AAA: Nearly 1.7 Million Ohioans Are Projected Travel for the Unofficial Start of Summer

AAA projects 1.7 million Ohioans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period, with 1.54 million going by car.

When comparing this year’s forecast with last year’s actual figure of 1.65 million travelers, the 2025 projection is still behind the record set in 2005, when 1.763 million Ohioans traveled. While this year’s projected travel represents growth over last year, it is not a record and the growth rate is slower than in previous years.

Economic uncertainties and concerns over rising prices are on the minds of travelers, however, many Americans are expected to take advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home.

“For many the holiday is a long weekend away and not necessary the summer vacation,” says Kara Hitchens, AAA public affairs manager. “Prices still remain high but people are cautiously and carefully planning time away with a keen eye on their budgets and the economy.”

And while the overall travel number is not setting record, drivers will see a record number of cars on the roads this holiday weekend.

By Car: AAA projects 1.54 million Ohioans will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. That is a 2.9% increase. It surpasses the 2024 record of 1.50 million drivers. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation during holiday travel periods, with the majority of Memorial Day travelers choosing to take road trips. This year, drivers have the benefit of cheaper gas prices. Last Memorial Day, the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.59. This spring – thanks to lower crude oil prices – gasoline prices haven’t seen typical seasonal spikes. With the unofficial start of summer kicking off the busy driving season, demand is expected to rise, and pump prices may creep up along with it. Gas prices typically peak in the summer and start coming down when schools go back in session in the fall.

“Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides,” Hitchens adds. AAA reminds drivers to get their vehicles serviced before venturing out on a road trip. “Having a break down while on vacation can not only ruin a good time, but also put drivers in jeopardy if stuck at the side of the road.”

By Air: AAA projects 90,347 air passengers in Ohio. This Memorial Day weekend isn’t expected to set an air travel record (that was set back in 2005 with 123,000).This year’s numbers have the lowest expected growth of just .3%. AAA booking data (based on what travelers paid when booking Memorial Day weekend flights) shows domestic flights are 2% more expensive compared to last year, with the average roundtrip ticket costing $850. Most of those flights are to popular destinations like Chicago, New York, Orlando, Denver, and Seattle.

“For those flying this holiday, airports may seem more crowded with longer lines, but air travel is down from last year,” Hitchens says. “With the implementation of Real ID, some travelers have yet to get the compliant document which could slow the passage through the airport.”

The airline industry has many variables that can impact travel so travelers are encouraged to download the airline’s App to get notifications of any changes – delays or cancellations.

By Other Modes: AAA projects 68,847 Ohioans will travel by train, bus, or cruise over the 2025 Memorial Day weekend. While it surpasses the pre-pandemic number from 2019, but doesn’t reach the record number from 2006 of 143,000 when Ohioans were choosing trains and buses. It represents a 6.8% increase.

Cruising’s growing popularity is highlighted by the strong demand for Alaska cruises this season. Top domestic cruise destinations for Memorial Day weekend include Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Overall, travelers are turning to cruises in record numbers. Earlier this year, AAA projected that a record 19 million Americans planned to take cruises in 2025.

“Many families are expected to get away for the long weekend but maybe not a whole week,” Hitchens adds.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects the afternoons over Memorial Day weekend to be the most congested. Travelers should hit the road during the morning hours. Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC are the metros that can expect the heaviest traffic.

Columbus Metro Area

Metro Area	Total Population	2025 Travelers	Percent of population traveling
Columbus Metro Area TOTAL(Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield)	2,054,618*	299,974	14.6%
Columbus Metro Area Auto	90.4% of people travel by car	271,210	13.2%
Columbus Metro Area Air	5.5% of people travel by air	16,437	0.8%
Columbus Metro Other*(train, bus, cruise, etc.)*	4.1% of people travel by other modes	12,328	0.6%

*U.S. Census Bureau (v2024)/MMGY Global

AAA Tips for a Safe Holiday Travel Weekend

Plan it out, because a road trip is not just about going from point A to point B. To make the most of your travels, research points of interest along the way, think about where you might stop for meals or an overnight stay, if necessary, and identify those options that best suit your budget. Road trippers can also use AAA TripTiks or seek assistance in AAA Retail/Travel stores for mapping out their routes. For those traveling across toll roads, retail locations in most Ohio AAA stores sell the EZ Pass transponders. This can be a great savings for drivers.
AAA Emergency Roadside Service crews are on call to help drivers who will experience car trouble and call for assistance during the Memorial Day weekend. Last Memorial Day, AAA roadside service crews responded to more than 12,000 calls for assistance across Ohio by members left stranded by dead batteries, tire troubles, engine breakdowns, lockouts – and even drivers who ran out of gas.
Practice safe driving to ensure you, your family and other drivers make it safely to their holiday destinations. Stick to the posted speed limit, avoid distracted driving, don’t drive impaired by drugs or alcohol, and have everyone in the vehicle properly restrained by a seat belt or child passenger seat.
‘Slow Down, Move Over’ to protect the lives of emergency workers and individuals dealing with a stalled vehicle on the roadside. All 50 states have a ‘Move Over’ law to protect these people in precarious locations, mere feet from speeding traffic. Always move over a lane, or slow to an appropriate safe speed when approaching a vehicle or people on the side of the road.
Be aware of weather and road conditions by checking national or local weather apps, especially those that provide localized, hourly forecasts, location-based severe weather alerts, and detailed, in-motion radar maps. Most states have an online resource that shows updated road conditions and closures. Ohio road conditions may be found at https://www.ohgo.com/.
Prepare for the unexpected instance of a flat tire, vehicle breakdown, or crash during your trip. Have your AAA membership number and program the Roadside Service number into your mobile phone. Also, make sure you have everything you need to keep you – and your passengers – safe and comfortable, especially in the heat of summer. AAA Emergency Kits are available at most AAA Retail locations or online, or you can stock your own to include the following:

Jumper cables/jump pack
Basic set of tools
Car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors
First-aid kit
Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
Tarp, raincoat and gloves
Blanket
Extra drinking water/snacks for everyone in the car, including pets
Extra medicines
Phone charger

Look for ways to save money – The AAA mobile app identifies the least expensive gas or EV charging stations along a chosen route. The Discounts & Rewards that come with AAA membership include many hotel chains, rental car companies including Hertz, the Fuel Rewards Program at Shell stations, and NAPA Auto Parts.