You don’t have to stay home to avoid agonising traffic this holiday season, but you might want to get in your car when your neighbours are still in their pyjamas.
That’s according to Novated Lease Australia, which has released the findings from its research into traffic trends across Australia during the summer holidays.
Right across the festive season, spanning the period from December 20 until New Year’s Day, holidaymakers are least likely to get caught in traffic if they travel in the early morning (before sunrise).
Likewise, traffic is at its least congested after 7pm, right up until New Year’s Eve.
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Peak traffic times vary from day to day during the Christmas/New Year period. For example, congestion is at its worst between 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm on Christmas Day, both windows when people travel to and from family events.
Boxing Day traffic peaks in the morning and early afternoon, as families head out of town and keen shoppers flock to shopping centres for the Boxing Day sales.
There’s also a spike later in the day, between 4pm and 7pm, so it’s best to hit the road between 2pm and 4pm.
On New Year’s Eve, traffic tends to build up from around 4pm as revellers journey to private parties or public events. It’s best to stay off the roads until the next morning, so stock up on supplies early in the day!
Returning home from New Year’s Eve events on New Year’s Day can also be a nightmare if you leave your run late. While it’s fine to travel before 2pm, traffic peaks in the evening once travellers have sobered up and packed their bags.
| Date | Best time to travel | Peak times to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| December 20-24 | Before 10am After 7pm |
Between 10am and 4pm Between 4pm and 7pm |
| December 25 | Before 9am After 7pm |
Between 11am and 2pm Between 5pm and 7pm |
| December 26 | Before 7am After 7pm |
Between 8am and 2pm Between 4pm and 7pm |
| December 27-30 | Before 8am Between 10am and 2pm After 5pm |
Between 8am and 10am Between 2pm and 5pm |
| December 31 | Before 4pm | After 4pm |
| January 1 | Before 2pm | Between 12:30am and 2:30am Between 2pm and 6pm |
In addition to offering tips for holiday travel, the Novated Lease Australia study detailed the worst Australian cities for traffic year-wide.
In the Melbourne vs Sydney rivalry, the Victorian city won another title… but not one to crow about.
The Victorian capital was ranked the most congested city, motorists spending an average of 92 hours in traffic per year, costing $205 in petrol.
Sydney was the second most congested city with motorists spending 83 hours in traffic per year, costing $175 in petrol.
Third place wasn’t Brisbane but rather Adelaide, with motorists spending 72 hours in traffic per year and $130 in petrol.
Novated Lease Australia compiled data for its traffic study from previous reports and a range of external sources including the RAC.