The 2025 Memorial Day weekend is set to break records as more Americans than ever plan to travel. According to a new forecast released Monday by the American Automobile Association (AAA), 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26 — surpassing the previous record of 44 million set in 2005.

The projected number of travelers represents an increase of 1.4 million compared to last year, a significant jump despite concerns about rising prices.

“Memorial Day weekend getaways don’t have to be extravagant and costly,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, in the official release. “Many families just pack up the car and drive to the beach or visit friends. Long weekends are perfect for travel because people have extra time off work and students are out of school.”

Hitting the Road

Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation. AAA estimates that 39.4 million Americans will take a road trip, which accounts for 87% of all Memorial Day travelers. Fortunately, drivers this year are seeing lower gas prices than in 2024, when the national average was \$3.59 per gallon. Thanks to lower crude oil prices, typical spring surges have been avoided.

AAA car rental partner Hertz expects Friday, May 23 to be the busiest day for rentals, especially for SUVs. Cities with the highest demand include Orlando, Denver, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle — all listed among AAA’s Top Destinations for the weekend.

Taking to the Skies

Air travel is expected to rise nearly 2% this year, with 3.61 million passengers projected to fly during the long weekend. While not enough to set a new air travel record (3.64 million in 2005), the figure exceeds pre-pandemic levels by 12%, according to AAA.

The average domestic roundtrip airfare is \$850, based on AAA booking data. Popular destinations include Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle.

Trains, Buses, and Cruises on the Rise

Alternative modes of travel continue to climb in popularity post-pandemic. AAA projects 2.08 million Americans will travel by train, bus, or cruise, an 8.5% increase over 2024. While these numbers don’t yet rival early 2000s figures, they do surpass pre-pandemic benchmarks from 2018 and 2019.

Cruises, in particular, are booming. AAA highlights strong demand for Alaska cruises, with top destinations including Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Earlier this year, the organization projected that a record 19 million Americans would take cruises in 2025.

AAA Travel Tips: How to Save This Holiday Weekend

To help travelers stretch their budgets, AAA offers several tips:

Gas: Use the AAA fuel price tool, avoid stations near highways, and drive under 50 mph for better fuel efficiency.
Flights: Book departures on Tuesdays or returns on Wednesdays, consider basic economy (read restrictions carefully), and pack your own snacks.
Hotels & Rental Cars: Book early. In large cities, stay near public transit to save on transportation. Choose smaller rental vehicles if space allows — they’re more fuel efficient.

“Even with economic pressures, Americans are prioritizing travel to be with loved ones,” Barber noted. “That’s the heart of what Memorial Day is about.”