Memorial Day Traffic is expected to be brutal around NYC—here are the best and worst times to drive

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If your Memorial Day weekend plans involve escaping the city, you might want to start thinking less about what to pack and more about when to leave.

AAA is predicting that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over Memorial Day weekend, setting a new holiday travel record. Of those travelers, 39.1 million are expected to hit the road, making this the busiest Memorial Day weekend for drivers ever recorded.

And if you're a New Yorker heading toward the Jersey Shore, the Hamptons or pretty much anywhere that requires a highway, there's one particular time you should avoid at all costs.

According to transportation analytics company INRIX, the single worst travel period in the New York metro area will arrive on Friday afternoon. Drivers leaving New York for the Jersey Shore via the Garden State Parkway are expected to encounter peak congestion at 2:15 pm on Friday, with travel times projected to be 102% longer than normal.

The broader outlook isn't much prettier. Experts expect the heaviest traffic nationwide on Thursday afternoon and evening as well as throughout much of Friday, when holiday travelers collide with regular rush-hour commuters.

There are still a few windows when you'll have a fighting chance: Saturday travelers should aim to be on the road before 11 am, while Sunday is expected to be the calmest day of the entire holiday weekend. If you're returning home on Memorial Day itself, experts suggest leaving before 10 am to avoid the afternoon backup.

Best Times To Drive

• Saturday, May 23: Before 11am
• Sunday, May 24: Minimal traffic expected
• Monday, May 25: Before 10am

Worst Times To Drive

• Friday, May 22: 11am–8pm
• Saturday, May 23: Noon–5pm
• Sunday, May 24: Minimal traffic expected
• Monday, May 25: Noon–5pm

So if you're dreaming of a relaxing beach weekend, consider this your official permission slip to leave absurdly early—or absurdly late. Your future self, sitting on the Garden State Parkway, will thank you.

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