Memorial Day Travel Rush. Here Is When You Should Head Out

The unofficial start to summer kicks off this weekend with Memorial Day and if you’re planning to hit the road, you’ll have plenty of company.

Travel experts estimate nearly 45 million Americans will be traveling over the holiday weekend, meaning roads across the country are expected to be especially busy.

According to INRIX, travelers hoping to avoid the heaviest traffic should plan to leave either early in the morning or later at night.

Best Times to Travel

• After 9 p.m. Thursday
• Before 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday
• Sunday is expected to have the lightest traffic
• For the return trip home: before 10 a.m.

Worst Times to Be on the Road

• Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Monday: Noon to 5 p.m.

With millions expected to travel, planning ahead could help drivers avoid major delays and start the holiday weekend a little smoother.