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Thanksgiving travel to reach record levels in DMV;
More than 1.6 million Washington-area residents are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA.
WASHINGTON - More than 1.6 million Washington-area residents are expected to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA.
READ MORE: Record-breaking air travel expected during Thanksgiving rush
By the numbers:
The auto club says this marks the highest number of Thanksgiving holiday travelers ever recorded in the D.C. region. Most will be driving to their destinations, meaning congestion and traffic jams across the DMV are almost certain.
AAA projects more than 92,000 Washingtonians will fly this year, a slight increase from last Thanksgiving. Another 20,000 are expected to travel by bus, train or cruise.
Nationwide, nearly 82 million people are expected to journey 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving, AAA said.
DC weather: Showers return Tuesday ahead of cold, blustery Thanksgiving
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Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast
The FOX 5 Traffic Team has the Thanksgiving holiday travel forecast.
Best and Worst Times to Drive in the DC region
Tuesday, Nov 25
Worst Travel Time: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 12:00 PM
Wednesday, Nov 26
Worst Travel Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM
Thursday, Nov 27
Minimal Traffic Impact Expected
Friday, Nov 28
Worst Travel Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM
Saturday, Nov 29
Worst Travel Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 10:00 AM
Sunday, Nov 30
Worst Travel Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Best Travel Time: Before 11:00 AM
Monday, Dec 1
Worst Travel Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Best Travel Time: After 8:00 PM
Peak Congestion by Metro
Metro: Washington, DC to Baltimore
Route: via Balt/Wash Pkwy N
Peak Congestion Period: Tuesday, 4:30 PM
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Increase Compared to Typical: 166%
Source: INRIX
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495 Express Lanes open in time for holiday travel
Just days before Thanksgiving travel ramps up, drivers have a new option to avoid Beltway backups. The I-495 Express Lanes extension between the American Legion Bridge and the Dulles Toll Road opened after more than three years of construction.
2025 Thanksgiving Holiday Washington DC Metro Area Travelers
2025 (Forecast)
Total Travel: 1,578,200
Automobile: 1,465,808
Air: 92,006
Other (Bus, Train, Cruise): 20,386
2024 (Actual)
Total Travel: 1,547,700
Automobile: 1,438,108
Air: 91,043
Other (Bus, Train, Cruise): 18,550
The Source: Information in this article comes from AAA and previous FOX 5 reporting.