AAA Warns of the Busiest Holiday Rush Ever, With Peak Congestion Forecast Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday
Record Thanksgiving travel is on the horizon, with AAA projecting 81.8 million people will journey at least 50 miles from home over the seven-day holiday period — the highest number ever recorded.
The forecast represents an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared with last year. About 90% of travelers are expected to drive, setting up packed freeways and heavy congestion as families head out for holiday gatherings.
Transportation analytics firm INRIX warns that the busiest times on the roads will fall on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as Sunday, when many people return home. Drivers are urged to avoid peak afternoon and evening hours whenever possible.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
- Worst: Noon – 9 p.m.
- Best: Before noon
Wednesday, Nov. 26
- Worst: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Best: Before 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30
- Worst: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Best: Before 11 a.m.
Thanksgiving remains the single busiest travel period of the year, outpacing Memorial Day and Independence Day in total travelers.
Drivers in major California metros are expected to experience some of the steepest slowdowns, particularly on routes connecting cities to popular inland and coastal destinations.
- Los Angeles → Bakersfield via I-5 North
- Expected 147% increase in travel time
- Peak congestion: Wednesday at 7:45 p.m.
- San Diego → Palm Springs via I-15 North
- Expected 79% increase in travel time
- Peak congestion: Wednesday at 5 p.m.
- San Francisco → Santa Rosa via US-101 North
- Expected 114% increase in travel time
- Peak congestion: Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.
INRIX and AAA recommend travelers leave early in the day, build in extra time, and prepare for long delays, especially on these high-traffic corridors.
