AAA: Record Memorial Day Travel to Top 45 Million

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – Some 45 million people in the U.S. will travel at least 50 miles from home for this year’s Memorial Day, according to AAA forecasts which set a new record for the holiday weekend.

The vast majority will drive, the AAA said in the forecast issued on May 11, predicting that 39.1 million people will get behind the wheel, the highest ever for a Memorial Day celebration. The AAA typically has a five-day tracking period for the holiday, with this year’s window being May 21-25. Last year, approximately 44.8 million people traveled for Memorial Day, according to the AAA.

This year’s surge will come amid U.S. gasoline trending at an average of $4.50 gallon – well above the 2025 Memorial Day average of $3.17 gallon.

“Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks,” the AAA noted.

Road travelers aside, the AAA expects a further 3.66 million to take domestic flights, representing 8% of the travel share. Roundtrip domestic airfares averaged $800, down 6% compared to last year, as most travelers booked flights before recent jet fuel spikes hit ticket prices, the AAA’s research shows.

Travel by other modes, including bus, train, and cruise, is projected to rise 5% on the year to 2.2 million passengers. Growth in this sector is driven heavily by the kickoff of the highly popular Alaska cruise season.