- A record high of over 71 million Americans is projected to travel by car during the Thanksgiving holiday period.
- The absolute worst times to drive are expected to be the afternoon and evening hours on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
- Traffic congestion will be most severe in major metro areas, including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, with estimated travel times more than doubling.
- The best time to travel by car is on Thanksgiving Day itself, which is historically free of major congestion
The Thanksgiving holiday period is expected to be a record-breaking time for road travel, with AAA projecting that over 71 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more by car. This figure surpasses both 2024 and pre-pandemic numbers, confirming that driving remains the preferred mode of travel, accounting for approximately 89% of all holiday journeys. The surge in road travelers is partly attributed to the relative affordability of driving compared to the rising costs and instability of air travel, though lower gas prices in previous years have also contributed to the high demand.
The worst times for drivers to be on the road are generally concentrated in the afternoon and evening hours just before the holiday. Traffic congestion is expected to be particularly brutal on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving, peaking around the 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. window as early holiday travelers mix with local commuters. Major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Seattle are projected to see the most severe congestion, with travel times potentially increasing by over 100% compared to a normal day.
The best time to avoid the worst traffic is on Thanksgiving Day itself, which historically sees minimal congestion as most travelers have already reached their destinations. For the return trip, drivers should aim to leave very early in the morning on Sunday or postpone their return until the following Monday or Tuesday to avoid the afternoon rush. Road travelers should also be mindful of the regional weather forecast, which predicts rain and potential snow in parts of the West and Upper Midwest that could further complicate driving conditions.
