"With the last weekend before Christmas upon us, the holiday travel period has begun. This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) says a record number of Americans will be making journeys-122.4 million of them in total. While millions of those journeys will be made by plane or other forms of public transportation, the overwhelming majority-109.5 million-will be made by car."
"The good news is that for four of those days-Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day-road traffic is expected to be minimal. Unfortunately, on the other nine days, traffic could become quite congested as people take to the roads to get to or come back from their holiday destinations. However, even on busy days, there are specific times of day when congestion is expected to be lighter."
"Here are the best times, according to information compiled by AAA from transportation data and insights provider INRIX: Saturday, December 20: After 9 p.m. Sunday, December 21: Before 11 a.m. Monday, December 22: Before 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 23: Before 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 24: Minimal Traffic Impact Expected Thursday, December 25: Minimal Traffic Impact Expected Friday, December 26: Before 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27: Before 11 a.m. Sunday, December 28: Before 11 a.m."
AAA projects a record 122.4 million American holiday trips during the 13-day period from December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, with 109.5 million of those trips by car. Four days—Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day—are expected to have minimal road traffic. The other nine days carry higher congestion risk as travelers depart for and return from holiday destinations. INRIX data and AAA timing guidance indicate congestion tends to be lighter late at night and early in the morning. Specific recommended low-traffic windows include early mornings before 10–11 a.m. and late evenings after 9 p.m.
Read at Fast Company
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