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The basics:

• Nearly 2M New Jersey residents expected to travel during Fourth of July holiday
• More than 1.63M will drive, while 189,000+ will fly
• Gas prices have fallen for six weeks but remain among record July 4 levels
• AAA, NJ Transit, Port Authority urge travelers to plan for heavy traffic and delays

Nearly 2 million New Jersey residents are expected to travel during the extended Fourth of July holiday period. Road trips once again lead the way, despite elevated gasoline prices that have eased in recent weeks and heavy congestion expected across the region.

AAA projects approximately 1.98 million New Jerseyans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day Independence Day travel period, June 27–July 5. The forecast includes about 1.63 million travelers driving; more than 189,000 flying; and another 158,000 traveling by train, bus or cruise ship.

“Independence Day remains one of the most popular travel holidays of the year, and despite economic uncertainties and higher travel costs, nearly 2 million New Jersey residents are planning a getaway,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance. “Whether travelers are heading to the shore, visiting family and friends, or taking a long-awaited vacation, the desire to make memories and celebrate the holiday continues to drive strong travel demand.”

Driving dominates holiday travel plans. Autos account for more than 82% of all trips originating in New Jersey. The figure marks a slight 0.4% decline from last year – the first decrease in Independence Day auto travel since 2019. Nationally, AAA expects 61.4 million Americans to travel by car during the holiday period. It projects 72.2 million Americans will travel overall.

Safety first

The busiest travel days are expected to fall during the second weekend of the holiday, particularly Thursday and Friday, as millions head to beaches, vacation destinations and family gatherings.

“With road trips accounting for more than eight out of every 10 holiday journeys, travelers should expect heavier traffic … ” said Noble. “Before hitting the road, motorists should have their vehicles inspected, pack an emergency kit, and plan ahead for delays. A little preparation can help ensure a safer and less stressful holiday trip.”

During last year’s Independence Day holiday, the organization responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide. In New Jersey it answered more than 21,000 requests where nearly 11,000 vehicles required towing.

Although fuel prices have declined for six consecutive weeks following spring spikes tied to Middle East supply concerns, motorists will still pay among the highest Independence Day gas prices on record.

GasBuddy projects the national average price of gasoline will be approximately $3.75 per gallon July 4. The figure marks a substantial drop from May’s peak, but still comes in higher than last Independence Day. Only the record prices seen in 2022 are expected to exceed this year’s holiday average.

Price per gallon

“Six weeks of declines sounds like good news, and in some ways it is, but the context matters,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “At roughly $3.75, this would be the second most expensive July 4 ever recorded, roughly 65 cents higher than last year and nearly $1 above where prices started in 2026.

“The U.S.-Iran agreement gives markets hope, but it’s being tested, and any breakdown in those talks could reverse the recent relief quickly. Drivers should use every tool available to find the lowest prices near them before filling up.”

As of today, the national average is $3.79 per gallon – and in New Jersey, drivers are paying an average of $3.82 per gallon, down 49 cents from a month ago but up 68 cents from this time last year.

Air travel also remains strong, with AAA projecting more than 189,000 New Jersey residents will fly during the holiday period, up 1.2% from last year.

The FIFA factor

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects approximately 5.5 million travelers to use its airports, bridges and tunnels between July 2–6.

More than 2.1 million passengers are expected to travel through Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International airports during the five-day period. Meanwhile, approximately 3.4 million vehicles are projected to cross Port Authority bridges and tunnels.

Officials expect Thursday and Sunday to be the busiest airport travel days. PANYNJ has suspended non-emergency construction work at vehicular crossings through the holiday weekend to ease congestion.

Travelers should also allow extra travel time due to other, ongoing construction projects, particularly at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy International airports.

In addition, Sunday’s FIFA World Cup match at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) is expected to generate significant regional traffic. Transportation officials urge travelers to use mass transit whenever possible and avoid non-essential driving near the stadium before and after the match.

At EWR, United Airlines expects to serve more than 60,000 passengers per day across nearly 700 daily flights during the holiday period.

The airline said the most popular destinations from Newark include London, Orlando, Las Vegas, Rome and Tampa. Nationwide, United expects to carry approximately 6 million passengers between June 26 and July 6. The airline estimates it will average roughly 550,000 travelers each day.

NJ Transit tips and trips

Public transportation agencies are also preparing for increased holiday demand.

NJ Transit is operating early getaway rail and bus service Thursday. It will offer additional outbound trains from Penn Station New York, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal. And it will also have extra buses departing the Port Authority Bus Terminal to help accommodate travelers.

On Friday, rail service will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule. Most North and Central Jersey bus routes will run on Saturday schedules.

On July 4, trains will operate on weekend schedules, most buses on Saturday schedules and light rail services on modified holiday schedules.

Travelers planning to attend Jersey City’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration should note a temporary service suspension. Because of the festivities, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service will not run between Liberty State Park and Newport stations throughout July 4. NJ Transit encourages customers traveling between Hoboken, Newport and Exchange Place to use PATH service instead.

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The agency stressed it will not permit beverages of any kind – whether opened or unopened – aboard trains, buses or light rail vehicles July 4. The policy is strictly enforced.

NJ Transit also reminded customers that Sunday’s World Cup match will trigger additional service adjustments across portions of the regional transit network. The agency urged fans to review schedules before traveling.

Get planning

Officials continue to encourage travelers to build extra time into their holiday itineraries regardless of how they plan to travel.

AAA recommends motorists travel early in the day when possible to avoid peak congestion. Airport officials advise passengers to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

Whether traveling by car, plane, train or cruise ship, transportation officials say planning ahead will help navigate what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

NJBIZ wishes everyone a very happy, healthy and safe holiday weekend as America celebrates its 250th birthday.