Drivers heading out for Labor Day weekend should prepare for higher fuel costs and heavier traffic, especially during the busiest travel periods.
The five-day Labor Day travel period runs from Thursday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 7, and AAA is advising motorists to plan ahead before getting behind the wheel.
In New Jersey, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was about $4.04 as of Aug. 27, according to AAA. That is nearly $1 more than the state’s average of about $3.06 at the same time last year.
The higher prices come as gas costs remain elevated nationally. AAA’s latest figures put the U.S. average at about $4.10 per gallon, compared with about $3.19 on Labor Day in 2025.
When New Jersey drivers should expect the most traffic
Labor Day travel can overlap with normal commuter traffic, making some stretches of the holiday weekend particularly difficult for drivers.
AAA, citing transportation data from INRIX, says Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon are expected to be among the busiest periods for people leaving town.
For Thursday, Sept. 3, drivers can expect better conditions before 1 p.m., while the heaviest traffic is expected from about 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday is also expected to be busy, with the best travel window before noon and heavier congestion from noon through 8 p.m.
Saturday traffic is expected to be more manageable before 10 a.m., while the afternoon could bring another round of congestion. Drivers returning Monday may also want to leave before noon, with heavier traffic expected later in the afternoon.
For New Jersey travelers heading toward the Jersey Shore, leaving early could make the trip easier. Holiday traffic can build quickly once regular commuters and vacation travelers are sharing the same roads.
AAA urges drivers to check their vehicles
The increase in holiday travel also means more opportunities for roadside problems.
AAA responded to more than 400,000 roadside-assistance calls during last year’s Labor Day weekend, with flat tires, dead batteries and towing among the common reasons motorists needed help.
Before leaving, drivers should check their tires, battery and fluid levels. AAA also recommends carrying an emergency kit with basic supplies such as water, snacks, first-aid items, a flashlight and jumper cables.
A few minutes of preparation could help prevent a mechanical problem from turning into a long holiday delay.
Cruises, national parks remain popular
Not everyone traveling for Labor Day will be taking a road trip.
AAA’s latest booking data shows strong interest in cruises, national parks and international destinations. Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York are among the leading domestic destinations for the holiday period, while Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris are among the most popular international destinations.
National parks are also drawing travelers looking to spend the final long weekend of summer outdoors. AAA says travelers are renting cars in places such as Denver and Las Vegas for trips to parks including Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Zion and the Grand Canyon.
For those staying closer to home, however, the advice remains simple: check the vehicle, plan the route and leave early if possible.
With gas prices substantially higher than they were a year ago and several busy travel windows expected over the holiday weekend, planning ahead could save New Jersey drivers both time and money.
