Thanksgiving Travel in Los Angeles: Expect Record Traffic and Long Waits on Freeways

Published on November 27, 2025

Los Angeles, known for its heavy traffic, faces another year of record-breaking delays during the Thanksgiving holiday season. The freeways are already transforming into a sea of glowing brake lights and countercurrent headlights as 81.8 million Americans are expected to take to the roads for the holiday travel period. According to the AAA, nearly 90% of these travelers plan to drive, leading to significant congestion across the country’s highways, especially in Los Angeles.

This surge in traffic is expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, when most travelers hit the road to get to family gatherings, vacations, and holiday celebrations. As Los Angeles prepares for what’s predicted to be a chaotic travel week, it’s important to understand why these traffic jams occur, the impact on business travel, and tips for managing your journey in the coming days.

The Thanksgiving Rush: Record Travel and Unprecedented Congestion

Each year, Thanksgiving brings some of the most hectic travel periods in the U.S., and this year is no different. With 81.8 million people projected to travel at least 80 kilometers, Los Angeles—a hub for tourists, business professionals, and holidaymakers—will experience some of the worst congestion on its freeways. This surge represents a 1.6 million increase in travelers compared to last year, further intensifying pressure on the city’s already notorious roadways.

The holiday season’s travel is made even more difficult by the sheer number of motorists, combined with limited parking, and crowded, overworked gas stations. As one of the busiest travel times in the country, Los Angeles’ freeways are likely to be gridlocked, and roads such as the 405, 101, and 5 will likely see delays exceeding 60 minutes during peak traffic periods. The East LA interchange, a critical junction connecting I-10 and the 605, is notorious for experiencing heavy delays, which will only get worse as the holiday approaches.

Impact on Business Travel: Delays Expected for Commuters and Professionals

For business travelers in Los Angeles, navigating the holiday traffic will require strategic planning and extra patience. With airport terminals and freeway systems packed with tourists, commuting for meetings or industry events may become increasingly difficult. Professionals with early morning flights or business obligations are strongly advised to allow extra time for their commutes to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport, or other major hubs.

Travelers looking to attend conferences, corporate gatherings, or business meetings should plan for potential delays in accessing venues, as local transport services may also face disruptions. When traveling by road or public transport, it’s best to check for real-time updates to avoid significant delays.

Additionally, airport lounges and car rental services in Los Angeles are expected to be overwhelmed. Those renting cars for post-holiday travel may face long wait times at rental centers, especially in areas near LAX, Burbank, and Santa Monica. Business travelers should also prepare for these extended wait times when planning their return trips.

Tips for Tourists: How to Survive Thanksgiving Traffic

For tourists coming to Los Angeles for Thanksgiving week, there are several key tips to help navigate the busy city streets and freeways:

1. Plan Your Journey in Advance:

• If you’re traveling to or from the airport, book transportation ahead of time. If possible, use shuttle services or ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking problems.
• Check real-time updates on Google Maps or Waze for accurate information on delays and alternate routes. These apps provide traffic alerts and can help avoid the worst congestion spots.

2. Travel Outside Peak Hours:

• If possible, avoid traveling during rush hours (typically 7-9 am and 4-7 pm) when freeway congestion is at its worst. Consider traveling earlier in the morning or later in the evening for smoother traffic flow.
• For long-distance travel, leave as early as possible to avoid the afternoon gridlock that will dominate the highways.

3. Prepare for Delays:

• Pack snacks, water, and entertainment for your journey, especially if you are stuck in traffic for extended periods. Plan for a longer commute than usual, as roads like the 405 and 10 will experience heavy congestion.
• If you’re driving with kids, consider making rest stops and planning your travel route to include family-friendly destinations to break up the journey.

4. Stay Informed About Travel Conditions:

• Check out local news or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for live updates on traffic, accidents, and road closures.
• For those heading to holiday events in the Los Angeles area, check local event pages and public transportation updates for any changes due to the traffic disruptions.

5. Choose Public Transport:

• If you’re not in a rush, consider using public transportation to avoid driving altogether. Los Angeles Metro offers efficient services, especially if you’re staying close to city centers. The Metro Rail and Bus Rapid Transit can be great options to avoid the headache of driving and parking during peak travel times.

Key Points at a Glance

• 81.8 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with Los Angeles experiencing some of the worst traffic congestion.
• Thanksgiving traffic will primarily affect Los Angeles freeways, including 405, 101, and 5, causing delays of up to 90 minutes.
• Business travelers and tourists alike are advised to allow for extra time when traveling to or from Los Angeles during Thanksgiving week.
• Public transport options like Metro Rail can help tourists avoid traffic jams on the highways.
• Peak traffic hours should be avoided by those planning to travel during the week.

Conclusion: Preparing for Thanksgiving Travel in Los Angeles

Thanksgiving week in Los Angeles is expected to bring record-breaking traffic and travel disruptions across the city. Whether you’re a business traveler rushing to a meeting or a tourist looking to explore the city, careful planning will be essential for managing the anticipated delays. With over 81 million travelers on the move, expect more cars, longer travel times, and the usual gridlock that makes Los Angeles’ freeways legendary. By following the tips above and staying informed, travelers can minimize the impact of the holiday rush and enjoy a smoother journey.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated