Labor Day is summer’s last big hurrah, and millions of Americans are squeezing in one more getaway before fall routines kick in. The good news is that travel is a little easier on the wallet this year. Domestic roundtrip flights are down 6-percent from last year (averaging $720), hotel rates are 11-percent lower and rental cars are 3-percent cheaper, according to AAA. But whether you’re the road-tripping type, traffic is the real obstacle.
RECOMMENDED: Here’s where you can fly for cheap this Labor Day weekend
INRIX, a transportation analytics firm, warns that Labor Day weekend traffic is notoriously brutal, especially in the afternoons. Your best strategy is to leave early—before lunch if you can. The later in the day you wait, the more likely you are to get stuck in traffic.
The best days to travel for Labor Day 2025
According to AAA, the best times to travel by car are Thursday and Friday before noon or Saturday 6am-10am. If you're heading home on Labor Day, Monday morning before noon is the best time to drive.
The worst days to travel for Labor Day 2025
The worst times to travel by car are Thursday 1pm to 8pm, when most people start their long weekend. Friday 12pm to 8pm will be the busiest stretch of the entire weekend. Saturday 10am to 6pm brings a perfect storm of day-trippers and weekend travelers, and Monday between 1pm and 4pm is when the mass return home begins.
AAA also notes the busiest day for car rentals is Friday, August 29, with Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles and Atlanta among the top destinations. Travelers flying in should budget extra time to pick up wheels.
Tips for Labor Day 2025 weekend travel
- Travel off-peak. Mornings are key to getting ahead of crowds.
- Stay flexible. Have a backup route ready in case of bottlenecks.
- Check local traffic forecasts. Peak times can vary by city.
Bottom line, set your alarm early if you want to spend more time at your destination and less time in bumper-to-bumper traffic.