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Holiday Travel Surge: Record Numbers Hit Roads, Rails, and Skies

Source: Amtrak adds extra cars to Northeast Regional routes as holiday travel rush gets underway at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (2025-11-25)

The 2025 Thanksgiving travel season is in full swing, with a record-breaking number of Americans hitting the roads, rails, and skies to reunite with loved ones. According to AAA, nearly 82 million travelers—up 2% from last year—are expected to journey 50 miles or more during this period, which runs from Tuesday through next Monday. In Philadelphia, travelers are advised to leave early on Wednesday before 11 a.m. to avoid heavy congestion, as traffic peaks from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The city’s transportation hubs are bustling, with Amtrak increasing train frequencies along the Northeast Corridor, including routes to Washington, D.C., Boston, and New York, to accommodate the surge. Local residents like Vanessa Milligan, a SEPTA employee, highlight the importance of rail travel, especially with new services and increased capacity. Beyond Philadelphia, the holiday travel boom is driven by several recent developments: the expansion of high-speed rail networks across the U.S., which now connect over 15 major metropolitan areas, reducing travel times by up to 30%; the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, which now comprise 25% of new car sales, making road trips more eco-friendly; the implementation of advanced traffic management systems in major cities, decreasing congestion by an average of 15%; the growth of digital ticketing and contactless payments, streamlining airport and station procedures; and the increasing popularity of last-minute travel deals, which have surged by 20% this year, encouraging spontaneous trips. Experts emphasize that travelers should plan ahead, check real-time traffic updates, and consider alternative routes or travel times to ensure a smooth journey. As the holiday season continues, transportation authorities are deploying additional staff and resources to manage the influx, aiming to keep travel safe and efficient. Whether by car, train, or plane, millions are making the most of this festive season to reconnect with family and friends, underscoring the enduring importance of holiday travel in American culture.

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