2 million from NJ expected to travel for Thanksgiving

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The basics:

• Over 2 million New Jerseyans projected to travel 50+ miles, up 1.6% from Thanksgiving 2024
• Nearly 1.8 million will drive; 175,000 will fly; 40,500 will travel by train, bus or cruise
• Average gas prices in NJ at $3.04 per gallon, slightly higher than last year
• Airports, bridges, tunnels, transit agencies (NJ Transit, PATH) adding extra service for Thanksgiving

More than 2 million New Jerseyans are set to travel 50 miles or more over the Thanksgiving holiday – an increase of nearly 31,000 people (up 1.6% from 2024), according to AAA.

Nationally, AAA projects that 82 million Americans will travel, up 2% or by 1.6 million people, during the period between Nov. 25–Dec. 1.

“The primary focus of Thanksgiving, more so than any other holiday, is to celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance. “That has never been more evident than in the sheer volume of people who are preparing to travel this year. New Jerseyans need to plan ahead and be prepared for backups and delays whether driving or flying to their destination.”

Among the New Jerseyans traveling, AAA projects that over 1.8 million (89%) will drive to their destination, an increase of 1.4% versus last year. Meanwhile, nearly 175,000 New Jerseyans (8.6%) will travel by air over the holiday weekend, up 2% from last year, according to the projections.

AAA notes that other means of transportation are seeing big jumps for holiday travel. Up nearly 5%, some 40,500 New Jersey travelers will go by cruise, train or bus this year, according to estimates.

“For many, Thanksgiving and travel are synonymous, and this holiday is certainly no exception,” said Noble. “AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast is consistent with the strong travel demand we have seen over the last few years. In fact, the increase in travel across all modes of transportation reflects Americans continued desire for adventures and new experiences.”

As for those driving, prices at the pump are in line with last year’s prices around the holiday. As of Nov. 24, the average price in New Jersey was $3.04 per gallon — slightly up from $2.98 per gallon a year ago.

Planes, trains and automobiles

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects nearly 8.8 million travelers to use its airports and crossings during the peak Thanksgiving travel period. Defined as Nov. 24–Dec. 1, that figure would mark record travel numbers.

The projections include 3.3 million passengers moving through area airports (Newark Liberty International, JFK International, LaGuardia and Stewart International), marking a 1% increase from last year’s record. Meanwhile, the Port Authority anticipates an estimated 5.5 million vehicles will use its bridges and tunnels (flat versus 2024).

To accommodate the expected travel, the agency is suspending all ongoing repairs and construction projects at crossings from 5 a.m. Nov. 26 to 5 a.m. Dec. 1.

The agency also recommends that all travelers – air or road – allow for extra time and use public transit whenever possible.

United Airlines defines the holiday travel period as Nov. 20–Dec. 2. It expects 6.6 million customers during that time. That figure would be 300,000 more than 2024 — and the most the airline has ever flown during a Thanksgiving holiday. Of that 6.6 million, United expects more than 980,000 customers to travel to or through EWR.

Of course, the airports will face the rush as start getting back to some semblance of normalcy following the end of the government shutdown. The extended standstill strained operations from October to earlier this month.

Holiday guide rails

On the rail side, PATH will operate on a modified Saturday schedule on Thanksgiving Day. It will feature a modified weekday schedule on Black Friday. More information is available here.

NJ Transit is adding additional services over the holiday weekend. The expansion includes increased travel and capacity to support the amplified ridership to Newark airport on Wednesday, as well as “early getaway” rail and bus service that day for those leaving work early to begin the holiday weekend.

Additionally, the agency will offer its Family SuperSaver Fare from 7 p.m. Nov. 26–2 a.m. Jan. 5, 2026. The promotion allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult.

On Thanksgiving, NJ Transit will add trains and buses in the morning and early afternoon to accommodate travel to and from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

On Black Friday, additional bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout the state. Rail service will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule with additional service for those working. More information on NJ Transit holiday service is available here.

Wishing all of our readers safe travels and a happy and healthy Thanksgiving weekend ahead.