Holiday travelers are receiving a welcome gift this season as gas prices continue to fall, offering some relief for those hitting the road for year-end celebrations.
The national average price for a gallon of gas dropped more than 4 cents over the past week to $2.88, marking the cheapest December prices at the pump since the end of 2020. Lower fuel costs come as millions of Americans prepare to travel during one of the busiest times of the year.
In Pennsylvania, however, prices remain above the $3 mark. The commonwealth is among the top 10 most expensive gasoline markets in the nation, according to AAA. The statewide average currently sits at $3.11 per gallon, down from $3.22 at this time in 2024.
Regionally, Lackawanna County has the highest average gas prices at $3.14 per gallon. Luzerne County motorists are paying an average of $3.05, while Schuylkill County drivers are seeing slightly lower prices at $3.02 per gallon.
The highest avearge gas prices in Pennsylvania continue to be in the western half of the state where prices top $3. Warren County has the most expenisve gas at $3.54 a gallon.
The cheapest price can be found in Northumerbland County where the average price is $2.86 a gallon.
Commuters fill up their vehicles at the Sheetz in Scranton Friday, December 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Millions expected on the roads and in the air
AAA predicts more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the 13-day holiday travel period running from Dec. 20 through Jan. 1. That figure represents a 2.2% increase over 2024 and surpasses last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways, and tropical vacations,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”
AAA estimates 109.5 million Americans will travel by car, a 2% increase from last year. Another 8.03 million travelers are expected to take domestic flights, a 2.5% increase over 2024. This marks the first time domestic air travel during the year-end holiday period is projected to exceed 8 million passengers.
The busiest airport days are expected to be Dec. 26, with 94,028 total passengers, followed by Dec. 29 (93,096) and Dec. 27 (92,954).
According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more expensive this year, averaging nearly $900 a ticket.
Vehicles travel along Interstate 81 southbound in Scranton Friday, December 19, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
Best time to travel?
According to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, Christmas week is expected to be busier on the roads than New Year’s week, though both periods will see spikes in traffic. Dec. 26 is projected to be particularly congested as travelers head out following Christmas Day, while Christmas Day and New Year’s Day typically see the lightest traffic volumes.
Drivers are advised to plan around peak congestion times. The worst times are generally between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania Turnpike preps for surge
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission projects nearly 7.4 million vehicles will travel the turnpike system between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1. The busiest stretch is expected between Dec. 22 and Dec. 24, when almost 1.8 million vehicles are anticipated.
To help travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently, all roadway construction and maintenance work will be suspended from 5 a.m. Dec. 19 through 11 p.m. Jan. 1. The turnpike will also deploy additional personnel on the roadway and work alongside Pennsylvania State Police to support holiday travel safety.