Thanksgiving typically ranks as one of the busiest holidays for road trips and New Englanders are likely to see congested roadways, trains and airport security lines this year.
More than 2.2 million New England residents are expected to venture more than 50 miles from home for the holiday, according to AAA Northeast. Most New Englanders are expected to travel by car, with road congestion likely as early as Tuesday evening due to a mix of commuter and holiday traffic.
Railways will also be busy. Jason Abrams, a spokesman for Amtrak, says the company is adding trains to meet increased holiday demand. Amtrak expects similar ridership to last year, and Abrams urges travelers to arrive early.
“If you have to check baggage we recommend coming 45 minutes to an hour before,” said Abrams. “If you don’t have a ticket and are buying last minute come an hour before.”
But Fall River resident Jose Anizeto wasn’t too worried about his travel plans as he waited for a train to New Jersey at Providence Station Monday. He plans to connect to a flight to Europe.
“I always think that it’s a little overhyped that people are so stressed out about the travel because it’s just the nature of the time,” said Anizeto.
Nationally, AAA predicts a 12-year high for holiday travelers and says those traveling by air should prepare for long security lines.