Fourth of July travel: The best way to navigate on a busy holiday weekend

Fourth of July travel is expected to hit a record high this year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

Over 72 million people nationwide are predicted to travel domestically this week, according to AAA, and New York City is listed as the fifth-most popular destination for Fourth of July travelers.

But, beyond the ample holiday traffic, the metropolitan area is hosting a FIFA World Cup game this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, and Taylor Swift’s wedding is planned for Madison Square Garden on Friday. Long Islanders, meanwhile, are expected to flock to beaches to escape the predicted heat wave and watch the FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach on Sunday and Monday, scheduled both days from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organizers of the World Cup match and the air show recommend taking mass transit to the events. 

Here's more information on how to get around this holiday.

Best times to drive

The vast majority of Americans will travel by car this weekend, according to AAA, and heavy traffic is expected.

The worst time to drive on Friday is noon to 7 p.m., while the best time is before 11 a.m., according to AAA. On Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is expected to be the worst time, while after 3 p.m. should be best. Noon to 6 p.m. will likely be the worst time on Sunday, while the least traffic is expected before 11 a.m.

AAA also encourages holiday drivers to drive sober and make sure their vehicles are prepared for the heat. The agency responded to over 687,000 roadside assistance calls on the holiday week last year, many of which were for car maintenance issues. With temperatures expected to hit the high 90s this weekend, AAA is also reminding drivers with young children or pets to take safety precautions and not leave them in a hot car.

The peak travel period for Sunday’s World Cup game is around 4 p.m., when drivers are encouraged to use public transit near the stadium and avoid nonessential travel.

Mass transit

The Long Island Rail Road will operate on a Friday schedule this Thursday. Trains will run on a normal summer Friday schedule on Friday and a normal summer weekend schedule on Saturday and Sunday. Summer Friday service to Montauk and Greenport will be in effect both Thursday and Friday.

PATH trains will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Friday and follow a modified schedule on Saturday. Additional trains will be offered between 4 p.m. and midnight Saturday. The full schedule can be found on the Port Authority's website or the RidePATH mobile app.

Air travel

Some 5.5 million travelers are expected to use Port Authority airports and crossings over the Fourth of July weekend, according to the Port Authority. John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia and New York Stewart International airports are expected to see 2.1 million passengers between Thursday and Monday. The Port Authority expects Thursday and Sunday to be the busiest days at the airports.

The Port Authority recommends that travelers arrive at the airports at least two hours before domestic flights and at least three hours before international flights. Due to Kennedy Airport's ongoing construction projects, the Port Authority encourages travelers to take mass transit to the airport.