Key facts
- AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, marking a new record and 1.6 million more than last year [2]
- Nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers—about 73 million people—will drive, with domestic car rental prices 15% cheaper this year [2]
- Orlando tops AAA’s list of most popular U.S. Thanksgiving destinations, alongside Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa [1]
- Roundtrip domestic airfare averages $700, unchanged from last year, with 6 million Americans expected to fly domestically [1]
Thanksgiving travel is set to break records once again, and Florida—especially Orlando—remains among the nation’s most in-demand destinations. Thanksgiving continues to rank as the busiest travel holiday of the year, outpacing Memorial Day and July 4 [1].
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel [1]. “People are willing to brave the crowds and make last-minute adjustments to their plans to make lifelong memories, whether it’s visiting extended family or meeting up with friends.”
Road Travel Expected to Dominate, with Millions Heading to Florida
Driving remains the top choice for holiday travelers. AAA estimates 73 million people will hit the road nationwide—nearly 90% of all travelers and an increase of 1.3 million compared to last year [2]. With ongoing flight concerns, even more people may ultimately switch to driving. Florida’s major hubs—including Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami—are anticipated to see heavy road traffic as families head to theme parks, beaches, and cruise ports [1].
For those renting vehicles, AAA’s partner Hertz reports that Wednesday is expected to be the busiest pick-up day, with Orlando showing especially high demand alongside Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark [2]. Good news: domestic car rental prices are 15% lower than last year [2].
Drivers should prepare for busy gas stations and pack accordingly. Fuel prices are expected to be similar to last Thanksgiving’s $3.06 per gallon average [1]. AAA recommends filling up the night before traveling, checking tire pressure, and testing vehicle batteries. Last year, the agency handled nearly 600,000 roadside assistance calls over the Thanksgiving period [1].
Safety remains paramount—particularly impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during Thanksgiving celebrations from 2019 to 2023, representing 35% of all traffic fatalities during that period [1]. AAA and MADD urge travelers to plan ahead, use rideshare services, designate a sober driver, or opt for public transportation.
Air Travel Sees Moderate Growth, with Orlando Among Top Markets
However, recent flight cancellations may lead some passengers to pivot to road trips. Roundtrip domestic airfare is averaging $700, consistent with last year [1].
Flying on Thanksgiving Day remains the most affordable option, while returning the following Sunday or Monday drives prices higher [1]. Orlando International Airport (MCO)—one of the country’s busiest holiday hubs—is expected to experience significant demand from both domestic visitors and Floridians heading out of state [1].
Buses, Trains, and Cruises Gain Momentum
Travel by bus, rail, and cruise ship is expected to rise 8.5%, reaching nearly 2.5 million travelers [1]. Cruise vacations continue to grow rapidly, with Florida’s ports—including Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades—remaining among the world’s busiest for Thanksgiving-week departures, especially to the Caribbean [1].
Florida Dominates AAA’s Top Thanksgiving Destinations
According to AAA’s holiday booking data, Florida claims several top domestic spots [1]:
- Orlando, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Miami, FL
- Anaheim/Los Angeles, CA
- Tampa, FL
- New York, NY
- San Francisco, CA
- Honolulu, HI
- Las Vegas, NV
- Atlanta, GA
Florida’s popularity is driven by its world-class theme parks, cruise ports, warm weather, and family-friendly attractions [1].
Florida Prepares for Its Busiest Thanksgiving Yet
With record-breaking travel volumes, Florida’s airports, highways, and tourist destinations are preparing for one of the busiest Thanksgiving seasons ever. From Orlando’s theme parks to South Florida’s beaches and ports, the state remains a top choice for families seeking warm weather and holiday experiences [1]. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead—whether hitting the road, heading to the airport, or boarding a cruise—to make the most of this record-setting holiday week.
Frequently asked questions
How many Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving 2026?
AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period from November 25 to December 1, 2026, setting a new all-time record [2].
What’s the best way to travel for Thanksgiving in Florida?
Driving is expected to account for nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travel. Domestic car rental prices are 15% cheaper this year, making road trips an economical choice [2].
What are the worst times to drive in Florida for Thanksgiving?
Heavy congestion is expected Tuesday, November 25 from 12 p.m.–9 p.m.; Wednesday, November 26 from 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Friday through Sunday, November 28–30 during afternoons and evenings [1].
Why is Florida such a popular Thanksgiving destination?
Florida’s world-class theme parks, cruise ports, warm weather, and family-friendly attractions make it the top choice for Thanksgiving travelers. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa all rank among America’s top ten Thanksgiving destinations [1].
Sources
- Nearly 82 Million Americans Expected to Travel for Thanksgiving, with Florida a Top Destination – Central Florida Lifestyle, 2025-11-19
- Nearly 82 Million Americans Projected to Travel over Thanksgiving – AAA Newsroom – AAA Newsroom, 2025-11-17
Originally published by Central Florida Lifestyle on 2025-11-19; updated October 20, 2026 with current information.
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