Traveling for the holidays in California? Here are best times to drive and fly
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- AAA forecasts record holiday travel between Saturday, Dec. 20, through New Year’s Day.
- Minimal traffic is expected on Christmas Day.
- Gas prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close.
The holidays bring crowded stores, packed schedules and busy roads — and this year will be no exception.
According to AAA, holiday travel is expected to set a new record, with an estimated 122.4 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, Dec. 20, and New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
That’s an 2.2% increase from 2024, which 119.7 million travelers hit the road, the automobile association said in a Wednesday, Dec. 10, news release.
“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways and tropical vacations,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the release. “Holiday celebrations look different for everyone, but a common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”
If you’re planning to travel for the holidays, here are the best — and worst — times to head out in California:
What are cheapest days to fly for the 2025 holidays?
Holiday airfare costs are up this year.
According to AAA data, round-trip domestic flights are about 7% more expensive in 2025, with Christmas airfare averaging around $900.
“The days leading up to Christmas Day are the most expensive, while flying on the holiday itself is cheaper,” AAA said.
New Year’s travel is also costly, as many travelers return home on New Year’s Day or extend their trips through the weekend to return Sunday, Jan. 4.
How can I save money on holiday flights?
According to Savings.com, a website that provides shoppers with coupons, promo codes and deals from major brands and retailers, travelers in some cities can save up to $277 per ticket by choosing alternative airports.
For those choosing to travel by air for the holidays, Savings.com said, “Where you fly — and from which airport — matters more than ever.”
To identify the best holiday flight deals, analysts with Savings.com reviewed average fares at the 200 busiest airports in the country, comparing prices across regions and airlines.
Here’s how average round-trip ticket prices for holiday flights compare across California’s largest airports:
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport: $424 for a roundtrip ticket
- John Wayne Airport in Orange County: $415
- Long Beach Airport: $294
- Los Angeles International Airport: $411
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport: $333
- Oakland International Airport: $324
- Sacramento International Airport: $390
- San Diego International Airport: $373
- San Francisco International Airport: $439
How much does gas cost in California for Christmas?
According to AAA, about 109.5 million people to travel by car for their year-end trips, which is an increase of 2% from 2024.
Driving remains the most popular way to travel, the automobile association said, because it’s convenient and usually cheaper than flying or taking the train.
“Gas prices are lower compared to last holiday season when the national average was $3.04 to end 2024,” AAA said in the release. “For the first time in four years, the national average dropped below $3 a gallon this month, and prices could continue dropping as 2025 comes to a close.”
In California, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.38 as of Monday, Dec. 15.
You can check the AAA website for current fuel prices in your area.
What are worst days to drive for the holidays in 2025?
According to AAA, these are the worst times to hit the road in California during the holidays, as well as when traffic is expected to be lighter:
- Saturday, Dec. 20 — Noon to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 21 — 1 to 7 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 22 — 1 to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 23 — 1 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 — Minimal traffic expected
- Christmas Day — Minimal traffic expected
- Friday, Dec. 26 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 27 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 28 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 29 — Noon to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 — Noon to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Minimal traffic expected
- New Year’s Day — Minimal traffic expected
When are the best times for holiday driving?
AAA said these are the best days and times to drive for holiday traveling in 2025:
- Saturday, Dec. 20 — After 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 21 — Before 11 a.m.
- Monday, Dec. 22 — Before 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 23 — Before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 24 — Minimal traffic expected
- Christmas Day — Minimal traffic expected
- Friday, Dec. 26 — Before 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 27 — Before 11 a.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 28 — Before 11 a.m.
- Monday, Dec. 29 — Before 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Dec. 30 — Before 10 a.m.
- Wednesday, Dec. 31 — Minimal traffic expected
- New Year’s Day — Minimal traffic expected
This story was originally published December 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Traveling for the holidays in California? Here are best times to drive and fly."
