AAA: 5.7 Million Texans Expected to Travel Over July 4th Week

AAA Texas projects 4.9 million Texans will travel by car over July 4th week, up 0.2% from last year and 10.5% higher than 2019. Auto travel continues to make up the overwhelming majority of Independence Day trips, despite gas prices reaching four-year highs nationally. For many families, filling up the tank for a road trip remains less expensive than purchasing plane tickets.

Rental Car Demand

For travelers renting cars over July 4th, AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Thursday, July 2 to be the busiest pickup day. Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles and New York City are the cities with the highest demand based on advanced bookings. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 10% more expensive this holiday week compared to last year.

Busy Airports

AAA Texas projects 564,000 Texans will fly to their destinations during the Independence Day holiday period, about the same as last year and 17% higher than 2019. Nationally, AAA expects 5.85 million travelers to take domestic flights over July 4th week, a 0.2% increase over last year. According to AAA booking data, roundtrip domestic flights to top destinations like Chicago and Denver are 5% more expensive, with domestic flights averaging about $830 a ticket.

Busy Cruise Ports, Buses and Trains

Travel by other modes is seeing the strongest year-over-year growth in Texas. AAA Texas projects 249,000 Texans will travel by bus, train or cruise over Independence Day week, up 2.3% compared to last year. Nationally, AAA projects 4.93 million Americans will travel by other modes, a 5.3% increase from 2025. Cruises continue to help drive interest in this category, with travelers drawn to upfront pricing, onboard entertainment, dining and multiple destinations in one trip.

Summer Safety on the Road

July 4th week can be especially dangerous on the road with more teen drivers behind the wheel and a rise in impaired driving due to holiday festivities. AAA is urging drivers to commit to 100 Days of Safe Driving this summer. According to AAA crash data analysis, nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. AAA, in partnership with MADD, reminds anyone who plans to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before going out.

Drivers preparing to take road trips should prioritize routine maintenance, including oil changes, battery checks and tire pressure. Last year during Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. Half of those required towing services, and nearly 30% of those calls were for battery replacement and flat tires.

Once on the road, AAA reminds drivers to Slow Down, Move Over whenever there are emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road. By reducing speed and changing lanes, drivers allow roadside workers to do their jobs safely and help prevent tragedies.

Gas Prices

AAA expects most Independence Day travelers to drive, even as gas prices remain elevated compared to last year. Prices can fluctuate heading into the holiday due to crude oil prices, gasoline demand, refinery operations and severe weather. The Atlantic hurricane season is underway, and storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to temporary increases in gas prices.

Top Independence Day Destinations

AAA members are heading to major U.S. cities over July 4th week and flying internationally to Canada and Europe. Alaska cruises are in peak season, which is why Seattle, Anchorage and Fairbanks are among the top domestic destinations. Independence Day fireworks and festivities in New York, Chicago and Boston also draw big crowds. Florida ranks high thanks to theme parks, beaches and cruise ports.

Best/Worst Times to Drive

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the second weekend of the holiday period will be the busiest on the roads, starting Thursday, July 2. Drivers looking to avoid the heaviest traffic should leave early in the day or consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday. In Texas, INRIX expects the Galveston-to-Houston route on I-45 North to see peak congestion Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 p.m., with travel times up to 71% above typical conditions.

Independence Day Holiday Travel Period

AAA’s Independence Day holiday travel period spans nine days and includes two weekends. This year, the dates range from Saturday, June 27 to Sunday, July 5. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.

About AAA

Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.