Thanksgiving travel forecast: These are the best and worst times to drive, AAA says
Millions of people are expected to hit the road this Thanksgiving — creating the potential for travel headaches across the United States.
So, how can you try to avoid traffic congestion? Here’s when AAA predicts will be the best and worst times to drive before and after the holiday.
When are the best times to drive?
As Thanksgiving approaches, AAA shared predictions from the analytics company INRIX. Here are the best times to be on the road:
- Wednesday, Nov. 23: Before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day): Before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 25: Before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 26: Before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 27: Before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
“Although travel times will peak on Wednesday afternoon nationally, travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion throughout the holiday weekend,” Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst for INRIX, said Nov. 15 in a news release. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic.”
When are the worst times to drive?
This year, many of the worst-ranking times for Thanksgiving travel are mid-day or near evening rush hour, according to AAA. Here’s a breakdown:
- Wednesday, Nov. 23: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day): 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 25: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 26: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 27: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Major metro areas such as Atlanta, Los Angeles and Houston could see congestion swell, with peak traffic expected on Nov. 23. INRIX is telling drivers to brace for delays near big cities after it studied past travel seasons.
“We collect billions of anonymous GPS data points from vehicles and phones to help road authorities, cities and businesses understand how people and (goods) move,” INRIX told McClatchy News in an email. “The predictions are derived from 2022 travel trends and previous holidays going back five years.”
Forecast calls for busy Thanksgiving travel season
The projections come as the number of car travelers is expected to near 49 million this Thanksgiving. Though that remains below pre-pandemic levels, road trips are making a comeback.
In all, 54.6 million people are expected to venture at least 50 miles from their homes, marking the third-busiest Thanksgiving travel season since 2000, according to experts.
“With travel restrictions lifted and more people comfortable taking public transportation again, it’s no surprise buses, trains, and cruises are coming back in a big way,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel at AAA, said in the news release. “Regardless of the mode of transportation you have chosen, expect crowds during your trip and at your destination. If your schedule is flexible, consider off-peak travel times during the holiday rush.”
This story was originally published November 15, 2022 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Thanksgiving travel forecast: These are the best and worst times to drive, AAA says."
