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Record travel is predicted during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

AAA expects more than 70.9 million people to travel 50 miles or more away from home over this holiday week/weekend. That marks a 5% increase versus 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019. Those estimates include 60.6 million by car, 5.7 million by air, and 4.6 million via other means of transportation.

“The summer travel season is off to a hot start, and we expect to set new travel records on the road and in the sky during the week of Independence Day,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “There will be 3.5 million more travelers than last year. That means even more people at airports and popular attractions like beaches, lakes, and theme parks.”

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work – more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is also projecting record travel in this area.

PANYNJ expects 5.5 million passengers to use its airports, bridges and tunnels between July 3-7. That would be the highest figure ever recorded for the holiday.

The projection includes an anticipated 2.1 million passengers through Port Authority airports, including Newark Liberty International Airport. That volume would represent a new record and an increase of 9.6% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 and a 6.1% uptick versus 2023.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be the busiest days at the region’s airports. Officials encourage air travelers to plan ahead and leave additional travel time.

On the road again

The Port Authority expects some 3.4 million vehicles to cross its bridges and tunnels this year. That represents an increase from 2019 as well as 2023.

As travelers hit the road, the projected national gas average for July 4 is $3.49 a gallon — the lowest since 2021, a penny below last year and $1.30 under 2022. Here in New Jersey, the average gas price was $3.44 as of Tuesday evening, about 2 cents below last year.

According to GasBuddy‘s annual summer travel survey, 45% of Americans plan to head out on the road over the holiday weekend.

“For those hitting the road to celebrate Independence Day, gas prices have seen modest recent fluctuations, but most states are seeing prices near or even well below where they were a year ago,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “While the first half of the summer has been relatively smooth sailing, the road ahead may be bumpy.”

De Haan pointed to increased activity in the tropics and a projected very busy hurricane season.

“Even after the holiday fireworks are over, we’ll be watching for any potential fireworks at the pump that could be brought on by hurricanes disrupting refineries,” said De Haan.

Be safe out there New Jersey – wishing you a happy and healthy holiday weekend ahead.

See also:

The first NJ Transit rate hike in nearly a decade – a 15% increase – took effect July 1 for rail and bus riders of the beleaguered agency. Click here to read more.