The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts a substantial surge in Thanksgiving travel this year, with an estimated 79.9 million Americans planning journeys of 50 miles or more from home. This figure represents a notable increase of 1.7 million travelers from last year and exceeds pre-pandemic levels by 2 million.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, emphasized, “Thanksgiving stands out as the busiest travel holiday, and 2024 is poised to set new records across all modes of travel—be it by road, air, or sea. As Americans prioritize reconnecting with loved ones, travel remains integral to the holiday experience. AAA continues to witness robust post-pandemic travel demand, with our members eagerly seeking enriching adventures and memorable vacations.”
The majority of travelers—approximately 71.7 million—are expected to drive, marking an increase of 1.3 million car travelers compared to last year and surpassing 2019 figures when 70.6 million drove to Thanksgiving destinations. Favorable gas prices, lower than the previous year, are expected to further facilitate travel, potentially dropping below $3 per gallon nationwide due to declining oil prices.
Hertz, AAA’s car rental partner, identifies cities such as Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Miami among those experiencing peak rental demand during the Thanksgiving holiday period. The busiest days for car rentals are anticipated to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with peak return days expected on the Monday and Tuesday following the holiday.
Best/Worst Times to Drive This Thanksgiving Holiday
According to transportation data provider INRIX, the peak congestion periods for Thanksgiving travel by car are forecasted to occur on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Conversely, Thanksgiving Day itself typically offers clearer roads, making it the optimal time for travel. Drivers returning home on Sunday are advised to depart early in the morning, while Monday travelers should anticipate mixed traffic conditions.
Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, advises, “Given the record number of travelers expected, drivers should utilize traffic apps and local news updates to avoid significant delays, particularly in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, DC, where traffic volumes are projected to exceed typical daily norms.”
| Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
| Monday, November 25 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Tuesday, November 26 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 10:00 AM |
| Wednesday, November 27 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 10:00 AM |
| Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day) | Minimal Traffic Impact Expected | |
| Friday, November 29 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | After 1:00 PM |
| Saturday, November 30 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 1:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 1 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 1:00 PM |
| Monday, December 2 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Before 8 AM / After 7 PM |
Please note, all times referenced are in local time zones. This year’s extended Thanksgiving travel forecast spans from Tuesday, November 26 to Monday, December 2, encompassing both pre-holiday and post-holiday travel periods—an expansion from previous years which historically focused solely on the Wednesday through Sunday timeframe.
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