Memorial Day 2026: Best and worst times to drive in and out of Seattle

If you're headed out from Seattle on the road this Memorial Day weekend, expect some traffic.

Despite painfully high gas prices, Americans are still heading out on the road. AAA predicts 39.1 million people will be driving more than 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday across the nation - that's just about the same as their prediction for last year's travel.

So take a deep breath before hitting the highway and remember that you're part of the traffic, too. But there are some times you can travel this holiday weekend and be part of a smaller wave of vehicles.

Leave when there will be the least amount of people on the road, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation's travel time predictions. That might mean inconveniently early or late takeoffs.

If you're heading south on Interstate 5 between Tacoma and Lacey, you'll want to take off early in the morning or after dinner between Thursday and Saturday.

Coming back, it should be lighter traffic northbound. Get on the road before 10 a.m. or after dinner.

If you're going east on Interstate 90 between North Bend and Cle Elum, Thursday shouldn't be too bad any time. If you can't go that early, leave Friday or Saturday before 9 a.m. or after dinner.

Coming back westbound, traffic will be worst in the early afternoon Sunday. Monday will be bad between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

If you're going east on Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, Thursday will also be fine. Congestion will be worse than normal all day Friday with the worst points being early afternoon. Saturday is even worse between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Coming back westbound, leave before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Monday. For way less traffic, try Sunday morning or night, or anytime Tuesday.

If you're going north on I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian border, traffic will get progressively heavier between breakfast and dinner Thursday and Friday. The absolute worst times to go will be Thursday afternoon, and about 10 a.m. to dinnertime Friday and Saturday.

Coming back southbound, leave before 9 a.m. or after dinner Monday, or better yet Tuesday after breakfast.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 9:47 AM.