Thanksgiving Travel Tips 2025: Best and Worst Days to Travel

Record Travel Numbers:: AAA anticipates 81.8 million travelers, a 1.6 million increase from last year.

Air Travel:: Approximately 6 million people are expected to fly, a 2% increase from 2024. Sunday, November 30, is predicted to be the busiest air travel day.

Road Travel:: Around 73 million people will drive, representing nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers. The busiest days on the roads are expected to be Tuesday, November 25, Wednesday, November 26, and Sunday, November 30.

Best Times to Drive:: Avoid peak congestion by traveling before noon on Tuesday, November 25, or before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26. For the return trip, drive before 11 a.m. on Friday, November 28, before 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, before 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 30, or after 8 p.m. on Monday, December 1.

While flight bookings are slightly down compared to last year due to previous government shutdowns, airlines are prepared to handle the holiday rush. United Airlines expects its highest number of Thanksgiving travelers ever.

Busiest Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Denver International Airport are expected to be the busiest.

Renting a car this Thanksgiving is expected to be 15% cheaper than last year.

AAA advises checking your vehicle’s battery and tire pressure before embarking on a road trip to avoid roadside emergencies.

Be aware of impaired driving risks; from 2019 to 2023, over one-third of traffic fatalities during Thanksgiving festivities involved drunk driving. Plan ahead with rideshares, designated drivers, or public transit.

Atlanta: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E will experience a 53% increase in travel time on Sunday at 3:30 PM.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N will see a 147% increase in travel time on Wednesday at 7:45 PM.

New York: New York to Hamptons via Long Island Expy E will have a 163% increase in travel time on Tuesday at 4:30 PM.

Plan your travel days and times strategically to avoid peak congestion and delays.

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on a road trip.

Be mindful of the dangers of impaired driving and plan accordingly.

Take advantage of cheaper car rentals and similar flight costs compared to last year.

Consider alternative travel methods like buses, trains, or cruises to avoid crowded roads and airports.