Plan ahead and leave early if traveling this Labor Day weekend
Published 5:00 am Thursday, August 28, 2025
EVERETT — Labor Day provides one last long weekend before the end of summer.
That means fun and sun, but also travel. Whether on land, on water or in the air, plan ahead, leave early or expect delays.
The Pacific Northwest is once again the number one domestic Labor Day weekend destination, according to AAA spokesperson Sarah White.
The weekend starts Thursday for those who get an extra day off on top of the extra day off, but peak travel days are Friday through Monday. Tuesday’s early hours may surprise some when holiday returners share the road with work commuters.
When driving …
“The smoothest travel times over Labor Day weekend are in the morning hours, ideally before lunch,” White said in an email. “On Saturday, traffic builds quickly, so drivers are advised to hit the road as early as possible.”
Check Washington State Department of Transportation’s website, at wsdot.wa.gov, for travel tips and charts that show the best times to drive on key highways. Download the WSDOT mobile app, which shows real-time traffic on ferries and roads. Alerts are also on Bluesky, @wsdot.wa.gov, and X, @wsdot. Traffic information can also be heard on the radio, at channels 530 AM and 1610 AM.
Most highway construction will pause to help ease congestion. However, work zone setups may still be in place. Express toll lanes on Highway 167 and I-405 will be free and open to all. Toll rates will remain in effect on the Highway 520 bridge and the Highway 99 tunnel.
Traveling by air …
… should be less expensive than last year, White said. “AAA booking data show domestic round-trip flights are averaging $720, about 6% cheaper than last year.” Hotel rates are down 11%, she said.
Paine Field is expecting more passengers than usual, said Thomas Amano, vice president of terminal operations, in an email. “Plan to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, security screening and boarding.”
At Sea-Tac International Airport, the Labor Day weekend will be part of what has already been a record-setting season, a press release said. So far, eight of the top 10 largest passenger volume days in the airport’s history took place this summer. Compared to last year, an estimated 7% more travelers will move through the airport during the holiday, with close to 200,000 people traveling each day on Thursday, Friday and Monday.
Again, get to the airport at least two hours early, the release said. Public transportation is recommended to avoid traffic and parking. Good news for those in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, who can now take the light rail straight to SeaTac.
Also, you can reserve a spot in line with SEA Spot Saver at portseattle.org/seaspotsaver.
On the water …
Washington State Ferries are expecting long waits on westbound routes Thursday through Saturday, and eastbound Sunday and Monday.
Visit wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries to buy tickets ahead of time and help move the line faster. Skip the long line and board on a bike or as a walk-on passenger. Sign up to receive rider alerts, at wsdot.wa.og/ferries/routealerts, for last-minute delays or cancellations.
Want to bring your dog on vacation? No worries. Washington State Ferries is in the midst of a six-month trial allowing dogs on all areas of the vessels, except the galley. Just make sure to keep your furry friends company and on leash at all times.
Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay
