Thanksgiving means a lot of fun and enjoyable events. Food, friends, family and many other opportunities to catch up with people that are seen all too infrequently. There are a few challenges, however, and one of the largest could be making it to one’s destination. Yes, traffic increases, especially on the roads. Some people make a study out of knowing when to go and when to stay off the roads. They are the wise ones who usually are less stressed and able to enjoy the holiday without decompressing for a while upon arrival. AAA.com offers insight into when the best and worst time to get into the car is on Thanksgiving and the days surrounding it.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
The Kennedy Expressway is clogged with cars as rush-hour commuters and Thanksgiving holiday travelers.
Worst time to travel: between noon and 9 p.m.
Best time to travel: before noon.
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Heavy traffic moves along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
Worst time to travel: 11 a.m to 8 p.m.
Best time to travel: before 11 a.m.
Thanksgiving
The U.S. Capitol dome is seen as traffic fills North Capitol Street.
Minimal traffic expected
Friday, Nov. 28
Traffic stacks up on SR200 as it makes its way northeast on SR200 near the Interstate 75 interchange.
Worst time to travel: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Best time to travel: before 11 a.m.
Satuday, Nov. 29
In an aerial view, traffic backs up on the 101 in San Francisco, California.
Worst time to travel: 1 p.m to 8 p.m.
Best time to travel: before 10 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Heavy traffic moves along a freeway as travelers hit the road during Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago, Illinois
Worst time to travel: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Best time to travel: before 11 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 1
Heavy traffic moves along Interstate 295.
Worst time to travel: 12 p.m to 8 p.m.
Best time to travel: after 8 p.m.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Best and worst times to hit the road for Thanksgiving 2025