Thanksgiving Travel: The Best and Worst Times to Drive in 2026
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, with millions of Americans hitting the road to spend time with family and friends. No matter where you’re traveling, busy roads, unpredictable weather, and longer travel times can make getting where you’re going more stressful than expected.
In 2025, nearly 82 million Americans were expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, including more than 73 million people traveling by car. Knowing when traffic is likely to be heaviest can help you plan ahead and avoid some of the holiday congestion.
If you’re injured in a car accident this Thanksgiving because of another driver’s negligence, Cellino Law can help you understand your options. Schedule a free case evaluation online or call 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Key Takeaways About Thanksgiving Travel in 2026
- Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026, with heavy travel expected in the days surrounding the holiday.
- Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25, could be among the busiest days for drivers heading to Thanksgiving gatherings.
- Thanksgiving Day itself may offer lighter traffic, while Sunday, November 29, could bring significant delays as travelers return home.
- Heavy traffic, distracted driving, fatigue and changing weather conditions can make holiday driving more dangerous.
- Planning your departure, checking road conditions and following safe driving practices can help make your trip safer.
What Are the Busiest Days to Drive During Thanksgiving 2026?
The days immediately before and after Thanksgiving are usually some of the busiest times to travel by car. As people leave work and school to start their holiday trips, traffic builds along major highways and routes connecting cities and surrounding communities.
Based on previous Thanksgiving travel patterns, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons tend to be particularly busy as people head out for holiday gatherings. Sunday can also bring significant delays as families make their way home before the workweek begins.
Although official 2026 traffic forecasts haven’t been released yet, those historical patterns suggest that Tuesday, November 24, and Wednesday, November 25, could be among the most congested travel days. Sunday, November 29, may also see heavier traffic as large numbers of drivers return home.
Of course, traffic won’t look the same everywhere. Drivers traveling through major cities may run into delays during regular commuting hours, while those taking longer trips could encounter backups near highway interchanges, toll plazas and popular destinations.
What Are the Best and Worst Times to Drive on Thanksgiving Weekend?
Choosing when to leave can make a big difference in how much traffic you run into during Thanksgiving weekend. If your schedule allows some flexibility, traveling earlier in the day or adjusting your departure date could help you avoid the worst of the congestion.
Based on previous holiday travel patterns, here are some departure times worth considering when planning your trip:
- Tuesday, November 24: Leaving before noon may help you avoid heavier afternoon and evening traffic.
- Wednesday, November 25: An early morning departure may be your best bet as holiday traffic builds throughout the day.
- Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day itself may offer lighter traffic compared to the surrounding travel dates.
- Friday, November 27: Traveling early could help you avoid increased traffic from holiday shoppers and other travelers.
- Saturday, November 28: Morning departures may help you get ahead of afternoon congestion.
- Sunday, November 29: Returning home before late morning may help you avoid heavier traffic later in the day.
Leaving early may help you avoid traffic, but don’t sacrifice sleep just to get on the road sooner. Checking traffic updates before heading out can also help you prepare for unexpected delays, bad weather and construction.
Is Thanksgiving Day a Good Time to Travel?
If your schedule is flexible, Thanksgiving Day itself may actually be a good option for avoiding some of the holiday’s heaviest traffic. Many people leave earlier in the week so they can spend more time with family, which can mean fewer vehicles on the road during the holiday.
During Thanksgiving 2025, traffic projections indicated that Thursday was expected to have fewer nationwide congestion problems than the surrounding travel dates. That suggests Thanksgiving Day could be a good option for people making shorter trips or those who don’t need to arrive the night before.
Of course, lighter traffic doesn’t mean every route will be clear. Weather conditions, local events and the timing of holiday gatherings can still cause delays. Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, giving yourself extra time can help you avoid rushing to reach your destination.
What Should New York Drivers Expect During Thanksgiving Travel?
Thanksgiving travel in New York can look very different depending on where you’re headed. Drivers traveling through New York City and Long Island may run into heavy traffic on major highways, while those heading through Buffalo, Rochester and other parts of Western New York may have to deal with unpredictable late-November weather.
Roadways such as the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, Interstate 87 and the Long Island Expressway connect many of the state’s major cities and destinations. These routes can become especially crowded during the holiday as people leave metropolitan areas or make their way home.
Previous Thanksgiving traffic forecasts have identified the route from New York City to the Hamptons along the Long Island Expressway as a potential trouble spot, with travel times expected to increase significantly during peak periods.
In Western and Central New York, snow, freezing temperatures and reduced visibility can create additional challenges. Late-November weather can change quickly, and even roads with relatively light traffic can become dangerous when snow or ice develops.
Before leaving, check current New York traffic and road conditions for closures, construction, accidents and weather-related delays along your route.
Why Can Thanksgiving Travel Increase the Risk of Car Accidents?
Heavy traffic isn’t the only thing drivers need to worry about during Thanksgiving travel. Longer trips, fatigue, distractions and impaired driving can all lead to dangerous situations, especially when people are rushing to reach their destinations.
During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday period, 309 people were killed in traffic crashes nationwide, and 44% of those fatalities involved people who weren’t wearing seat belts. Those numbers are a reminder of how important it is to stay alert, follow traffic laws and take basic safety precautions during holiday travel.
Several factors can make driving more dangerous during Thanksgiving weekend.
Heavy Traffic and Congestion
More vehicles on the road mean more frequent braking, slower speeds and sudden changes in traffic patterns. Drivers who follow too closely, change lanes without checking their surroundings or become distracted in stop-and-go traffic can increase the chances of a collision.
Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead is especially important when approaching crowded highways and intersections. It’s also a good idea to avoid aggressive driving when traffic slows down. Sudden lane changes and unexpected braking can make an already crowded roadway even more dangerous.
Drowsy and Distracted Driving
Long trips, early departures and late-night driving can leave motorists exhausted. When you’re tired, your reaction time, concentration and decision-making can all suffer, making it harder to respond to changing road conditions.
Distractions can also become more common when drivers check navigation apps, communicate with family or search for unfamiliar exits. Setting your directions before leaving, taking breaks when needed and letting passengers handle messages can help reduce these risks.
Impaired Driving
Thanksgiving celebrations often involve alcohol, making impaired driving another important safety concern. From 2019 through 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving holiday periods.
If you’re attending a gathering where alcohol will be served, arrange for a sober ride or plan to stay overnight rather than getting behind the wheel after drinking. Hosts can also help by offering nonalcoholic beverages and encouraging guests to make safe transportation arrangements.
How To Stay Safe While Driving This Thanksgiving
Whether you’re traveling across town or taking a long road trip, a little preparation can go a long way toward preventing unexpected problems. Giving yourself extra time, checking road conditions and making responsible decisions behind the wheel can all help make holiday travel safer.
Here are a few Thanksgiving driving tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your departure around traffic patterns. If possible, avoid the busiest afternoon and evening travel periods, particularly on the days immediately before Thanksgiving.
- Check weather and road conditions. Look at local forecasts, road closures and traffic updates, especially when traveling through areas where snow or ice may develop.
- Inspect your vehicle. Check tire pressure, lights, windshield wipers and fluid levels before starting a longer trip. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions you may encounter.
- Avoid distracted driving. Set your GPS before leaving, keep your phone out of reach and pay attention to the traffic around you.
- Take breaks when needed. Stop when you’re tired and don’t keep driving if you’re struggling to stay awake. For longer trips, consider sharing driving responsibilities with another licensed driver.
- Always wear a seat belt. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up, regardless of how far you’re traveling.
- Never drive impaired. Arrange another way home if you plan to consume alcohol or other substances that could affect your ability to drive safely.
It’s also important to prepare for unexpected delays rather than trying to make up lost time by speeding. Adjusting your speed for weather conditions and leaving enough space between vehicles can help prevent collisions when traffic changes suddenly.
What Should You Do if You’re Involved in a Thanksgiving Car Accident?
Even with careful planning, accidents can happen during holiday travel. If you’re involved in a collision, knowing what to do afterward can help protect your health and keep important information about the accident from getting lost.
After a Thanksgiving car accident, consider taking the following steps:
- Check for injuries and call 911. Request emergency assistance if anyone is hurt or needs immediate medical attention.
- Move to safety when possible. If it’s safe and appropriate, move your vehicle out of active traffic to reduce the risk of another collision.
- Document the accident. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs and other details that may help explain how the collision happened.
- Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details and vehicle information.
- Seek medical attention. Have your injuries checked out, even if your symptoms initially seem minor. Some injuries may not become noticeable until hours or days after an accident.
- Speak with an attorney. A personal injury lawyer can review the available evidence, look into what happened and explain your options.
If the accident happens in New York, the state’s no-fault insurance system may help cover certain medical expenses, lost earnings and other qualifying costs, regardless of who caused the collision.
Under New York’s no-fault insurance requirements, eligible injured people generally need to notify the appropriate insurance company in writing within 30 days of the accident, although certain exceptions may apply. Drivers visiting from another state may also have questions about their insurance coverage and which state’s rules apply.
Injured in a Thanksgiving Car Accident? Contact Cellino Law
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, but crowded highways, unpredictable weather and careless driving can quickly turn a holiday trip into a serious accident. Planning when you leave, allowing extra travel time and following safe driving practices can help reduce some of the risks that come with holiday travel.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Thanksgiving car accident because of another driver’s negligence, Cellino Law can look into what happened, review the available evidence and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
Schedule a free case evaluation online at www.cellinolaw.com or call 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
