OHIO — Ohioans should expect roads and airports to be busy this year for Memorial Day. The American Automobile Association projects 42.3 million Americans nationwide will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday.

It's a 7% increase from 2022, and in the Buckeye State, more than 1.6 million will travel — a 6% increase from last year.

What You Need To Know

  • Across the country, an expected 3.4 million people will fly to their destinations, an increase of 11% from last year

  • AAA said this could be the busiest Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005

  • More than 2 million people, a 6% increase, will drive to their destinations compared to last year

  • INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday, May 26 to be the busiest day for roadways

“We are seeing strong consumer confidence despite inflation as a reason more people are planning trips and booking them earlier,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokesperson. “Across the nation, this is expected to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000 and the fourth busiest in Ohio.”

Across the country, an expected 3.4 million people will fly to their destinations — an increase of 11% from last year. In Ohio, the trend continues with an 11% increase in fliers, more than 86,000 people.

AAA said this could be the busiest Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005. 

Those that choose the roads may see more company this year as more than 2 million people, a 6% increase, will drive to their destinations. Across the country, an expected 37.1 million are expected to take the road trip route. 

While gas prices are lower than last year, car travel this year still falls short of the 2019 numbers.

For those taking public transportation, buses or trains, are expected to be boarded by 1.85 million people, a 20.6% increase from 2022. Ohio is seeing more than a 20% increase from last year with 60,860 people using buses, trains or cruise travel. 

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday, May 26 to be the busiest day for roadways. The recommended times for travel are in the morning or after 6 p.m. with the lightest travel days being Saturday and Sunday.

The worst travel times are between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26. The best travel times on these days are before 1 p.m. on Thursday and before noon on Friday. 

“With lower fuel prices and more travelers on the road compared to last year, drivers should expect long delays this holiday weekend, especially in and around major metros as commuters mix with Memorial Day travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic. Our advice is to avoid driving during peak hours or use alternative routes.”

For information on preparing for a road trip or traveling, click here.

Related Stories