Best and worst times for D.C. Labor Day 2026 travel

State of play: Washington will hit peak congestion Thursday at 4:45pm on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway heading south into D.C., per a AAA report.

• It will take an estimated hour and 24 minutes to travel that stretch — 90% longer than normal.

Zoom in: If you're headed to Rehoboth, prepare accordingly: Over 345,000 cars are expected to travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during the long weekend, per the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The best times to cross east toward the Eastern Shore:

• Thursday: Before 11am and after 9pm.
• Friday: Before 10am and after 10pm.
• Saturday: Before 9am and after 4pm.
• Sunday: Before 10am and after 5pm.
• Monday — all day.

The best times to cross west back toward D.C. on your way home:

• Sunday: Before 11am and after 5pm.
• Monday: Before 10am and after 10pm.

Virginia travelers: Most lane closures and highway work zones will be lifted during the long weekend, per the Virginia Department of Transportation.

• The state also has a map that shows where peak congestion is expected.

Zoom out: Nationally, the best time to travel over the long weekend will be Sunday, when minimal traffic is anticipated.

• And if you're renting a car, Friday will be the busiest day for pickup, per Hertz.