A 9% increase would have equated to a boost of about $16.3 billion in revenue for the U.S. economy. Instead, Tourism Economics has revised its baseline forecast to a year-over-year decline of 8.2%—a significant 17.2% variance from its original 9% increase. From the anticipated $16.3 billion increase in revenue to a loss of between $8.3 billion (Tourism Economics estimate) and $12.5 billion (WTTC estimate), the U.S. is facing a shortfall of $25 billion to $29 billion this year. 'While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the 'closed' sign,' Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, said in a statement. In its latest client note, Tourism Economics blamed 'sentiment headwinds' for its projections of significant declines in visitation from Canada (-20.2%) and Western Europe (-4.9%) in 2025. President Donald Trump's tariffs, travel bans, inflammatory rhetoric and harsh immigration policies have combined for a chilling effect on visitors—and there's little indication of a reversal anytime soon. 'Given we're halfway through the year and we've seen these impacts, we don't know when the stiffest headwind is, but I think it does stay sustained,' Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics, told Forbes. 'We're generally assuming that this persists for a while and that some of it is going to persist throughout the end of the administration.' Which Tourists Are The Most Missed By U.s. Destinations? The significant decline in visitors from Canada is particularly costly, as Canadian tourists made up roughly one-quarter of all foreign travelers who came to the United States in 2024, according to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Last year, Canadians spent $20.5 billion—nearly twice what Americans spent at McDonald's restaurants in all of last year. And the Canadians show no signs of relenting. In May, Canadian visitation dropped 38% by car and 24% by air compared to the same month in 2024. It was the fifth consecutive month of steepening year-over-year declines, following double-digit drops in April and March. On first-quarter earnings calls in early May, executives from major hotel and travel companies noted that Canadians were still traveling as much as ever—just not to the United States. Hyatt chief executive officer Mark Hoplamazian called the phenomenon 'a flyover.' In recent months, news outlets from CNN to USA Today to the BBC have reported an increase in anxiety among Americans fearing backlash or hostility when traveling abroad. In a snap survey conducted by Global Rescue in March after Trump's address to Congress, 72% of 11,000 respondents—the majority based in the U.S. and Canada—believed Americans would be 'perceived more negatively abroad in 2025 due to recent U.S. international policy proposals.' (The U.S. State Department's 'worldwide caution,' issued one day after the U.S. bombed Iran, which advises Americans to 'exercise increased caution' while out of the country, is a separate issue.) Other outlets have reported that some Americans are more concerned about being detained or harassed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents when they re-enter the U.S., perhaps in retaliation for anti-Trump criticism on social media. During both Trump administrations, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has repeatedly warned Americans that agents have searched the electronic devices of U.S. citizens at the border, sometimes holding phones or laptops for weeks or even months. 'All travelers crossing the United States border are subject to CBP inspection,' the Customs and Border Protection website confirms. 'On rare occasions, CBP officers may search a traveler's mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process,' adding that 'less than 0.01 percent of arriving international travelers' have their electronic devices searched. But reports of the agency targeting individuals for anti-Trump sentiment persist. Last month, Turkish-American influencer Hasan Piker was reportedly detained for hours at Chicago O'Hare International Airport after returning from France. Piker claims federal agents asked him, 'Do you like Donald Trump?' This week, an American political consultant returning from a family vacation in Turks and Caicos was detained for 45 minutes in a holding room at the airport, the Los Angeles Times reported. The consultant said agents didn't give him a reason for the delay but he 'speculated that perhaps it was because of the Obama-Biden T-shirt packed in his suitcase.' Can The Downward Trend Be Turned Around? 'This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government,' Simpson said. 'Without urgent action to restore international traveler confidence, it could take several years for the U.S. just to return to pre-pandemic levels of international visitor spend.' Yet the Trump administration and Republican party do not appear to be taking note. A Senate committee led by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) has proposed slashing the budget of Brand USA, the country's public-private destination marketing organization, from $100 million to $20 million. The U.S. Travel Association said it is 'deeply concerned' about the proposal, claiming that 'for every $1 spent on marketing, Brand USA adds $25 to the U.S. economy,' and warning such drastic cuts would 'significantly impact every sector of our industry.' Further Reading How Trump Is Torpedoing Foreign Tourism To The US—Potentially For Years To Come, Say Analysts (Forbes)
