Get ready for the worst holiday travel ever
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Allie Carl/Axios
Bay State travelers should gear up for a record-setting holiday traffic surge, with a national forecast of nearly 82 million Americans hitting the roads or skies between Nov. 25 and Dec. 1.
Why it matters: A historic wave of holiday travel promises heavier traffic and airport congestion than ever — potentially cutting into family time and travel peace of mind.
- If the predictions are right, 2025 will set a record with 1.6 million more travelers than 2024.
What they're saying: AAA Northeast spokesperson Mark Schieldrop said in a statement that Sunday will be "one of the busiest travel days" on Massachusetts roads and at Logan.
Zoom in: Like the rest of the country, Massachusetts highways could see significantly heavier traffic than last year.
- 73 million Americans are set to drive this year, up 1.3 million from 2024.
- The average gas price in Massachusetts has been hovering around $3 a gallon.
State of play: INRIX transportation data shows Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons should be the worst for congestion on Massachusetts roads.
- Return traffic on the Sunday after Thanksgiving should also lead to gridlock.
The best times to hit the road in eastern Mass. are Tuesday before noon and Wednesday before 11am.
- If you're coming back Sunday, do it before 11am. On Monday, leave after 8pm to avoid normal rush-hour hassles.
The worst times to leave will be between noon and 9pm Tuesday and after 11am into the evening Wednesday.
- 11am to 8pm Sunday will likely be the most congested, and any time Monday afternoon also won't be pretty.
Between the lines: Recent nationwide flight cancellations could push folks who typically fly for the holidays onto the roads.
- Wednesday is typically the busiest car rental pick-up day if you're looking to get out of town and need wheels.
At Logan Airport: Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be the busiest. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically the single busiest day of the year.
- 5 to 7am at Logan, like most U.S. airports, is the most hectic holiday travel time.
- Smart fliers will head out around noon to beat some of the crowds.
- The TSA recommends arriving two hours before flights.
What's next: Pack your patience, aim to depart early (or late) to dodge peak times, and remember: When everyone's trying to beat the rush, avoiding it can make all the difference.