Planning a Memorial Day weekend getaway? You’re not alone! A record-breaking 45.1 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles from home during the upcoming holiday period from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26, 2025. That’s 1.4 million more travelers than last year, surpassing even the previous record set in 2005. While economic concerns might be on your mind, it seems many people are prioritizing time with loved ones this year, even if that means choosing destinations closer to home.
Remember that Memorial Day trips don’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. Whether you’re flying across the country, driving to the beach, or visiting friends and family nearby, the long weekend provides the perfect opportunity to get away. With an extra day off work and kids out of school, it’s an ideal time to hit the road and create some special memories.
Key Takeaways
- A record 45.1 million Americans will travel during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, exceeding all previous years.
- Many travelers are choosing destinations closer to home while still prioritizing quality time with family and friends.
- The five-day holiday period from May 22-26 offers the perfect opportunity for both short getaways and longer vacations.
How Americans Are Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day 2025 is shaping up to be a record-breaking travel weekend with millions of Americans hitting the roads, taking to the skies, and boarding trains, buses, and cruise ships. Let’s break down how people are getting to their destinations this holiday.
Cars Dominate Holiday Transportation
The vast majority of travelers—a whopping 39.4 million people—will be driving to their Memorial Day destinations this year. That’s about 87% of all holiday travelers and represents an increase of one million road-trippers compared to last year.
If you’re planning to drive, you’ll enjoy some financial relief at the pump compared to 2024. Current gas prices are lower than last Memorial Day’s national average of $3.59 per gallon, thanks to decreased crude oil prices. However, be prepared for potential price increases as summer demand picks up.
Popular Rental Car Details:
- Busiest rental day: Friday, May 23
- Most requested vehicle type: SUVs
- Highest demand locations:
- Orlando
- Denver
- San Francisco
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- Seattle
Flying High for the Holiday
Airports will be bustling with approximately 3.61 million passengers taking flight this Memorial Day weekend—nearly 2% more than last year. While not quite reaching the all-time record set in 2005 (3.64 million), this year’s air travel numbers are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%.
If you’re flying, you might notice slightly higher ticket prices. Average roundtrip domestic airfare is running about $850, which is 2% higher than Memorial Day 2024.
Most Popular Flight Destinations:
- Chicago
- New York
- Orlando
- Denver
- Seattle
Trains, Buses and Cruises Make a Comeback
About 2.08 million travelers will choose alternative transportation options like trains, buses, and cruises—an 8.5% increase compared to last year. These travel methods continue their post-pandemic recovery, now surpassing pre-pandemic figures from 2018-2019, though still below the early 2000s peak when train and bus travel surged after 9/11.
Cruising has seen particularly strong growth this year. Alaska cruises are especially popular for the Memorial Day weekend, with many travelers heading to:
- Fairbanks
- Anchorage
- Juneau
This trend aligns with the broader cruise industry boom, with a projected record 19 million Americans planning cruises in 2025.
Traffic Timing Tips
If you’re among the 45.1 million Americans traveling this weekend, timing is everything. Afternoons will see the heaviest congestion, so you’ll want to depart during morning hours whenever possible.
Metro Areas with Expected Heaviest Traffic:
- Boston
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Washington, DC
By planning your departure strategically and preparing for busy conditions, you can minimize stress and maximize your holiday enjoyment. Whether you’re driving to a nearby destination or flying across the country, the key to a successful Memorial Day weekend is anticipating the record number of fellow travelers and planning accordingly.
