Miami Joins Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and Other Major U.S. Cities as Top Thanksgiving Travel Destinations, With Eighty One Million Americans Set to Hit the Roads and Skies

Home » Latest Travel News » Miami Joins Florida, Los Angeles, New York, and Other Major U.S. Cities as Top Thanksgiving Travel Destinations, With Eighty One Million Americans Set to Hit the Roads and Skies

Published on
November 17, 2025

In the United States, domestic travel for the Thanksgiving holiday is poised to reach 81.8 million people, according to a forecast by the American Automobile Association (AAA), covering the period from Tuesday 25 November to Monday 1 December 2025. This compelling projection underscores a deep‑rooted desire among Americans to reconnect with friends and family, and to hit the road or skies in a major way.

The scale of the movement

AAA’s data reveal that of the 81.8 million travellers, approximately 73 million are expected to journey by car — nearly 90 % of the total.Domestically flown travellers are forecast at around 6 million, a modest uptick of 2 % over last year’s figures. Meanwhile, travel by buses, trains and cruise ships is set to climb by 8.5 % to nearly 2.5 million people

Why the jump?

The prediction for 2025 shows an increase of 1.6 million travellers compared with the previous year, suggesting both rising demand and a willingness to take longer or more complex journeys The heavy leaning toward car travel speaks to both cost‑sensitivity and flexibility: with domestic flights facing potential disruptions, many may choose to drive instead.

Road travel highlights & safety concerns

On the roads, this Thanksgiving is shaping up to set a new benchmark. With 73 million drivers expected, the highways will see heavy use. AAA highlights that car‑rentals are about 15 % cheaper this year compared to last, and the national average petrol price stays roughly around last year’s US $3.06 per gallon reference. Safety remains a key concern: from 2019‑2023, there were 868 drunk‑driving crash fatalities during Thanksgiving travel — about 35 % of all traffic deaths in that period. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) urge travellers to plan sober journeys, designate drivers or choose alternative transport.

Air travel & alternate modes

For those flying, roughly 6 million Americans are expected to take domestic flights over the holiday period. The average round‑trip ticket price sits near US $700 and remains similar to last year’s cost. Notably, this increase is comparatively modest, reflecting the dominance of road travel for this holiday. Meanwhile, the 2.5 million travellers opting for buses, trains and cruises mark a meaningful rise — and reflect increasing interest in alternative modes.

Peak travel times & top destinations

According to analytics firm INRIX, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving will witness the worst road congestion, while Sunday will see strong return‑traffic. On destinations, AAA’s booking data identify Florida cities (Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami) topping the list domestically, alongside Los Angeles/Anaheim, New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu.

What this means for travel & tourism‑related sectors

For travel‑service providers, rental‑car firms, road‑side assistance operators and regional destinations, these numbers signal both opportunity and strain. Car‑rental demand surges mean pricing pressures; roads will face heavy loads; airports may remain less stressed than road networks but still need to handle the volume. On the flip side, travellers should brace for delays, plan for early departures, and consider off‑peak travel windows.

Tips for a smoother holiday journeyDepart early or travel on Thanksgiving Day itself, when traffic tends to be lighter.Pre‑check your vehicle: tyres, battery, fuel the night before, especially given the high volume of roadside incidents.If flying, aim for early‑morning departures which statistically have fewer delays and cancellations.Alternate transport (train, bus, cruise) may offer relief from road‑vie congestion and last‑minute surges.Book ahead where possible, especially for car‑rentals or popular destinations, given demand.Plan for safety: avoid impaired driving, schedule rests, manage fatigue — with this volume, even small delays may magnify.DestinationStateType of Travel (Car/Air)Estimated Number of Travelers (Millions)Main AttractionOrlando, FloridaFloridaBoth3.0Theme ParksFort Lauderdale, FloridaFloridaBoth2.5BeachesMiami, FloridaFloridaBoth2.2BeachesLos Angeles, CaliforniaCaliforniaBoth2.0HollywoodAnaheim, CaliforniaCaliforniaBoth1.8DisneylandNew York City, New YorkNew YorkAir/Car2.1Broadway, Central ParkSan Francisco, CaliforniaCaliforniaCar/Air1.5Golden Gate Bridge, AlcatrazLas Vegas, NevadaNevadaAir/Car1.4Casinos, EntertainmentHonolulu, HawaiiHawaiiAir/Car1.3Beaches, VolcanoesChicago, IllinoisIllinoisCar/Air1.0Architecture, HistoryWashington, D.C.District of ColumbiaAir/Car0.9Monuments, MuseumsDallas/Fort Worth, TexasTexasCar/Air1.2Sports, ShoppingBoston, MassachusettsMassachusettsCar/Air1.0Historical Sites, Culture

The domestic travel forecast for Thanksgiving 2025 suggests the U.S. population is ready to hit the road in larger numbers than ever — with 81.8 million travellers expected and road trips accounting for the lion’s share. For many families and friends across the country, this isn’t just about movement — it’s a ritual of reconnection. On the flip side, it’s a test for infrastructure, services and individual planning. The smoother the trip, the better the memory at destination.

As families settle into holiday mode, the best moments are carved out not just at the end‑point but en‑route — weaving through traffic, laughter shared inside the car, or the scanned boarding pass that meant “I made it”. With one eye on safety and another on togetherness, this Thanksgiving’s travel surge is less about kilometres and more about hearts going home.