If you thought last year’s Thanksgiving traffic was wild… buckle up. AAA is projecting that nearly 73 million Americans will be traveling by car this holiday—yep, by car! That’s almost 90% of all Thanksgiving travelers and about 1.3 million more drivers than we saw last year.
And honestly? That number might climb even higher. With recent flight cancellations and delays, plenty of people could ditch the airport chaos and opt for a good old-fashioned road trip instead.
When Traffic Will Be the Worst (and When It Won’t)
According to INRIX, the folks who study traffic patterns for a living, the roads are going to be busiest Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon right before Thanksgiving. So if you're planning to leave last minute… may the odds be ever in your favor.
Coming back home? Sunday is basically the Super Bowl of traffic jams. Expect slowdowns for most of the day.
If you want to avoid the worst backups, the magic words are: leave early. Morning departures are your best friend. Just remember, things like construction, unexpected crashes, and weather can still shake things up.
Best & Worst Times to Drive — Easy Chart for Planning Your Trip
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
|---|
| Tuesday, Nov 25 |
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Before 12:00 PM |
| Wednesday, Nov 26 |
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Before 11:00 AM |
| Thursday, Nov 27 |
Minimal traffic expected |
— |
| Friday, Nov 28 |
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
Before 11:00 AM |
| Saturday, Nov 29 |
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Before 10:00 AM |
| Sunday, Nov 30 |
11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Before 11:00 AM |
| Monday, Dec 1 |
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
After 8:00 PM |
Quick Tips for a Smoother Thanksgiving Drive
-
Leave early — seriously, early birds win the open roads.
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Pack snacks — because hungry passengers = bad vibes.
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Check your car — tires, brakes, fluids… don’t skip it.
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Download your maps offline — just in case your signal decides to “take a break.”
- Save your emergency numbers— better to have them and not need them.
This Thanksgiving, millions of people are heading out to reunite with family, enjoy a good meal, and hopefully not sit in traffic for hours. Plan ahead, drive safely, and enjoy your trip — the mashed potatoes will taste even better when you arrive stress-free. ????✨
Legal Help 24/7
And if the unexpected happens on the road — a crash, an injury, or a stressful insurance situation — Goldberg Injury Lawyers is here for you 24/7. Don’t face it alone. Call 858-GOBARRY anytime for fast, reliable legal help from a team that knows how to protect your rights and get you back on track. Stay safe, and we’ve got your back this Thanksgiving!