Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. If you’re planning to travel in or out of San Francisco, or maybe going on a mini day trip this holiday weekend, here are the key things you need to know to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Expect Crowded Roads and Airports This Memorial Day Weekend
According to AAA, nearly 43.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 4% increase from last year. In San Francisco and the Bay Area, this surge in travelers will be both on the roads and in the skies.
Road Travel in the Bay Area
Road trips are a popular choice this year, with AAA projecting 38.4 million people will travel by car, setting a record since tracking began in 2000.
- Best Times to Travel: Avoid the heaviest traffic by hitting the road early. For instance, on Thursday, May 23, travel before 11 AM or after 7 PM. On Friday, May 24, travel before 11 AM or after 8 PM.
- Worst Times to Travel: The peak congestion time from San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E is expected to be around 11:00 AM on Friday, May 24. Travel times can increase by up to 56% during peak hours.
- Local Traffic: INRIX suggests that traffic in the Bay Area will be particularly heavy on major routes such as the drive from San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E, with peak congestion expected on Friday morning.
- Stay updated with traffic apps, 511 services, and local news to avoid heavy traffic and delays.
If you’re renting a car, plan ahead. Hertz notes that cities like Orlando, Denver, and Las Vegas have the highest rental demand, with peak pick-up days on May 23 and May 24. Although San Francisco isn’t listed among the top rental car cities, it’s wise to reserve your rental early to avoid last-minute hassles.
Air Travel in the Bay Area
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest and most delay-prone airports during Memorial Day weekend. Expect long lines and potential delays, especially in the afternoon and early evening. According to the TSA, the busiest day will be Friday, May 24, with nearly 3 million passengers expected nationwide.
- San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) expects over 130,000 passengers from May 24 to 27. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and reserve parking in advance.
Airports will be crowded, so here are some tips to make your experience smoother:
- Arrive Early: It sounds like a given, but we cannot stress this enough, especially this weekend. It is usually recommended to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, and we would recommend checking the TSA on wait times at the airport and border crossings.
- Best Times to Fly: Early morning flights (6-7 AM) have the highest on-time departure rates, while flights in the afternoon (2-3 PM) tend to experience more delays.
By planning ahead, avoiding peak travel times, and staying informed, you can make your Memorial Day weekend travel as stress-free as possible. Safe travels, SF!