Here are the best and worst times to drive Thanksgiving week

Travel

A record number of travelers will hit the road this year, according to AAA.

By Kristi Palma

November 24, 2025 | 1:39 PM

1 minute to read

A record 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving, according to AAA, and 73 million people will travel by car.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced changes on the roads in anticipation of the busy travel period.

There will be no scheduled construction work on major roadways outside of established work zones between 5 a.m. on Nov. 25 and 5 a.m. on Dec. 1., according to MassDOT.

MassDOT is extending the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane hours on I-93 between Boston and Quincy from 2 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 and from 1 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 26. The HOV lane will be closed Nov. 27-28. Due to increased travel in and out of Logan Airport, the Sumner Tunnel swing lane will not be deployed Nov. 27-28.  

“This year, MassDOT is forecasting increased traffic volumes throughout the week with the heaviest traffic expected Monday through Wednesday.” said Jonathan Gulliver, undersecretary and state highway administrator, in a statement. “We also expect volumes to be heavy on Sunday, November 30. MassDOT encourages people to drive safely and without distraction and plan for extra time to reach their destinations.” 

Boston drivers will find the worst traffic on Pilgrims Highway S from Boston to Hyannis, according to transportation analytics company INRIX. Drivers can expect peak congestion on Thursday at 11:45 a.m., with a travel time of 2 hours and traffic 108 percent over typical volume.

In general, the worst times to travel during Thanksgiving week are between noon and 9 p.m. on Nov. 25; 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 26; 1 and 7 p.m. on Nov. 28; 1 and 8 p.m. on Nov. 29; 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 30; and noon and 8 p.m. on Dec. 1. Minimal traffic is expected on Thanksgiving day.

The best times to travel during the holiday week are before noon on Nov. 25; before 11 a.m. on Nov. 26, 28, and 30; before 10 a.m. on Nov. 29; and after 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, INRIX reported.

Kristi Palma

Culture writer

 

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.