AAA forecasts 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Dec. 20–Jan. 1 holiday period, up more than 2% from last year. Nearly 110 million people (about 89%) are expected to drive — roughly 2.2 million more than a year ago — while gas prices have dipped below $3 per gallon. AAA recommends Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day as the least congested driving days. Air travel is projected to hit a record 8 million domestic passengers (average round-trip nearly $900), and bus, train and cruise travel is up 9%, aided by strong cruise demand.
Holiday Travel Guide: Best Days to Hit the Road as Nearly 110 Million Americans Drive Over Christmas and New Year’s
Morning traffic on Interstate 210 in Pasadena, Calif., earlier this month. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
As the year-end holidays approach, AAA projects that 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during the Dec. 20–Jan. 1 holiday window, an increase of more than 2% from last year’s record of 119.7 million.
Most travelers — nearly 110 million people, or about 89% of the total — plan to travel by car. That represents roughly 2.2 million more drivers on the road compared with the same period a year ago.
Fuel Prices and Driving Conditions
Gas is cheaper than a year ago: AAA reports the national average for a gallon of gasoline has fallen below $3 this month, down from $3.07 per gallon at the end of last year. AAA also identifies the least congested driving days as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24–25) and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (Dec. 31–Jan. 1), when it expects 'minimal travel impact.'
Air Travel Remains Strong
Despite higher fares and some flight disruptions after the government shutdown before Thanksgiving, air travel demand is holding up. AAA projects a record 8 million domestic flyers over the holiday period — up about 2.3% year over year — and reports the average round-trip domestic ticket this season is nearly $900, roughly 7% more than a year ago.
Other Modes: Buses, Trains and Cruises
Travel by other modes is also rising. AAA expects a 9% increase in passengers traveling by bus, train or cruise, totaling about 4.9 million people. The growth has been driven in part by a post-pandemic surge in cruise demand: more than 20 million Americans took a cruise in 2025, a record for the third consecutive year.
Quick Travel Tips
- Plan your drives for Dec. 24–25 or Dec. 31–Jan. 1 to avoid peak congestion.
- Book flights early and allow extra time for airport processing during peak days.
- Compare fuel prices and consider filling up outside major metro areas to save money.
Whether you’re driving, flying or cruising, expect larger crowds than last year and plan accordingly for smoother holiday travel.
