DELAWARE - More than 203,000 people in Delaware are expected to travel for the July 4 holiday, setting a record for Independence Day travel by car and air, according to new projections from AAA Mid-Atlantic.
The holiday travel window runs from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. AAA anticipates that 19.7 percent of Delaware's population will journey 50 miles or more, with car travel leading the way. Nearly 180,000 people in the state are expected to drive, representing an increase of 2.8 percent from last year.
Air travel is also on the rise, with more than 14,000 Delawareans projected to fly, a 0.8 percent uptick. Meanwhile, nearly 9,300 are expected to use other forms of transportation like buses, trains or cruises—a 6.9 percent increase over 2024.
“With school out for the summer and remote work flexibility for many people, this July 4th week will be the busiest ever as Americans prioritize travel opportunities around the holiday,” said Jana Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Independence Day is always the busiest travel holiday of summer, with this year looking at the highest number of travelers on record.”
Nationally, 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel for the holiday, with 61.6 million of them traveling by car, setting a new record. Air travel and other modes are also at record levels. AAA recommends air travelers arrive two hours early, pack light with carry-on luggage and have valid identification such as a REAL ID or U.S. passport.
Travel Tips
According to transportation data provider INRIX, Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6 will be the busiest days on the road. AAA advises travelers to hit the road in the morning to avoid peak traffic and to remain alert for construction, crashes, or weather-related delays.