HOUSTON – Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and holiday travel is expected to break records nationwide and in Houston.
AAA Travel predicts nearly 80 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more during the Thanksgiving travel period, marking a 1.7 million increase from last year and exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.
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“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “It’s a time when people reconnect with loved ones, and travel is a huge part of that tradition.”
In Houston, major highways like I-45 North and I-10 East are expected to bear the brunt of holiday congestion, so planning ahead is essential.
What to Expect: Travel by the Numbers
On the road
Nationwide, 71.7 million people will travel by car—a 1.3 million increase from 2023.
Here in Houston, expect heavy traffic on major routes like I-45 North, where travel times from Galveston could increase by as much as 30% during peak hours.
Monday evening, Nov. 25, is forecasted to be especially busy, with congestion peaking around 5:45 p.m.
Drivers can find some relief at the pump. Gas prices are expected to drop below $3 per gallon nationally, with Houston drivers likely to pay between $2.25 and $2.50 per gallon.
In the sky
If you’re flying out of Houston this Thanksgiving, brace for crowds. Nationwide, 5.84 million travelers will take to the skies, setting a new record for air travel during the holiday. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport, passengers are encouraged to arrive early—two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
Best and worst times to travel
Traffic insights from INRIX provide guidance on when to hit the road—or stay off it:
Date Worst Travel Time
- Sunday, Nov. 24 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 25 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Best Travel Time
- Sunday, Nov. 24 before 12 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 25 before 11 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day is the best time to travel, with minimal traffic expected. For those heading back to Houston, Sunday morning is the ideal time to avoid post-holiday congestion.
Tips For A Smooth Trip
Whether you’re hitting the road or flying out, here are some tips to make your travels easier:
1. Use Traffic Tools: Apps like Waze and Google Maps can help you navigate around delays.
2. Leave Early: Morning departures are your best bet to beat the crowds.
3. Check Gas Prices: Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest stations along your route.
4. Prepare for Airport Crowds: Double-check your flight status and pack light for faster security screenings.
A Record Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Season
This year’s Thanksgiving travel is expected to set records for all forms of transportation. Beyond driving and flying, 2.3 million Americans will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship—an 18% increase from pre-pandemic levels.
“The roads and skies will be busy, so preparation is key,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “For Houston drivers, avoiding peak hours will make all the difference.”