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These are the best and worst times to drive during Fourth of July weekend
Boston is a top Fourth of July destination in the U.S., according to AAA.
A record number of drivers will hit the road this Fourth of July travel period in America, according to a AAA report.
AAA predicts 61.6 million people will travel by car this Fourth of July travel period (June 28-July 6), a 2.2 percent increase over last year and the highest volume on record. The 2025 Independence Day holiday will see 1.3 million more road trippers than in 2024.
JULY 4 IN BOSTON
Boston is a top Fourth of July destination in the U.S. this year, wrote AAA, because of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, one of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation.
“Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the summer,” said Jonathan Gulliver, highway administrator at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in a statement. “MassDOT encourages travelers to plan ahead, expect delays, and drive safely to make sure everyone enjoys the holiday weekend.”
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Traffic will be especially challenging for those traveling from Hyannis to Boston on Route 3 N on July 5, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data.
The heaviest traffic is expected on Wednesday and Thursday, with delays extending into the evening, according to MassDOT, and travelers should avoid mid-day and afternoon travel on Friday when peak congestion is expected. Road trippers will see heavier traffic on Saturday and Sunday in the morning and afternoon hours.
For those trying to time their trips more precisely, the worst times to travel by car, according to INRIX, are Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m.; Wednesday from noon to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m.; Friday from noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The best times to hit the road are Tuesday before 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before noon; and Saturday and Sunday before 11 a.m., according to INRIX.
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The I-93 Boston-Quincy High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane will open early before the holiday, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday and 1 p.m. on Thursday, according to MassDOT, and the HOV lane and Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed on Friday, July 4.
Travelers can download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, and real-time traffic conditions. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts. Motorists can also follow @MassDOT on X to receive updates on road and traffic conditions or dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
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