AAA: More than 1.5 million Marylanders expected to travel for Fourth of July holiday

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — More than 1.5 million Marylanders are expected to travel over the Independence Day holiday, with the vast majority hitting the road despite forecasts calling for extreme heat.

According to AAA, about 1.52 million Maryland residents are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period, a slight increase from last year and more than 9% above pre-pandemic travel levels recorded in 2019.

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Driving remains by far the most popular travel option, with 1.35 million Marylanders expected to travel by car, accounting for nearly 90% of all holiday travelers in the state.

Nationwide, AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel during the holiday period, continuing a strong summer travel trend.

AAA estimates:

103,265 people are expected to fly, down slightly (0.75%) compared to 2025 but still above 2019 levels.

67,164 travelers will use other forms of transportation, including buses, trains and cruises, a 4.2% increase from last year.

As of June 29, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Maryland was $3.74, according to AAA.

Worst times to drive

Transportation analytics company INRIX predicts the busiest travel period will begin Thursday, July 2, with heavy congestion expected throughout the holiday weekend.

Drivers hoping to avoid traffic are encouraged to leave early in the day or travel earlier in the week.

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According to INRIX, the best and worst times to travel by car are:

(Date, worst time to travel, best time to travel)

• Tuesday, Jun 30 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, Jul 1 | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM
• Thursday, Jul 2 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM
• Friday, Jul 3 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM
• Saturday, Jul 4 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | After 3:00 PM
• Sunday, Jul 5 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM

AAA urges drivers to prepare for extreme heat

With triple-digit heat indices possible during the holiday period, AAA is urging motorists to inspect their vehicles before leaving home.

The organization recommends checking:

• Battery condition and connections.
• Tire pressure and tread.
• Coolant levels and the vehicle’s cooling system.
• Engine oil and other essential fluids.
• Air conditioning performance.
• Windshield wipers and washer fluid.
• Emergency supplies, including water, snacks, jumper cables, flashlights and a first-aid kit.

A few minutes of preparation can make the difference between a smooth holiday getaway and a dangerous roadside delay,” said Ragina Ali, spokesperson for AAA in Maryland and Washington, D.C., via press release “Extreme heat can take a toll on both drivers and vehicles, so motorists should make sure their car is road-trip ready before heading out for the Fourth of July.

During last year’s Independence Day holiday period, AAA responded to 687,103 roadside assistance calls nationwide, including more than 11,000 in Maryland. The most common issues were towing, battery problems and flat tires.

AAA is also reminding holiday travelers to make a plan before celebrating if alcohol or cannabis will be involved.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2024, averaging about 32 deaths each day.