As the festive season approaches, millions across the United States and the United Kingdom are gearing up for what is forecast to be the busiest holiday travel period on record. Whether by road, rail, or air, travelers are being urged to plan ahead, brace for crowds, and heed expert advice to ensure their journeys are as smooth as possible. With Christmas and New Year’s falling on Thursdays this year, the travel rush is set to stretch across nearly two weeks, from December 20, 2025, through January 1, 2026.
According to AAA, more than 122 million Americans are expected to travel during the holiday period—a 2.2% increase over last year’s record of 119.7 million. This surge isn’t limited to one mode of transport: about 8.03 million people are expected to fly within the U.S., up 2.3% from the previous year, while a staggering 109.5 million are forecast to hit the roads, marking a 2% rise, as reported by ABC News.
The most popular domestic destinations for American travelers this year are Florida, Southern California, and Hawaii. Apparently, many are trading in dreams of a white Christmas for sunshine and sandy beaches. United Airlines anticipates its busiest winter holiday season ever, with December 27, 2025, projected as its most crowded day. American Airlines, not to be outdone, plans for four flights to depart every minute from December 18 through January 5, with December 19 and January 4 pegged as the busiest days for departures.
On the ground, the roads are expected to be jam-packed, especially the weekend before Christmas—Saturday, December 20, and Sunday, December 21. INRIX, a travel analytics company, warns that these dates, along with the day after Christmas (Friday, December 26), will see especially heavy traffic. If you’re hoping for a quieter drive, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are anticipated to be the calmest on the highways; perhaps a silver lining for those willing to travel on the holidays themselves.
Across the Atlantic, the UK is bracing for its own record-breaking travel rush. The AA predicts that Friday, December 19, 2025, will be the busiest day for Christmas travel in Britain, with an estimated 24.4 million cars on the road. The same day is also expected to see 460,000 airport journeys, as reported by the BBC. The AA has warned that most people drive less than 100 miles during the festive period, so congestion is likely to be worst around motorway interchanges and major retail destinations. Shaun Jones, an AA patrol expert, offered a bit of wry holiday advice: “Patience behind the wheel will be your best present this year.”
There’s more than just traffic jams to worry about. In Hampshire, the M27 will be closed between Junctions 9 and 11 from Christmas Eve through January 4, 2026, forcing travelers to plot alternative routes. Meanwhile, Network Rail has cautioned passengers to check their journeys and book seats in advance, as improvement works will close or restrict several routes. National Rail trains won’t run at all on Christmas Day, and only a handful will operate on Boxing Day.
For those choosing to travel by train, new data from Trainline sheds light on the ebb and flow of festive rail traffic. The Saturday before Christmas—December 20, 2025—has been the busiest day for train travel for two years running, with the late morning (particularly between 10am and 11am) seeing the highest passenger numbers. New Year’s Day, on the other hand, is typically the quietest day on the rails. Early mornings and late evenings are also less crowded, with passenger numbers dropping sharply as the day progresses. On January 1, 2025, for example, the number of train travelers fell by more than half between 4-5pm and 5-6pm.
The busiest rail routes last Christmas included Birmingham New Street to London Euston, London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, London Euston to Milton Keynes Central, Gatwick Airport to London Victoria, and Edinburgh Waverley to London King’s Cross. Notably, the Edinburgh to London route saw 54.1% of passengers booking more than two weeks in advance, suggesting that advance planning is crucial for snagging a seat on popular lines.
Trainline’s UK Country Director, Sarah Helppi, emphasized the importance of preparation: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of year on the rail network, but our data shows there are clear ways for people to travel more smoothly and save money. Booking early and travelling at quieter times of day can make a real difference, helping customers enjoy a stress-free journey this festive season. Even if plans do have to change, our latest Way to Train features are on hand to help our customers feel in control of their journeys.”
Trainline also recommends several strategies to ease the burden on wallets and nerves alike: book in advance to secure the best fares, use digital Railcards for up to a third off many journeys, split tickets for potential savings, travel in groups to access GroupSave discounts, and keep an eye out for seasonal deals like Family Travelcards and Kids for a Quid.
Air travelers are being given their own set of tips and warnings. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says Friday, December 19, is expected to be the busiest day at UK airports, but flying on Christmas Day itself is becoming increasingly popular. The CAA advises passengers to familiarize themselves with their rights in case of flight cancellations or delays. If a flight is canceled, airlines are required to offer food and drink during extended waits, cover accommodation if delays stretch overnight, and provide either a refund or alternative travel arrangements. Travelers are also reminded to pack smartly—leave presents unwrapped, as security may need to inspect them.
Despite all the hustle, there are ways to make the journey less stressful. Across both the U.S. and UK, experts agree: plan ahead, allow extra time, and stay flexible. For drivers, patience and route planning are essential, especially with the risk of unexpected closures or bottlenecks. For rail passengers, early booking and off-peak travel can mean the difference between a packed carriage and a peaceful ride. And for those taking to the skies, knowing your rights and packing carefully can help avoid last-minute headaches.
With a record number of travelers expected this year, the message from authorities and travel companies is clear: be prepared, stay informed, and try to embrace the festive spirit—even if it means sharing your journey with millions of others.
