AAA projects record 72.2 million Americans will travel for July 4th
AAA projected a record 72.2 million Americans would travel for July 4, as gas near $3.84 a gallon and dangerous heat threatened the roads.
The July 4 travel rush was set to hit a new high, with AAA projecting 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That total topped last year’s record 71.8 million.
AAA projected 61.4 million travelers would go by car, and 85% of Independence Day travelers were expected to travel by vehicle despite gasoline prices that have hovered near four-year highs. The holiday period includes both weeklong vacationers and shorter getaway trips, with overall travel volumes leveling off at record levels.
AAA’s national average for regular gasoline stood at $3.8380 per gallon on July 2, 2026, and on June 18 the national average briefly dipped below $4 for the first time since March 30. By comparison, AAA said the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.15 on Independence Day last year. Even so, AAA said driving remained cheaper than flying for many families, especially those traveling with children.
Hertz, which is partnered with AAA, projected Thursday, July 2, to be the busiest pickup day for rental cars. Airports, highways and rental counters all absorbed the early wave of departures.
The National Weather Service forecast dangerous, record-breaking heat across most of the central and eastern United States through the Independence Day weekend, with heat indices likely above 100 degrees and peak readings up to 115 degrees possible in some areas. It also forecast severe thunderstorms in parts of the northern Plains, Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast and southern Appalachians, creating the risk of both heat exposure and travel delays.
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