WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans heading home from Labor Day trips are expected to hit the road Monday, with AAA and INRIX warning that the worst nationwide congestion is likely between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Drivers who can leave before noon are expected to face substantially lighter traffic.
That timing matters because Labor Day return travel often compresses into a relatively short window as families, students and workers all head home before Tuesday.
The result can turn normally manageable highways into hours-long backups.
AAA’s forecast shows some individual routes becoming dramatically slower than usual during peak periods.
One of the most severe examples is the drive from Seattle to Ellensburg, which could take as much as 121% longer than normal at the worst point of the afternoon.
Other major metro areas are also expected to see heavy return traffic on highways leading into New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta and other large cities.
For drivers, the congestion comes with another cost this year: fuel.
Gasoline prices are elevated compared with last Labor Day, meaning sitting in stop-and-go traffic is not just frustrating — it can also become more expensive.
The practical advice is simple.
Travelers who have flexibility should leave earlier in the day, avoid the mid-afternoon peak, and check traffic conditions before beginning the drive.
Those returning later in the evening may also see improvement after the afternoon rush begins to fade.
AAA and INRIX also recommend building extra time into trips because crashes, construction or weather can quickly worsen already-heavy traffic.
For families with young children, elderly passengers or long-distance trips, avoiding the peak window can make a substantial difference in both travel time and stress.
Monday is expected to be the biggest return-home day of the holiday weekend.
For anyone still deciding when to leave, the best window is before lunchtime.
The worst is likely to be right in the middle of the afternoon.
JBizNews Desk | Washington
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