Heavy Thanksgiving Traffic Expected as 82 Million Americans Hit the Road

New Englanders planning to visit family and friends this Thanksgiving should prepare for packed roads and longer travel times. According to AAA’s 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast, nearly 82 million Americans are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1 — the busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record.

AAA reports that total travel is set to rise by 1.6 million from last year, marking the strongest Thanksgiving travel demand ever recorded. The vast majority of travelers — almost 73 million people — will drive to their holiday destinations, representing nearly 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travelers nationwide.

“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”

For Massachusetts and neighboring states, that surge means heavier-than-usual traffic on major routes, including Interstate 90, Interstate 93, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. AAA Northeast anticipates bottlenecks near Boston on Wednesday afternoon, historically one of the worst travel times of the year.

Drivers across the region can expect conditions similar to last Thanksgiving, with gas prices hovering near last year’s average of $3.06 per gallon. AAA advises motorists to fill up their tanks the night before traveling, check tire pressure, and ensure vehicle batteries are in good condition, particularly as colder temperatures set in.

Boston Logan International Airport and smaller regional hubs in Providence, Portland, and Manchester are also preparing for busy terminals. While AAA projects roughly 8 million Americans will fly, the organization cautions that ongoing flight cancellations and weather delays could push even more last-minute travelers onto highways.

For those renting vehicles, partner company Hertz notes that Wednesday will likely be the busiest pick-up day. Top national markets for car rentals are expected to include Newark — a common gateway for many New Englanders traveling south or west for the holiday. Encouragingly, AAA reports that car rental rates are 15 percent lower this year compared to 2024.

Weather could further shape New England travel plans. Though the forecast remains uncertain, early models suggest seasonal cold and scattered rain showers. AAA recommends that travelers monitor storm systems closely and allow extra travel time for both departures and returns.

For AAA, the record-breaking forecast underscores how deeply Thanksgiving travel is woven into American life. Even as costs fluctuate and crowds intensify, most families appear undeterred.

Whether heading to family dinners in Maine, Cape Cod, or Connecticut, New Englanders should plan their routes and pack their patience. With millions sharing the roads, early departures, full gas tanks, and safe driving habits could make the journey — and the holiday weekend — more enjoyable for everyone.