Labor Day Travel | Best and worst times to hit the road, travel tips and more
Some people may already be hitting the road to enjoy their Labor Day Weekend, and it's only going to get busier as we get closer to the holiday.
Lucky for you, CBS 8 is telling you the best and worst times to drive so you can enjoy your holiday weekend a little bit more.
AAA used INRIX, a data transportation and insights provider, to track the best and worst times to travel during the Labor Day Weekend travel period. AAA said unlike any other holiday, Labor Day weekend travel tends to be concentrated within a short period of time.
Here are the best and worst times to hit the road during the holiday weekend, according to AAA.
Best times
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Thursday, September 3: Before 1 p.m.
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Friday, September 4: Before noon
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Saturday, September 5: Before 10 a.m.
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Sunday, September 6: Minimal traffic impact expected
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Monday, September 7: Before noon
Worst times
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Thursday, September 3: Between 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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Friday, September 4: Between Noon - 8 p.m.
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Saturday, September 5: Between 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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Sunday, September 6: Minimal traffic impact expected
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Monday, September 7: Between 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
In Southern California, AAA said peak congestion from Los Angeles to San Diego via I-5 South is Friday, September 4, at 6 p.m., where the estimated time drivers could be in that traffic is 5 hours and 19 minutes, a 75% increase of normal traffic in the area.
Peak congestion for drivers traveling from San Diego to Palm Springs via I-80 East is Thursday, September 3 at 5:45 p.m., where the estimated time for that traffic is 4 hours and 12 minutes, a 50% increase of normal traffic in the area, according to AAA.
AAA is reminding drivers to slow down, allow for extra travel time and avoid leaving in the afternoon, if possible.
Gas Prices Up
Gas prices won't be helping Labor Day Weekend travelers, either. AAA said the national average of gas on Labor Day in 2025 was $3.19 per gallon. As of Wednesday, September 2, the national average is $4.12 per gallon.
AAA says average gas prices in San Diego County are about $5.86 per gallon. Across California, the average price for gas is about $5.74 per gallon.
What can you do that could help you be less stressed?
Labor Day weekend travel can be stressful, but one thing AAA says you can do to be less stressed is plan ahead. But unforeseen circumstances can arise during travel, as AAA said it responded to over 400,000 roadside assistance calls for several issues during last year's holiday travel period, including dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts and towing.
Here are some suggestions from AAA on what you can do to help alleviate some holiday travel stress:
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Check tire pressure and tread
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Test your car battery
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Inspect fluid levels
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Pack water, snacks, and emergency supplies
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Carry a flashlight and jumper cables
For more on Labor Day weekend travel, click on the following links below from AAA:
