Labor Day Travel 2026: How To Avoid Peak Times

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Labor Day weekend has arrived and motorists are hitting the roads. Here's what to expect in terms of peak travel times, gas prices, and more, according to AAA.

This Labor Day, travelers can expect flights to top domestic destinations to cost nearly 20 percent more than last year, according to AAA.

In addition, the report said, traffic is expected to peak Thursday and Friday — and motorists may have to pay more at the gas pump.

"Labor Day has long been a popular time for a final summer getaway, and travelers continue to prioritize vacations with family and friends," said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Whether it's a cruise, a national park adventure, or an international trip, travelers are eager to make the most of the holiday weekend."

Top Labor Day Travel Destinations for 2026, according to AAA:

Top Domestic Destinations

1. Seattle, WA
2. Orlando, FL
3. Boston, MA
4. Denver, CO
5. New York, NY
6. Chicago, IL
7. Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
8. Las Vegas, NV
9. Anchorage, AK
10. Atlanta, GA

Top International Destinations, AAA says:

1. Rome, Italy
2. Vancouver, Canada
3. London, England
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. Paris, France
6. Calgary, Canada
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Athens, Greece
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Halifax, Canada

Airfare costs

AAA booking data shows average domestic airfare is up 2 percent compared to last year, averaging $750 for a roundtrip ticket — and for travelers flying to the most popular Labor Day destinations, airfare is nearly 20 percent higher than last year, averaging $790, AAA said, adding that international airfare is down 4 percent year over year.

Gas prices may be up, AAA said, with the average price per gallon in New York $4.2861, compared to the national average price of gasoline on Labor Day 2025, which was $3.19 per gallon.

Best and Worst Times to Travel

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, predicted the worst times to travel, according to AAA:

The worst times to travel are expected to be:

• Thursday, Sept. 3: Through 7 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 4: Noon to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 7: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

To read the full AAA report, click here.