Labor Day Travel 2026: How To Avoid Peak Times

NEW YORK — Labor Day weekend, the swan song of summer, has arrived, and motorists are hitting the road.

Here's a look at peak travel times, as well as gas prices, according to a report by AAA— with higher costs and heavier traffic expected.

The worst times to travel, AAA said, are expected to be:

• Thursday, Sept. 3: until 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.

Travelers can expect to pay more at the pump, too, AAA said: As of Thursday, the average national gas price was $4.1436 per gallon, compared to Labor Day 2025, when the average national price was $3.19 per gallon.

In addition, AAA said, hotel prices are up in both domestic and international markets.

Cruises departing from U.S. ports are 4 percent cheaper than last year, AAA said.

And Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver, and New York top AAA's domestic destination list — with Rome, Italy and Vancouver, Canada the top choices internationally, AAA added.

"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

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

Labor Day price tags

AAA booking data indicates that 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.

There's good news, too: International airfare is down 4 percent year over year.

For the full AAA report, click here.