Thanksgiving travel in the United States is expected to reach historic levels this year, with AAA projecting a record 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the seven-day holiday period from Tuesday, 25 November to Monday, 1 December. This is 1.6 million more travelers than last year, marking the busiest Thanksgiving travel season ever.
Most travelers, about 90% or 73 million people, are expected to drive, according to AAA. Packed highways, especially in major California metros, are anticipated as families journey to celebrate the holiday.
Peak congestion times
Transportation analytics firm INRIX warns that the busiest travel times will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as Sunday, when people return home. Drivers are advised to start their trips early in the day and plan for extra time to avoid congestion.
INRIX highlights major routes with expected delays. For example:
Los Angeles to Bakersfield: 147% longer travel times
New York to the Hamptons: 163% above Norman
The best times to drive are generally before noon, while the afternoon and evening hours will see the heaviest traffic.
Air, Car, and Cruise travel
For those flying, AAA expects around 6 million domestic air travelers, a 2% increase compared with last year. Round-trip flights average $700, which is similar to last year’s prices. Cruise travel continues to grow, with 20.7 million Americans expected to take ocean cruises this year.
Car rentals will see Wednesday as the busiest pick-up day, with Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark in the top five markets.
Safety first
Safety remains a major concern. AAA and MADD remind travelers to avoid impaired driving. From 2019 to 2023, 868 fatalities occurred due to drunk driving during Thanksgiving, accounting for more than one-third of traffic deaths during the holiday.
Drivers are encouraged to check gas, tire pressure, and batteries before starting their journeys, as AAA responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls during last year’s holiday period.
Tips for smooth travel
Leave early in the day to avoid peak congestion.
Build extra time into your journey.
Monitor traffic updates and construction alerts.
Consider flights or cruises on off-peak days.
Have a plan for safe travel, including a sober driver or rideshare options.
As millions of Americans hit the roads, AAA and INRIX advise careful planning to make this Thanksgiving travel season as safe and smooth as possible.
FAQs
Q1: When is the busiest time to travel for Thanksgiving 2025?
A: According to AAA and INRIX, the busiest times are Tuesday, 25 November, Wednesday, 26 November, and Sunday, 30 November, with peak congestion in the afternoon and evening.
Q2: How many people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving?
A: AAA projects a record 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, with nearly 90% traveling by car.
