Every November the same scene plays out. The turkey is in the freezer, the guest list is set, the pies are on the schedule, and then comes the real question: how long is it going to take to get there? If you are planning to hit the road or the airport for Thanksgiving this year, the best preview comes from last year’s record-setting crowds.
AAA put out its Thanksgiving travel forecast on November 17, 2025, and the headline number was a big one. The organization projected that 81.8 million people would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, which ran from November 25 to December 1. That was a record, and it was 1.6 million more travelers than in 2024.
Keep in mind that those are last year’s figures. AAA’s forecast for this year typically comes out in mid-November, so fresh numbers should be arriving soon. But last year’s forecast is a handy yardstick for what to expect.
How Everyone Got There
The vast majority of those travelers did it the old-fashioned way. AAA projected that at least 73 million people would take the trip by car. That is nearly 90 percent of all holiday travelers, which means that if you are driving, you will be sharing the highway with a lot of company.
Air travel made up a much smaller slice. About 6 million people were expected to fly domestically, which AAA said was up 2 percent. That is still a lot of people lined up at security and waiting at the gate, but compared to the number of drivers it is a modest crowd.
Then there was the smallest group, those who went by bus, train or cruise. AAA projected nearly 2.5 million travelers in that category, up 8.5 percent. It was the fastest-growing group in the forecast, though from a much smaller base than cars or planes.
What a Record Crowd Means for You
Numbers this big are easy to skim past, so let’s bring them down to earth. Eighty-one point eight million people is a crowd larger than the population of many entire countries. Not everyone is on the road at the exact same moment, of course, but enough of them are heading out on the same stretch of days that you should plan for patience.
A record means there were more people than ever before heading to the same family tables. If the trend holds, and we will know more when AAA releases the new forecast, you should expect busy roads, busy terminals and busy rest stops.
Smart Ways to Beat the Holiday Crush
You cannot make the crowds disappear, but a little planning can keep your holiday from turning into a headache. Here are some ideas that cost nothing.
- Leave at an unusual hour. Many travelers hit the road at the most convenient times. If you can leave very early in the morning or later in the evening, you may find a lighter load on the highway. Check your route on a map app just before you go.
- Fill the tank and pack the snacks the day before. Lines at gas stations and rest stops can be long on busy days. Having a full tank, a few drinks and some snacks saves stops and sanity.
- Give yourself extra time. Whatever time your trip normally takes, add a cushion. Then add a little more. An early arrival is a nice surprise, while a late one is a stressful one.
- Book flights and rentals early. With about 6 million people expected to fly domestically last year, seats and rental cars can go quickly. If you are flying, check the airline’s baggage and arrival time recommendations well before you leave.
- Consider the train or bus. That group was the fastest-growing in last year’s forecast, so tickets may fill up, but if the route works for you, it lets someone else handle the traffic.
- Keep an emergency kit in the car. A phone charger, blanket, flashlight and bottled water are good things to have if you get stuck in a long delay.
- Talk with the host. Let them know your travel plans and be flexible about the timing of dinner. A host who knows you are stuck in traffic will not hold the gravy.
Plan Now, Relax Later
The point is not to scare anyone away from visiting loved ones. Millions of people make the trip every year, and most of them arrive safe, tired and happy to see familiar faces. A little foresight just makes the journey easier.
So if you have not made your plans yet, this is the time. Decide how you are traveling, choose your departure time and look out for AAA’s new forecast in mid-November. Then pack the pie, buckle up and head out with a little extra patience. After all, the people waiting on the other end are worth the drive.
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