As the United States gears up for its 250th anniversary celebration this Fourth of July, so, too are millions of Americans and Texans alike. For those planning to hit the road for this weekend’s Fourth of July festivities: When are the best and worst times to travel?
Approximately 5.7 million Texans are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday period this year, according to data released by AAA Texas earlier this month. The travel period, marked from June 27 through July 5, anticipates a meager 0.2% increase in domestic travel plans this year compared to 2025, and a noted 10.3% increase compared to travel volumes during the holiday week in 2019.
The vast majority of Texans will be hitting the road, with 4.9 million expected to travel via car compared to roughly 564,000 flyers and 249,000 residents traveling by other means, AAA Texas’ report added.
Thursday, July 2 will kick off the official holiday weekend rush, AAA Texas experts revealed, with peak congestion anticipated in Texas around 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, with travel volumes expected to be a staggering 71% heavier than typical Sunday afternoon conditions.
Those able to travel earlier in the week should begin their holiday commutes on either Monday, June 29 or Tuesday, June 30, or alternatively hit the road in the early morning hours to minimize risks of excessive traffic delays.
Nationally, an estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel for the 250th anniversary festivities, including about 61. million people by vehicle, according to AAA.