AAA released its updated Thanksgiving travel outlook for 2025 this week. Let’s just say New Jersey travelers should expect a packed week for traveling. The group now estimates 81.83 million people nationwide will travel at least 50 miles between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1. That’s about 1.6 million more than last year, which sets a new record for Thanksgiving week.
“Thanksgiving is the single busiest holiday for travel and has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “It does not come as a surprise that people are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans, if needed.”
Most people will hit the road. AAA expects 73.28 million travelers to drive this year, or nearly nine in 10 travelers. That’s roughly 1.3 million more drivers than last Thanksgiving. If you live in New Jersey, that probably doesn’t shock you. Driving has always been the go-to here, whether families are heading to Pennsylvania, New York or just across a few towns.
Hertz, AAA’s rental partner, expects Wednesday, Nov. 26, to be the busiest pick-up day for rental cars. AAA says domestic rental rates are about 15 percent cheaper than last year, which should help anyone booking last minute. Gas prices across much of New Jersey also sit close to last Thanksgiving’s average, so drivers have a good sense of what they’ll spend.
Before leaving, AAA recommends giving your car a quick check. The group responded to nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls during last year’s Thanksgiving period. Flat tires, dead batteries and running out of gas were the most common issues. It’s basic stuff, but checking wipers, tire pressure and fluids — plus filling the tank the night before — can save headaches once traffic starts building.
AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving also pointed to safety concerns. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows 868 deaths tied to drunk driving during Thanksgiving travel periods from 2019 through 2023. If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Arrange a designated driver, take an Uber or use public transit. It can save a life.
Air travel is going up too. The group expects 6.07 million people to fly, up 2 percent from last year. Newark Liberty International Airport usually feels crowded during holiday weeks, and this year should be no different. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and plan extra time for parking, check-in and security, especially from Tuesday through Thursday. Lines tend to form earlier than people expect.
More people are using buses, trains and cruises as well. AAA projects 2.48 million travelers in this category, an 8.5 percent jump from last Thanksgiving. Buses and trains often pick up last-minute demand from travelers who want to skip the long drive or the airport rush.
INRIX, the transportation data company that works with AAA, identified Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon as the toughest times to be on the road before Thanksgiving. For the return trip, Sunday usually brings steady congestion from morning into night. Morning departures tend to move faster, although crashes or construction can still cause delays.
New Jersey residents should expect heavier travel across the board this year. Keeping an eye on traffic apps or airline alerts can help, and giving yourself extra time is probably the safest plan. The holiday week will feel busy no matter where you’re headed, but early planning can make it smoother.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.