Thanksgiving Travel Hits Record Levels for 2025, AAA Says

AAA is projecting the busiest Thanksgiving travel week ever, with an estimated 81.8 million Americans heading at least 50 miles from home. That’s about 1.6 million more travelers than last year, and most of them will be on the highway.

The travel window runs from Tuesday, November 25, through Monday, December 1. AAA notes that Thanksgiving continues to draw the largest crowds of any holiday because families make the trip, regardless of how packed the roads or airports become.

Most Travelers Are Driving This Year

Roughly 73 million people plan to travel by car, which is nearly 90% of all holiday travelers. That’s 1.3 million more drivers than last year, with the final numbers potentially climbing if more people choose to drive rather than fly.

Hertz reports that Wednesday will be the busiest pick-up day nationwide, with the highest demand in Orlando, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark. Rental prices are running lower than last year based on AAA’s current booking data.

Safety Concerns on Holiday Roads

AAA and MADD are drawing particular attention to the risks of impaired driving during the Thanksgiving travel period. Between 2019 and 2023, 868 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes during this same period. They encourage travelers to plan ahead by choosing a rideshare, arranging a sober driver, or using public transportation.

Holiday Travel Tips for RVers and Road-Trippers

With more RVers, road-trippers, and holiday travelers sharing the roads this year, a little planning can make the trip a lot smoother.

Plan Your Driving Windows

Heavy traffic peaks on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, and Sunday. If your schedule allows, aim for early mornings or later evenings to stay ahead of the biggest slowdowns.

Check Your RV and Tow Vehicle

Give your tires, brakes, lights, and fluids a quick look before heading out, which you should be doing anyway. A simple check the day before can prevent delays once you’re on the road.

Map Out Fuel Stops

Popular stations near major interstates tend to fill up fast during this week. Having a few backup stops in mind can save time.

Watch the Weather

Late-November storms can shift quickly. Keeping an eye on upcoming changes helps you avoid bad road conditions and detours.

Pack Snacks and Water

Longer travel times are common during Thanksgiving week. Having a small stash of food and drinks keeps you moving without needing to rely on crowded rest areas.

Give Yourself Extra Time

Travel can slow down fast during Thanksgiving week. A little flexibility in your schedule helps the trip feel smoother.

Source: AAA Expects Record Travel for Thanksgiving 2025 | AAA Oregon/Idaho