BALTIMORE, Md., June 25, 2025 — AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday period from June 28 to July 6, 2025. This forecast, a 2.4% increase from last year’s 70.5 million and 7 million more than in 2019, reflects strong travel demand. In Maryland, over 1.5 million residents are expected to hit the roads, skies, and seas, up 1.8% from 2024 and 8.9% higher than 2019.
“While economic uncertainties continue to be on the minds of many Americans, those concerns do not seem to be hindering travel,” said Ragina Cooper Ali, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic in Maryland and Washington, D.C. “Americans are continuing to make travel a priority and the Independence Day holiday is no exception.”
The majority, 61.6 million, will travel by car, a 2.2% increase from 2024 and the highest on record. In Maryland, 1.34 million are expected to drive, up 1.8% from last year and 9.7% from 2019. Gas prices are providing relief, with the national average at $3.20 and Maryland’s at $3.19 as of June 19, down from $3.45 and $3.55 last year, respectively. AAA recommends vehicle maintenance and emergency kits, as nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls were made last July 4th for issues like dead batteries and flat tires. Hertz reports Thursday, July 3, as the busiest car rental pickup day, with SUVs and midsize sedans in demand for destinations like Orlando and Denver. Domestic car rentals are 2% cheaper, averaging $670 for the holiday period.
Air travel is also set to break records, with 5.84 million flyers, up 1.4% from last year’s 5.76 million. Maryland anticipates 104,046 air travelers, a slight 0.11% increase from 2024 but 8.4% higher than 2019. Domestic roundtrip flights average $810, 4% more than last year. AAA advises booking midweek flights for better deals and arriving at airports two hours early due to congestion. Top destinations include New York and Boston, known for their fireworks displays.
Travel by bus, train, or cruise will see 4.78 million travelers, a 7.4% rise from 2024, driven by the popularity of Alaska cruises. Maryland expects 64,449 in this category, up 5.5% from last year but 5.6% below 2019. “Despite the fact that cruises departing from domestic cities are 40% more expensive this Independence Day period, the popularity of cruising continues to grow,” said Ali.
INRIX predicts the worst traffic on July 2 and July 6, particularly in the afternoons. Drivers should travel in the morning to avoid delays and remain vigilant for construction, crashes, or severe weather. Popular destinations, based on AAA bookings, include Orlando, Seattle, and Honolulu, fueled by demand for beaches, cruises, and fireworks. Marylanders are urged to plan ahead to navigate the holiday rush safely.
