Labor Day weekend travel: Going on a road trip? Here's when you should and shouldn't leave
Labor Day is near, but if you're planning a road trip for the long holiday weekend, you may be stuck in heavier traffic than usual.
Many people will be hitting the roads for the final summer holiday – a Cars.com survey found the 80% of travelers plan on driving to their destinations this weekend. Transportation analytics company INRIX says travelers can expect delays as early as Wednesday, but traffic shouldn't be as bad as on other holiday weekends.
"There's not going to be as much travel as Fourth of July or Memorial Day and not as much traffic congestion on the roads during that time too," Bob Pishue, transportation analyst for INRIX, told USA TODAY.
If you're planning for a road trip this holiday weekend, here is what to know:
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When is the best time to leave for Labor Day weekend?
All times are local:
Wednesday: Before 12:00 p.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: Before 12:00 p.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
Friday: Before 1:00 p.m. or after 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: Before 1:00 p.m. or after 5:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday are expected to have normal to minimal congestion.
When is the worst time to leave for Labor Day weekend?
"Thursday, like three-to-four o’clock (p.m.) is probably the worst time to leave," Pishue said. "That's when you get commuters and people running errands, mixing with vacationers and schools getting out if they're in session."
All times are local:
Wednesday: 1:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 1:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Pishue added what could help ease the pain on the road is taking state highways as opposed to an interstate highway.
"It might take you a little bit longer, but it'll be much less stressful and maybe more scenic depending on where you are," he said.
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Worst travel times in major US cities
If you plan on traveling to a major city or leaving one, you could be stuck in heavier traffic than normal. Here's where and when it could be a nightmare in those cities, according to INRIX.
All times are local:
Atlanta
Worst corridor: I-85 South, Clairmont Road to MLK Jr. Drive
Worst day: Friday
Worst time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 120%
Boston
Worst corridor: I-93 South, Albany Street to MA-24
Worst day: Thursday
Worst time: 1:45-3:45 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 89%
Chicago
Worst corridor: I-290 West, Morgan Street to Wolf Road
Worst day: Thursday
Worst time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 133%
Detroit
Worst corridor: I-96 West, 6 Mile Road to Walled Lake
Worst day: Friday
Worst time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 66%
Houston
Worst corridor: I-69 North, I-610 to I-10
Worst day: Friday
Worst time: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 76%
Los Angeles
Worst corridor: I-5 South, Colorado Street to Florence Avenue
Worst day: Friday
Worst time: 4:45-6:45 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 138%
New York
Worst corridor: I-278 East, I-495 to 38th Street
Worst day: Thursday
Worst time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 143%
San Francisco
Worst corridor: I-80 West, Gilman Street to Civic Center
Worst day: Thursday
Worst time: 4:15-6:15 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 98%
Seattle
Worst corridor: I-5 South, WA-18 to WA-7
Worst day: Friday
Worst time: 4:15-6:15 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 77%
Washington, D.C.
Worst corridor: I-95 South, I-495 to VA-123
Worst day: Wednesday
Worst time: 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Peak travel time increase: 56%
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Labor Day weekend 2022: The best, worst times to leave for a road trip
