Labor Day weekend is often when travelers take their last big trip of the summer, which means larger crowds at travel hubs.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has suspended all non-emergency repair work on bridges and tunnels through the weekend so travelers, like those at Manhattan’s Moynihan station, can relax more and stress less.

What You Need To Know

  • Labor Day weekend is often when travelers take their last big trip of the summer, which means larger crowds at travel hub

  • The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has suspended all non-emergency repair work on bridges and tunnels through the weekend
  • The national average price of regular gas is about $3.20, according to AAA

  • Saturday is expected to be extra busy on the roads with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips, so the earlier you hit the road, the better

Many people at Jamaica Station in Queens said they’re staying local to celebrate the holiday weekend, and rail riders say the train is cheaper and easier than driving.

For anyone who is driving, however, gas prices have stayed low throughout the summer. The national average price of regular gas is about $3.20, according to AAA.

Car-rental costs are also down 3% this year compared to last summer.

With that in mind, be prepared for holiday traffic: A report from AAA recommends leaving before lunchtime this Labor Day weekend to avoid severe congestion.

“I’m concerned about it, but when you’re from New York and you live in New York, you get used to it,” LIRR rider Sharon Brown said when asked if she was concerned about crowds and long lines during the holiday weekend.

Saturday is expected to be extra busy on the roads with many drivers heading out of town or taking day trips, so the earlier you hit the road, the better.

Meanwhile, if you’re traveling by plane, AAA recommends passengers traveling domestically arrive for their flight at least two hours in advance, while those going international should arrive at least three hours before takeoff.

The rule of thumb when traveling, according to AAA, is the earlier you leave, the better.

AAA also says gas prices should stay below what they were last year, barring bad weather like a tropical storm or a hurricane.