Fuel prices have risen by 27%, but a record number of Americans will still travel by car for Independence Day

Record number of Americans to travel for Independence Day despite rising fuel prices

According to forecasts, 72.2 million Americans plan to travel during the holiday period. Of these, 61.4 million will hit the road by car, with July 2 expected to be the busiest day. Gas prices have risen by 86 cents compared to 2025, but the situation may change over the next two weeks.

Fuel prices and record travel numbers

The national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.03, which is 86 cents higher than a year ago. This is a 27% increase, but it is not stopping Americans from traveling for Independence Day. According to AAA estimates, 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles (80 km) from home between June 27 and July 5. This exceeds last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

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Unsurprisingly, the majority plan to travel by car despite high fuel prices. An estimated 61.4 million people will drive, slightly more than in 2025. The busiest day on the roads will likely be July 2, but in some cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, peak traffic may fall on June 27. As always, the best advice is to leave early in the morning or travel on Monday or Tuesday.

National average gas prices

AAA, 06/17

Air travel and alternative modes of transport

About 5.85 million people will use air travel, roughly on par with 2025. AAA reports that domestic flights to the most popular destinations have increased by about 5% compared to last year, with the average ticket price for domestic flights standing at around $830. This is not cheap, especially for a family of four, which explains why so many people are traveling by car despite high fuel prices.

While the number of car and air journeys remains relatively stable, the organization expects a notable 5.3% increase in other modes of transport such as buses, trains, and cruises. An estimated 4.93 million people will use these modes, potentially exceeding the 4.79 million travelers in 2019. AAA attributes this to a “post-COVID cruise boom.”

Most popular destinations

As for where people are going, the destinations may be surprising, as Seattle is the most popular location. It is followed by Orlando, which is popular with families due to Disney World. While not surprising, third place goes to Anchorage, partly explained by cruises. Other popular US locations include Miami, New York, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Fairbanks.

For Americans wishing to travel abroad, the most popular destination is Vancouver, Canada. It is followed by Rome, Dublin, Paris, and London.

Interestingly, despite the significant increase in fuel prices, Americans are not only refraining from canceling trips but are also planning to break last year’s record. This indicates a high resilience of consumer demand for travel, especially during the holiday period. At the same time, the growing popularity of cruises and other modes of transport points to a diversification of travel preferences after the pandemic. It is worth noting that the fuel price data was collected on June 17, and the situation may change in the two weeks leading up to the holiday, potentially affecting the final number of travelers.