The last long weekend of summer is here, and many are ready to travel — spurred on by lower gas prices than a year ago.

“This weekend tends to be the last hurrah for summer vacations for a lot of people, and so traditionally, we do see increased travel during this time, compared to other summer weekends,” Automobile Club of Southern California spokesperson Marie Montgomery said.

The sight of busy freeways and crowded airports will began Thursday, with today expected to be the busiest day on the freeways and at Los Angeles International Airport.

This Labor Day, Southern California residents can expect lower gas prices, the Auto Club reported. The statewide average at this time last year was 64 cents higher than today’s average of $4.59 a gallon, it said.

From boarding airplanes to scoring deals on train tickets, here’s what travelers can expect this weekend:

Autos

In recent weeks, gas prices have been stable. The Auto Club reported that “despite the popularity of summer road trips, overall gas demand is down as daily driving habits have changed post-pandemic, preventing pump prices from spiking.”

Gas Prices: The national average for regular fuel at the pump was $3.36 per gallon as of Thursday. That’s down about 14 cents from last month and 46 cents from a year ago, according to AAA data.

However, gas prices in California continue to trend higher than the national average, with the average price for regular gas in Los Angeles County on Thursday being $4.57 per gallon. In Riverside and San Bernardino counties it’s $4.46 per gallon, while in Orange County it was $4.50 per gallon on Thursday, the Auto Club reported.

Driving tips: To avoid congestion, the Auto Club recommends hitting the road as early as possible and avoiding the late afternoon and early evening hours.

Montgomery reminded drivers to pack plenty of snacks and water in a vehicle in case it breaks down, Montgomery said.

And don’t forget that cellphone charger, she said. It’s important to make emergency calls if needed.

Planes

LAX expects heavier passenger and vehicle traffic this weekend, with today predicted to be the busiest.

Monday will also see high volumes, a statement from LAX public relations officials said.

LAX officials offer this advice for Labor Day weekend:

Allow extra time for airport visits, including drop-offs and pick-ups

• Check a flight’s status with the airline before leaving for the airport.

• Check in online, if possible.

• Arrive at least two hours before the scheduled boarding time.

• Use Flylax.com to prebook parking, check parking availability and see traffic updates.

At John Wayne Airport, information is available at 949-252-5200 or ocair.com.

At Ontario International Airport, passenger volume is expected to be up 11%, with the busiest day being Labor Day with some 23,500 passengers, officials said.

Airlines are offering more than 130,000 seats on flights at Ontario Airport between Thursday and Monday, with more than 105,000 passengers moving through the airport, spokesperson Steve Lambert said.

“The best advice I suggest to passengers to prepare is for them to check with their airline in advance to make sure their flight is on time and to show up as much as two hours early,” Lambert said.

Trains

On Monday, Metrolink’s rail service will run on a weekend schedule on the Antelope Valley, Orange County, 91/Perris Valley, San Bernardino, Inland Empire-Orange County and Ventura County lines, a news release states. Trains will not run on the Riverside Line on Labor Day.

Also, passengers can take advantage of Metrolink’s $10 holiday pass, which allows unlimited single-day train rides at all Metrolink stations only on Labor Day.

Travelers can also take advantage of the $10 weekend day pass on Saturday and Sunday.

The pass can be bought through the Metrolink mobile app or at Metrolink station ticket machines under “special ticket options.”

The Rail 2 Rail program with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which allows Metrolink monthly passholders to board Pacific Surfliner trains, won’t be running between today and Tuesday.

The blackout won’t affect Pacific Surfliner codeshare trains operating between L.A. Union Station and Ventura. Metrolink’s Arrow, which offers Inland Empire rail service between San Bernardino and Redlands, is included in the holiday pass.