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The basics:

• AAA expects 1M+ New Jerseyans to travel over Memorial Day weekend
• Driving remains most popular; air and other transport also increase
• Gas prices hit lowest Memorial Day rate since 2021
• Jersey Shore vacation costs drop for the first time since 2021

More than 1 million New Jerseyans are set to travel more than 50 miles or more over Memorial Day weekend, according to projections from AAA.

That is up 2.6% from last year for the five-day period from Thursday to Monday (May 22–26).

AAA says of that number, 91% (more than 966,000) of New Jerseyans will drive to their destinations (up 2.7% from last year). Meanwhile 6.9% of those traveling (73,000 New Jerseyans) are expected to fly to their destinations (up 0.03%).  Other modes of transportation, such as cruises, buses and trains, saw the biggest increase – up 6.9% (over 22,400 people).

“Economic uncertainties and concerns over rising prices are on the minds of travelers,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance. “However, despite those concerns, many New Jersey residents are expected to take advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones – even if the trips are closer to home.”

AAA noted the convenience and flexibility of traveling by car. The association highlighted the lower cost of gas prices – which we will get to further in a moment – as well as domestic flight prices increasing to 2% more expensive than last year.

Noble stressed, “Whether you will be driving, flying, or taking some other mode of transportation over the holiday weekend, planning ahead is key to ensuring your best travel experience.”

Fill ‘er up

GasBuddy released its 2025 Summer Travel Survey May 20. The organization anticipates a national average price of gasoline of $3.08 per gallon on Memorial Day. The figure would make for the cheapest Memorial Day at the pump since 2021 (but lowest inflation-adjusted since 2003). That pump price is down significantly from last year’s holiday, when it ran $3.58 per gallon.

Key findings from GasBuddy include:

• 69% of Americans plan to take a road trip this summer, down from 76% from last summer
• The average traveler has multiple journeys planned – 32% intend to take two road trips this season and 40% expect to drive more than five hours to reach their destinations
• 52% of travelers plan road trips for Memorial Day; followed by 42% for Fourth of July and 35% for Labor Day
• 47% of respondents report the cost of gas will not impact travel plans; but cost was the No. 1 priority for summer travelers – ahead of factors like destination and accommodations
• As summer progresses and refinery maintenance concludes, the national average price of gasoline could fall below $3 per gallon at times this summer

“While we’re forecasting the lowest summer gas prices in years, economic jitters are slightly dampening optimism – but we still expect a robust travel season, with millions of Americans hitting the road, many for extended trip,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Rather than canceling plans, travelers are becoming more strategic with their spending.”

Bridge & tunnel

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects 5.5 million travelers to use its airports and vehicular crossings during the five-day peak travel period. The total figure includes 2.1 million passengers traveling through Newark Liberty International, JFK International, LaGuardia and New York-Stewart International airports (1% higher than last year).

During the time period, the agency estimates 3.4 million vehicles will use its bridges and tunnels. The bi-state agency will suspend all non-emergency repairs and construction projects from 5 a.m. May 23 to 5 a.m. May 27. PATH will operate a Saturday schedule on Memorial Day Monday.

The Port Authority advises travelers to allow for additional travel time — and to take public transit whenever possible.

And given the recent issues at EWR, the Port Authority encourages travelers to review their flight status before departing for the airport.

Speaking of public transit, as NJBIZ has reported, the NJ Transit engineer strike ended Sunday evening, with service resuming May 20.

From May 21–27, NJ Transit will provide members of the armed forces complimentary rides for NYC Fleet Week. All weekend, kids also ride free with the family supersaver fare. On May 23, NJ Transit is offering early getaway service for the holiday weekend. It will operate service on the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line for the Beyoncé concerts at MetLife Stadium (May 22, 24, 25, 28, and 29).

More information on the NJ Transit particulars is available here.

Jersey Shore savings

And just this week, Affinity Federal Credit Union released new research finding that the average price of a Jersey Shore vacation in 2025 saw the first significant decrease in costs since the pandemic.

According to Affinity, prices dropped an average of 5% — a reversal of the three years of price increases in the annual vacation index, which Affinity has tracked since the 2022 summer season.

The full findings are available here.

“Vacationers have been feeling the squeeze of inflation for years, so it’s a pleasant surprise to see costs on the decline,” said Grant Gallagher, director, Financial Wellbeing and Brand Communications at Affinity. “We’ve observed significant price hikes from businesses for both goods and services in the past three years, and the reversal could mean businesses are trying to attract consumer that might have been feeling priced out of their annual shore trip.

“We will continue to keep a close eye on price fluctuations, particularly as the economic climate responds to ongoing discourse around tariffs.”

NJBIZ wishes everyone a very happy, healthy and safe MDW ahead!