The Labor Day weekend is almost upon us and travel is expected to be at pre-pandemic levels. While many will get on a plane to their destination, there will likely be even more people packing up the car for a road trip. In fact, a recent Cars.com report says 80% of travelers will drive to their destination.
Of course, all those cars on the road will mean there’s a good shot you’ll be stuck in traffic getting to your destination, but when you hit the road may play a role in just how long it will take you to get to your destination.
Well, transportation analytics company INRIX is here to help, revealing the best and worst times to travel over the long holiday weekend. The company notes that while travelers can expect normal to minimal congestion on Sunday and Monday, the key to beating traffic is to avoid peak hours on the road, with the best times to leave for the holiday being:
- 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.
When it comes to the worst time, today between three and four o’clock pm will be the absolute worst, with Bob Pishue, transportation analyst for INRIX, noting, “That's when you get commuters and people running errands, mixing with vacationers and schools getting out if they're in session." Other terrible times to travel include:
- Thursday: 1:00-8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Click here for the worst times to travel in certain major cities.
Source: USA Today