Expect more Thanksgiving traffic on Whitestone, Verrazzano bridges
Severe weather hits the country before Thanksgiving travel
Severe weather is impacting parts of the country just as millions hit the road for Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving, about 81.8 people are expected to travel for the holiday, whether by plane, train or car, the highest number of holiday travelers on record since 2000.
AAA Northeast says an additional 1.6 million travelers are expected to celebrate the holiday at least 50 miles from home this year compared to 2024, but that number could change thanks to lingering uncertainties with airline flight reductions.
“Thanksgiving is the single busiest holiday for travel and has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” said Robert Sinclair, Jr. of AAA Northeast.
The most popular mode of transportation this Thanksgiving continues to be by car, with about 90% of travelers projected to drive to their holiday destinations in 2025.
New York City area bridges and tunnels outlook
The Battery Tunnel, Whitestone Bridge and the Verrazzano Bridge are expected to be the most congested in New York City during the holiday, with an increase of traffic between 24 to 35% from 2024.
The Cross Bay Bridge, Midtown Tunnel and Marine Parkway Bridge are expecting the least increase in traffic, but still between a 5 and 8% increase from last year.
AAA says the busiest time to drive in New York City is expected to be between 2 and 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, as travelers mix with rush hour traffic. Sunday’s traffic is also expected to be hectic throughout the morning and afternoon, only slowing down around 7 p.m.
What is the average gas price in New York City?
1.3 million more people are expected to be on the road nationwide, but that number could be higher depending on the number of cancelled flights in the area. In New York, that might mean a lot of people filling up at the gas tank.
AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gas in New York City is $3.15 in 2025, about eight cents more than in 2024. In Long Island, the average is $3.02 and in the rest of the state and throughout the country, drivers are expected to pay $3.07, the same price as a gallon last Thanksgiving.
Best and worst times to drive
According to INRIX, a transportation data service, Wednesday and Sunday afternoon are expected to be the most congested traffic period before Thanksgiving. Travelers are encouraged to get a move on before noon to beat the anticipated rubbernecking on New York highways. Thursday, November 27 could see minimal traffic as most people are likely to have made it to their destinations.
Best travel times:
- Wednesday, November 26 before 11 a.m.
- All day Thursday, November 27
- Friday, November 28 before 11 a.m.
- Saturday, November 29 before 10 a.m.
- Sunday, November 30 before 11 a.m.
- Monday, December 1 after 8 p.m.
Worst travel times:
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1 from noon to 8 p.m.
Weather forecast for Thanksgiving Day travel in the Lower Hudson Valley
Aside from drunk drivers and roadside obstacles, weather could also play a major factor in driving safety. This holiday, however, skies are expected to be sunny and clear during Thanksgiving Day.
Thursday is expected to be sunny and clear with a high of 43 degrees, however wind gusts up to 33 miles per hour could make it chillier. Overnight, wind chill temperatures between 20 and 25 could make the low of 30 degrees feel more like sub 0 temperatures. Skies are expected to remain clear Thursday night.
Safety tips for Thanksgiving travel
With over a million extra drivers on the road this holiday, AAA reminds drivers to check battery and tire pressure before leaving the house, as the car service responded to nearly 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls in 2024 to help stuck drivers out of sticky situations.
AAA also reminds drivers to be vigilant on the road and stay sober when operating a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired drivers contributed to 868 fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday from 2019 to 2023.
Tips for smoother holiday travel
- Fill up your gas tank the night before a road trip.
- Check your battery and tire pressure before heading out.
- If you are drinking, schedule a rideshare service or designate a sober driver to bring you home.
- Hit the road as early as possible to skip the afternoon congestion rush.
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