Travel Expert Names ‘Worst’ Day To Be on the Road Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is here, and there will be millions of Americans hitting the road to celebrate the final days of summer.

If you are going to be driving this weekend, you definitely need to plan ahead. There's going to be traffic no matter when you go, but certain times are worse than others.

Travel expert says one day will be the worst on road

In an email shared with Men's Journal, Clint Henderson of The Points Guy warned that you won't want to be on the road Friday.

"Best travel days for the long last weekend of summer will be Friday and Monday," Henderson said. "If you are driving (no matter what day), leave early as possible. The worst day for driving will be Friday."

AAA weighs in

Meanwhile, AAA advises drivers to "depart early, allow extra travel time, and avoid afternoon departures whenever possible."

The service organization projects the following time frames to be the worst for driving over the next few days:

• Thursday, Sept. 3:2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 4:Noon to 8 p.m.

• Saturday, Sept. 5:1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monday, Sept. 7:2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Gas is also a concern

In their Aug. 25 release on Labor Day travel, AAA wrote that "market trends suggest motorists could pay more than they did a year ago."

"Crude oil, which accounts for roughly half the price consumers pay for gasoline, remains more expensive than it was a year ago," AAA said. "Energy analysts also point to strong refinery demand and relatively low crude oil inventories as factors that continue to support higher fuel prices.

"For travelers planning a road trip, fuel costs are likely to be another expense to factor into their holiday vacation budget."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.