This Is When to Avoid the Roads Over Labor Day Weekend, According to AAA

"The last hurrah before the end of the summer is upon us, and while countless travelers are expected to hit the road for the Labor Day holiday weekend, it is possible to avoid getting stuck in a total traffic nightmare. Peak congestion times for travelers vary by region, but the worst times for traffic are typically in the afternoons and early evenings, according to travel industry organization AAA."

"When it comes to leaving on specific days, travelers are advised to leave before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28; leave before 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29; leave between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30; leave before 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31; and leave before 12 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. Boston and Seattle will each see the largest surges in traffic with a more than 100 percent increase compared to normal daytime congestion."

Labor Day weekend brings heavy travel but drivers can reduce congestion by departing early, especially before midday on key days. Peak congestion typically occurs in afternoons and early evenings across regions, with recommended departure windows before 1 p.m. Thursday, before noon Friday, between 6–10 a.m. Saturday, before 11 a.m. Sunday, and before noon Monday. Boston and Seattle will have the largest traffic surges, with notable delays expected on I-93 North in Boston Monday afternoon and I-90 West into Seattle early Monday evening. Rental car rates are about 3 percent lower than last year and domestic roundtrip airfares about 6 percent cheaper.

Read at Travel + Leisure