BOISE – (September 3, 2026) – Idaho drivers may have mixed feelings as they fill up on the way out of town this Labor Day weekend. According to AAA, both the state and national averages are expected to be the most expensive they’ve ever been for the holiday.
Today’s average price for a gallon of regular in the Gem State is $4.62, which is five cents more than a week ago, 32 cents more than a month ago, and $1.15 more per gallon than a year ago.
The national average currently sits at $4.14 per gallon, which is about five cents per gallon more than a week ago and a month ago, and 95 cents more than a year ago. Idaho is holding at 7th place in the U.S. for the most expensive gasoline, with the highest pump prices in California at $5.78 and the lowest in Indiana at $3.44.
For context, here’s a seven-year retrospective on Labor Day gas prices:
| YEAR | IDAHO | U.S. |
| 2025 | $3.47 | $3.19 |
| 2024 | $3.58 | $3.33 |
| 2023 | $4.16 | $3.81 |
| 2022 | $4.51 | $3.78 |
| 2021 | $3.79 | $3.18 |
| 2020 | $2.46 | $2.22 |
| 2019 | $2.80 | $2.57 |
“With record travel for other major holidays this year, it’s likely that most people will still make good on their road trip plans for Labor Day,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “It’s a shorter holiday, and it involves plenty of cookouts and camping, so the lower price point comes at a good time for lots of travelers.”
The busiest times on the road will be Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4 beginning around midday. The best time to travel will be early mornings.
“The busiest destinations will be parks – theme parks, National Parks, and even state parks,” Conde said. “Anticipate plenty of RVs, toy trailers, and boat haulers out there this weekend.”
The cost of Labor Day travel
AAA booking data reveals the average cost of travel:
- Domestic flights are 2% more expensive than a year ago, and 20% higher for the most popular cities
- Domestic hotels are 9% more expensive than a year ago
- Domestic car rentals are 8% cheaper than a year ago
- Cruises departing from domestic cities are 4% cheaper than a year ago
AAA urges drivers to get plenty of rest before you go, stay vigilant for emergency responders and disabled vehicles at the roadside, and celebrate the holiday responsibly.
