When is the best day to hit the road for 2025’s Thanksgiving holiday?
The American Automobile Association said it’s driving on Thanksgiving Day itself: Nov. 27.
AAA said it expects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the period from Tuesday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Dec. 1, whether driving, flying or using public transportation. That would set a record, with 1.6 million more travelers than last Thanksgiving’s period, according to AAA.
At least 73 million people will travel by car, the AAA news release said, which would account for nearly 90% of projected total travelers. It would be 1.3 million more people on the road compared to AAA’s figure for last Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, AAA Travel vice president, said in the release.
Here is what AAA said drivers should know about heading out — and heading back — on the roads.
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AAA’s prediction for most congested travel days
Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon are expected to be the most congested days before Thanksgiving Day, AAA said, citing INRIX, a provider of transportation data and analytics.
And travelers returning home Sunday, Nov. 30, should expect heavy traffic most of the day, according to AAA.
Drivers should travel in the morning to avoid the worst backups. But keep in in mind that weather, crashes on the road, and construction can change things.
What are best and worst travel times
Here are best and worst travel times by car, according to AAA’s INRIX information:
Best:
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Tuesday, Nov. 25: Before noon
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Wednesday, Nov. 26: Before 11 a.m.
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Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27): Minimal traffic expected, AAA said.
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Friday, Nov. 28: Before 11 a.m.
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Saturday, Nov. 29: Before 10 a.m.
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Sunday, Nov. 30: Before 11 a.m.
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Monday, Dec. 1: After 8 p.m.
Worst:
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Tuesday, Nov. 25: noon to 9 p.m.
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Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Friday, Nov. 28: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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Saturday, Nov. 29: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Monday, Dec. 1: Noon to 8 p.m.
Motorists sit in traffic on I-287 heading out of White Plains on Oct. Oct. 5, 2025.
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What does cost of gas look like?
Motorists are paying about the same for gas as last year, when the national gallon-of-regular averaged $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day, said AAA, which recommended people check the car battery and tire pressures. That said, check things out locally to see what the best price a gallon in your area is.
If renting a car, AAA said its rental partner Hertz said that Wednesday, Nov. 26, is expected to be the busiest pick-up day. AAA said booking data indicate domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper compared to last Thanksgiving.
Impaired driving’s dangers during the holiday
AAA said it and Mothers Against Drunk Driving want to remind travelers about impaired driving’s dangers. AAA said that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2019 to 2023 the death toll in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving was 868, or more than a third of all traffic crash fatalities during the holiday period. People should plan to use a rideshare, designate a sober driver or take public transit, AAA said.
What are the top Thanksgiving destinations?
The top Thanksgiving holiday period destinations, in no order, according to AAA, are:
International travel:
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Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: What are the best and worst days, times to drive for Thanksgiving?