This Thanksgiving is shaping up to be the busiest ever, with AAA projecting nearly 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday week — breaking previous records.
The seven-day travel period from Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1 is expected to see 81.8 million people on the move, up 1.6 million from last year. AAA says the jump is being driven by families prioritizing time with loved ones — even if it means navigating crowded roads and airports.
“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.
Most travelers hitting the road
Cars remain the top travel choice, with AAA projecting that 73 million people will drive to their destinations — nearly 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers. That’s 1.3 million more drivers than last year, and possibly more if flight-weary passengers decide to switch to road trips following recent airline disruptions.
Travelers renting cars should expect high demand on Wednesday, the busiest day for pickups. According to AAA’s car rental partner Hertz, top cities for rentals include Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. Rental prices are also down 15% from last year, giving road trippers more reasons to hit the highway.
Gas prices are holding steady too. Drivers are paying about the same as last Thanksgiving, when the national average was $3.06 per gallon. AAA recommends filling up the night before travel, and checking your battery and tire pressure — last year, nearly 600,000 travelers needed roadside help over Thanksgiving.
Drunk driving remains a concern. Between 2019 and 2023, more than one-third of Thanksgiving traffic deaths involved impaired drivers. AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead: use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transit to get home safely.
Flying? Expect crowds and costly returns
About 6 million Americans will fly this Thanksgiving — a 2% increase from 2024. But recent flight cancellations may cause that number to dip slightly as travelers switch to other modes.
Those flying on Thanksgiving Day could save money, but AAA notes that the real cost comes on the return trip. Sunday and Monday are the busiest — and priciest — days to fly home.
AAA reports the average round-trip domestic flight is holding steady at $700.
Buses, trains, and cruises also seeing gains
Travel by bus, train, or cruise is up 8.5% to nearly 2.5 million travelers. AAA says last-minute bookings are boosting numbers for ground transportation, while cruise vacations continue to surge in popularity — especially to warm-weather destinations like the Caribbean.
This year alone, 20.7 million Americans are expected to cruise, with projections rising to 21.7 million for 2026.
Cruises are especially popular during Thanksgiving, offering prepaid trips, family-friendly amenities, and milder weather.
Best and worst times to hit the road
INRIX, a transportation data firm, warns that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested travel times heading into the holiday. Sunday is the worst day to return.
Here’s when to drive (or avoid it):
| Date | Worst Time to Drive | Best Time to Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tues, Nov 25 | 12 PM – 9 PM | Before 12 PM |
| Wed, Nov 26 | 11 AM – 8 PM | Before 11 AM |
| Thurs, Nov 27 | Minimal delays | — |
| Fri, Nov 28 | 1 PM – 7 PM | Before 11 AM |
| Sat, Nov 29 | 1 PM – 8 PM | Before 10 AM |
| Sun, Nov 30 | 11 AM – 8 PM | Before 11 AM |
| Mon, Dec 1 | 12 PM – 8 PM | After 8 PM |
In some cities, travel times could more than double. For example, New York drivers heading to the Hamptons on Tuesday afternoon can expect a 163% increase in drive time. Los Angeles to Bakersfield could take more than four hours — 147% longer than usual.
Florida, Europe, and the Caribbean top travel lists
Florida dominates the domestic list again this year, thanks to its theme parks and cruise ports. Internationally, travelers are heading to Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with Australia joining the top 10 for its warm spring weather.
Top U.S. Destinations
- Orlando, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Miami, FL
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
- Tampa, FL
Top International Destinations
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vienna, Austria
- Cancun, Mexico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Whether flying, driving, or cruising, AAA says travelers should plan ahead and leave early to avoid headaches.
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