Best time to travel for Thanksgiving in California? Here’s when to fly and drive
Thanksgiving is days away.
Whether you’re roasting a turkey, watching football or gathering with family, be ready for record-breaking traffic and big crowds in California.
AAA predicts a surge in holiday travel this year, with nearly 82 million people expected to hit the road nationwide over Thanksgiving.
That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to Thanksgiving 2024, the automobile association said, setting a new overall record.
“Thanksgiving travel numbers are always impressive because this holiday has become synonymous with heading out of town to spend time with loved ones,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a Monday, Nov. 17, news release.
Thanksgiving is the nation’s busiest travel holiday, according to AAA.
“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,” Barber said.
If you’re planning to travel for Thanksgiving, here are the best — and worst — times to head out in California:
Are California flights still being delayed or cancelled?
Around 6 million people are expected to fly for Thanksgiving nationwide, according to AAA.
“That figure could end up being slightly lower as some air travelers make other plans following recent flight cancellations,” AAA said in the release.
The recent government shutdown forced the Federal Aviation Administration to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 high-traffic airports nationwide, including five in California.
This led to longer delays and more flight cancellations for travelers to and from the state.
However, the government shutdown officially ended Nov. 12.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the FAA announced that its flight reduction emergency order would be lifted on Monday, Nov. 17, allowing normal operations to resume across the National Airspace System.
What are cheapest days to fly for Thanksgiving 2025?
Thanksgiving ticket prices average about $700 for a roundtrip flight, according to AAA data.
“It’s cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving Day itself, but the flight home is what drives up the ticket price,” AAA said.
Returning flights on the Sunday, Nov. 30, and Monday, Dec. 1, following Thanksgiving tend to have higher ticket prices, as they are the busiest travel days.
“Some travelers shorten or extend their Thanksgiving trips to avoid flying on peak days,” AAA said.
How much does gas cost in California for Thanksgiving 2025?
“At the pump, drivers are paying about the same as last year, when the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day,” AAA said in the release.
In California, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.63 as of Friday, Nov. 20. With the statewide switch to winter-blend fuel, prices could drop by Thanksgiving.
Drivers can check the AAA website for current fuel prices in their area.
“Filling the tank is a good idea the night before a road trip since it’s one less thing to do on travel day,” AAA said.
What are worst days to hit the road for Thanksgiving 2025?
Most travelers — about 73 million people — are expected to hit the road by car this Thanksgiving, according to AAA.
According to AAA, these are the worst times to hit the road in California during Thanksgiving:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 — From noon to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 — From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 27 — Minimal traffic expected
- Friday, Nov. 28 — From 1 to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29 — From 1 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30 — From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1 — From noon to 8 p.m.
When are the best times for holiday driving?
AAA said these are the best days and times to drive for Thanksgiving 2025:
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 — Before noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 — Before 11 a.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 27 — Minimal traffic expected
- Friday, Nov. 28 — Before 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 29 — Before 10 a.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 30 — Before 11 a.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1 — After 8 p.m.
