DALLAS, Tx. – Fewer Americans plan to hit the road for Thanksgiving this year, even as gas prices remain near the lowest holiday level since the pandemic, according to GasBuddy.
GasBuddy forecasts a national average price of gas of $3.02 a gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year and marking one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.
GasBuddy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Survey shows that 60% of Americans plan to take a road trip, a sharp decrease from 72% last year. The decline comes despite stable fuel prices and points to a more home-centered holiday season.
“Gas prices are cooperating this Thanksgiving, but that’s not translating into more travelers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Drivers have grown more resilient to price swings, yet I worry that concerns about a cooling economy may be weighing on Americans’ willingness to travel. Even with affordable gas, economic uncertainty can make people stay closer to home.”
According to the survey, 74% say gas prices have no effect on their Thanksgiving travel plans, up from roughly 56% last year. Among those traveling, patterns remain familiar:
- 56% will cross at least one state line.
- 66% expect to drive more than 100 miles.
- Most plan to leave early to mid-morning on Wednesday, November 26.
Comments