Gas prices this Memorial Day weekend will be cheapest in 4 years

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If you’re planning a road trip for Memorial Day weekend, you’re in luck: Gas prices are projected to be their cheapest since 2021. 

Nearly 70% of Americans plan to road trip this summer, and of those, 52% will do it on Memorial Day weekend, according to GasBuddy forecasts. Finances and inflation are still concerns for travelers, but road trippers aren’t letting the cost impact their travel plans. 

Memorial Day weekend gas prices

By the numbers:

For Memorial Day, the national average gas price is expected to be $3.08 per gallon, down from $3.58 on Memorial Day last year, GasBuddy says. 

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According to GasBuddy, gas prices will average $3.02 per gallon over the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a below $3 per gallon national average possible on some days, especially later in the summer. If you adjust for inflation, those are the lowest summer gas prices since 2003. 

Gas prices at a Love's gas station in Dallas, Texas, US, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Photographer: Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Dig deeper: Lower crude oil costs amid an increase in oil production from OPEC+, the potential for a nuclear deal with Iran, and some economic uncertainty are leading to lower gas prices, GasBuddy says. 

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What they’re saying: "While we’re forecasting the lowest summer gas prices in years, economic jitters are slightly dampening optimism — but we still expect a robust travel season, with millions of Americans hitting the road, many for extended trips," Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in a statement. "Rather than canceling plans, travelers are becoming more strategic with their spending."

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The Great American Road Trip

Big picture view:

According to GasBuddy’s survey, 69% of Americans plan to take a road trip this summer, down slightly from the 76% who said they were planning one last summer. The average American traveler has more than one road trip planned, and 40% are expecting to drive more than 5 hours to reach their road trip destination. 

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Half of travelers have already booked accommodations, while the other half are holding off for travel flexibility and potential last-minute deals. More than half of travelers plan to pay for gas with a credit card.