Thanksgiving Travel Alert: Avoid Peak Traffic Times
Thanksgiving travel is anticipated to hit a new milestone this year, with 81.8 million Americans expected to travel between November 25 and December 1, 2023. This marks an increase of roughly 1.6 million travelers compared to 2022. The surge in travel demands careful planning, particularly to avoid peak traffic times.
Thanksgiving Travel Trends
The Thanksgiving holiday on November 27 signifies the start of the holiday travel season. While most travelers will choose to drive, about 6 million are expected to take flights. According to AAA, the average domestic round-trip flight cost stands at $700, consistent with prices from the previous year. Interestingly, Priceline reports an even lower average cost at $403, which is 5% less than in 2022.
Top Destinations for Thanksgiving
- Orlando, Florida
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Los Angeles, California
- Tampa, Florida
International travelers are likely to flock to popular spots like Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, and Mexican locales such as Cancun and Punta Cana.
Avoiding Peak Traffic Times
To navigate traffic effectively, travelers should leave for their destinations as early as possible. Recommended departure times are before noon on Tuesday, November 25, and before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26. Thanksgiving Day itself is expected to be relatively traffic-free.
Worst Times for Travel
Travelers should brace for heavy congestion at specific times:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 28: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Peak Congestion in Major Cities
Travelers in major U.S. cities should be aware of the worst routes and estimated delays:
| City | Worst Route | Worst Day | Worst Time | Estimated Travel Time | Increased Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 3:30 p.m. | 5 hours, 16 minutes | 53% |
| Boston | Boston to Hyannis via Pilgrims Hwy S | Thursday, Nov. 27 | 11:45 a.m. | 2 hours | 108% |
| Denver | Pueblo to Denver via I-25 N | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 5:30 p.m. | 3 hours | 64% |
| Houston | Galveston to Houston via I-45 N | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 5:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 15 minutes | 47% |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles to Bakersfield via I-5 N | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 7:45 p.m. | 4 hours, 10 minutes | 147% |
| New York | New York to Hamptons via Long Island Expressway E | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 4:30 p.m. | 4 hours, 8 minutes | 163% |
| San Francisco | San Francisco to Santa Rosa via US-101 N | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 7:15 p.m. | 2 hours, 34 minutes | 114% |
| Washington, DC | Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Parkway N | Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 4:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 50 minutes | 166% |
This Thanksgiving, travelers can enjoy the holiday while being mindful of potential delays and traffic to ensure a memorable experience. Plan ahead to avoid peak traffic times and start your journey early!
