Thanksgiving Travel to Hit Record High of 81.8 Million Travelers

WASHINGTON, DC (November 17, 2025) – AAA estimates that 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday from November 25 to December 1. This marks an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last year, setting a new record for Thanksgiving travel.

“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 their plans to create lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting family or meeting friends.”

Car travel remains the most popular option, with projections reaching 73 million travelers, nearly 90 percent of all Thanksgiving travelers. This also reflects an increase of 1.3 million compared to previous years. The busiest day for car rentals is expected to be Wednesday, with top demand in markets like Orlando, Atlanta, and Las Vegas.

Gas prices over the holiday weekend are projected to remain similar to last year’s average of $3.06 per gallon. AAA advises that travelers should fill their tanks the night before their trips to avoid delays and also check vehicle conditions to prevent roadside emergencies.

Amid the excitement of holiday travel, AAA and MADD remind travelers to plan for safe transportation, given that drunk driving incidents spike during this period. Between 2019 and 2023, Thanksgiving holiday drunk driving crashes resulted in 868 deaths.

Air travel is anticipated to see 6 million travelers flying domestically for Thanksgiving, up 2% from the previous year. However, these numbers could fluctuate due to potential flight cancellations. The average cost of a roundtrip domestic flight stands at $700, consistent with last year, but demand is driving up prices on peak travel days.

Travel via other modes, including buses and trains, is expected to increase by 8.5%, reaching nearly 2.5 million people. Additionally, cruise travel is becoming increasingly popular during the holiday, with AAA forecasting 20.7 million cruise passengers this year.

Top domestic destinations include Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, while international favorites are Paris, Amsterdam, and Sydney. The increase in travel comes as families and friends look to reconnect and celebrate the holiday together.

AAA also cautions travelers about optimal travel times, with heavy congestion expected on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving Day. Travelers returning home on Sunday should prepare for heavy traffic, particularly in urban metro areas.

As the holiday approaches, AAA urges everyone to plan their journeys and ensure safe travel to create memorable moments this Thanksgiving.