Roads and Airports will be the busiest on Tuesday and Wednesday.
(Baltimore, Md. ) AAA is projecting that nearly 1.5 million Marylanders will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of nearly 2% over last year, and slight more than one percent above pre-pandemic Thanksgiving travelers in 2019.
As usual, the great majority of travelers will be driving to their holiday destinations. AAA is projecting that 91% of travelers– more than 1.36 million Marylanders, will be hitting the road, up nearly 2% over last year, with a minimal increase, compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic level.
“Travelers should expect — and plan for — both the roadways and airports to be as busy as ever in our region, reflecting the continued desire to get away that AAA and the tourism industry have seen throughout this year,” Ragina Cooper Ali, a spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, said.
“Thanksgiving is traditionally a favorite time for Americans to reconnect with family and friends and this year is no different,” continued Ali.
As Thanksgiving approaches, gas prices are lower this season compared to 2023. The national average last Thanksgiving was $3.26. Falling oil prices this autumn may help push the national average below $3 gallon for the first time since 2021, and that could happen before drivers hit the road for Thanksgiving.
Best and worst times to drive for Thanksgiving travel
Thanksgiving itself is actually the best day to be on the roads. AAA said it expects light traffic on Thursday.
But if you’re not traveling on the day itself:
Heading out Monday? Try to leave before 11 a.m. to avoid major traffic.
Leaving Tuesday or Wednesday? If you have to drive on one of those days, the best time to hit the road is before 10 a.m.
AAA anticipates the worst times to drive will be:
- Monday, Nov. 25: 1-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 26 1-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: 1-5 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 29: 7-10 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30: 4-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1: 12-6 p.m.
The best times to make the return trip include:
- Friday, Nov. 29 after 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30 before 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1 before 1 p.m.
