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Record Travel Anticipated for July Fourth in Georgia

Families gather to celebrate July Fourth with fireworks lighting the night sky.

News Summary

Atlanta, Georgia expects 2.3 million residents to travel during the July Fourth holiday, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Nationally, travel is projected to reach 72.2 million Americans. Most will travel by car, and the Atlanta airport anticipates a surge in passengers. Georgia cities are preparing events and safety measures for travelers, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Rising gas prices due to geopolitical tensions may affect travel costs. Travelers are advised to arrive early at airports and to avoid peak travel times.

Atlanta, Georgia – A record 2.3 million Georgians are expected to travel during the upcoming July Fourth holiday, an increase of 68,000 or 2.9% from last year. This surge in travel reflects a broader trend, with the American Automobile Association (AAA) projecting that approximately 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically over the holiday period, which runs from Saturday, July 1, to July 6. This marks an increase of 1.7 million travelers, or 2.4%, compared to 2022 and an impressive 7 million more than in 2019.

Of the travelers, around 61.6 million will travel by car, while 5.84 million are expected to fly. Additionally, nearly 4.78 million will utilize bus, train, or cruise services. Traveler forecasts indicate that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will see over 4 million passengers from Thursday, June 29, through July 7, with Friday, July 1, anticipated to be the busiest travel day at the airport, accommodating 394,576 passengers.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is taking steps to manage the expected increase in traffic by suspending all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes from noon on July 3 until 10 p.m. on July 6. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid peak travel times, particularly in Atlanta, on July 3 from noon to 8 p.m. and on July 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m..

This surge in travel could lead to fluctuations in gas prices ahead of Independence Day, as rising oil prices, largely attributed to geopolitical tensions following Israel’s strikes on Iran, may influence costs at the pump.

Local Celebrations and Events

5 p.m. on July 4, featuring live bands, food trucks, and a fireworks display scheduled for around 9:30 p.m.. Columbia County will also host festivities that day, including fireworks and live music at Evans Towne Center Park, with events commencing at 5 p.m..

An exciting event is planned at Fort Gordon on July 3, featuring a carnival, country music, and fireworks from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.. In addition, the city will host an August Pride Festival as part of the weekend celebrations, which is expected to draw large crowds. In response to this, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has increased police presence to ensure safety during the festival.

Travel Tips

2½ hours early for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. Following Friday, July 1, the second-busiest day at the airport is projected to be July 6, with about 377,076 passengers expected.