Return from holiday: when is the best time for the way home?
The return drive is often underestimated. Learn when traffic is heaviest and how to get home more relaxed.
Many plan the outbound holiday drive carefully but treat the return casually. Yet at holiday end and on Sundays many jams form.
Anyone wanting to get home relaxed should plan the way back deliberately too.
Why the return drive is often difficult
On the way back many want to be home at a similar time. Families want to arrive before school or work begins. So many set off in the morning or at noon and meet on the same highways in the afternoon.
That creates return waves, especially around the end of holidays and long weekends.
Sunday is especially critical
Sunday is the natural return day for many. People have used their holiday and want to be home by the evening. That's exactly why Sunday afternoon and evening are often loaded.
An earlier or later return can help — depending on route and destination.
Don't plan the return by feeling
Many underestimate how exhausting the last drive can be. After the holiday you're often tired, the car is full and patience is shorter.
So it pays off to plan the way back as carefully as the way there.
Freifahrt for the way home
Freifahrt helps you not only on the way out but also on the way back. You enter origin, destination and flexibility and get a better estimate for the departure time.
That lets you avoid automatically driving with the biggest return wave.
Conclusion
The return drive often decides how rested you actually arrive home. Those who pick the right moment extend the holiday feeling — instead of losing it in a jam.
Frequently asked
When is the best time for the return drive?
It depends on route, holiday end and desired arrival time.
Is Sunday a bad return day?
Sunday can be very full, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Should you return a day earlier?
It can help if it avoids the biggest return wave.
Don't only plan the way out. Plan your return with Freifahrt too.