- A record 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Travelers should avoid driving in the afternoon and evening on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving to miss the worst traffic.
One of the busiest travel days is among us with Thanksgiving arriving on Nov. 27, also marking the start of the holiday travel season.
This year, 81.8 million Americans are set to travel between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1 – approximately 1.6 million more than last year – once again breaking a new record for domestic travelers, according to AAA. The majority of Thanksgiving travelers will hit the road, but about 6 million are set to take to the skies to reach their destinations.
There will also be a record growth of cruisers enjoying the holiday week.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, in a statement. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Here’s what to know about Thanksgiving travel.
Are Thanksgiving flights more expensive this year?
Actually, no. According to AAA data, the average domestic round-trip flight costs $700, close to last year’s prices. Priceline’s data found that the average domestic round-trip ticket was even cheaper, at $403, or 5% less than in 2024.
What are the top Thanksgiving destinations?
Many domestic travelers will be heading to warm-weather destinations, with the most popular being Orlando, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami, Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida, according to AAA.
Those who are going overseas will head to a mix of European and beach locales, such as Amsterdam, Paris and Vienna, as well as Mexico’s Cancun and Punta Cana.
What are the best times to drive for Thanksgiving weekend?
Drivers who want to avoid getting stuck in traffic for their Thanksgiving trips should head out as early as possible. When departing for your holiday destination, INRIX recommends travelers leave before noon on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, with Thanksgiving Day seeing the least traffic.
After Thanksgiving Day, the best driving times are before 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28; before 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 and before 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. On Monday, Dec. 1, the least traffic is expected to be after 8 p.m.
What are the worst times to drive for Thanksgiving weekend?
The days with the worst traffic during Thanksgiving week are expected to be on Tuesday, Nov. 25, between noon and 9 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. as travelers head to their final destinations, according to INRIX. Sunday, Nov. 30, will also face heavy congestion as people head home, especially between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Other days of the holiday week may also see traffic jams, specifically between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28; 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29; and noon and 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, according to INRIX.
Peak congestion times in major US cities
Atlanta
- Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
- Worst day: Sunday, Nov. 30
- Worst time: 3:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 16 minutes
- 53% increased travel time
Boston
- Worst route: Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrims Hwy S
- Worst day: Thursday, Nov. 27
- Worst time: 11:45 a.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours
- 108% increased travel time
Denver
- Worst route: Pueblo to Denver via I-25 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 3 hours
- 64% increased travel time
Houston
- Worst route: Galveston to Houston via I-45 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 5:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- 47% increased travel time
Los Angeles
- Worst route: Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N
- Worst day: Wednesday, Nov. 26
- Worst time: 7:45 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
- 147% increased travel time
New York
- Worst route: New York to Hamptons via Long Island Expressway E
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 4 hours, 8 minutes
- 163% increased travel time.
San Francisco
- Worst route: San Francisco to Santa Rosa via US-101 N
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 7:15 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 34 minutes
- 114% increased travel time.
Washington, DC
- Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Parkway N
- Worst day: Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
- Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- 166% increased travel time.
