FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Motor Vehicle Administration Highway Safety Office – 410-628-8447
State Highway Administration Communications – 410-545-0303
BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Communications – 410-859-7027
Maryland Transportation Authority Communications – 410-537-1017
Maryland Transit Administration Communications – 410-767-8367
Make a Holiday Travel Plan to Get to Your Destination Safe and Sound Whether Going by Car, Train or Plane
HANOVER, MD (November 20, 2025) – Millions of Marylanders are expected to take to the roads, rails and skies this Thanksgiving week and the Maryland Department of Transportation is urging everyone to be Serious About Safety as they kick off the busy holiday travel season. The Department encourages residents and visitors to slow down, stay alert on the road and use seat belts to ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.
“The holidays are a special time to be with family and friends, and we want everyone to get there safely,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “Whether you’re driving across town or flying across the country, safety should always come first. Slow down, buckle up, avoid distractions and give yourself extra time to get where you’re going safely.”
Nationally, AAA predicts nearly 82 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. That’s an increase of 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record. Most of the travelers, 73 million, will travel by car, while 6 million plan to fly, AAA says. The rest will go by train, bus or boat, according to AAA’s annual holiday survey.
DRIVE SAFELY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS
With many Marylanders expected to drive this Thanksgiving, the Department and state law enforcement are asking those behind the wheel to stay alert, plan their travel routes ahead and follow the rules of the road.
In Maryland, holiday travel combined with holiday drinking traditionally results in an increase in fatal crashes and injuries. So far this year, 425 people have died in Maryland roadway crashes – that’s 425 seats that will be empty at Thanksgiving tables across the state.
The Department reminds everyone traveling this Thanksgiving week that crashes, fatalities and injuries are preventable. These rules of the road will save lives:
- Drive Sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. Plan for a sober ride home.
- Buckle up. It’s the law. Make sure all passengers, including those in back seats, are using seat belts.
- Slow down. Observe all posted speed limits.
- Pay Attention. Put the phone down. Eliminate all distractions and focus on driving.
- Be patient. Travel during off-peak hours and allow extra time for unexpected delays.
- Share the Road. Drivers must look twice for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
- Move Over. Slow down or move over for all stopped, standing or parked vehicles along the roadside.
Law enforcement will be on patrol to keep roads safe and prevent traffic-related deaths, including stopping suspected impaired drivers. In addition to risking injury or death for themselves and others, those driving under the influence risk arrest, jail time, legal costs and fines.
BWI THURGOOD MARSHALL AIRPORT PREPARED FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL
Officials at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport expect to see strong passenger traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. The BWI Marshall Airport team, its airline partners and other stakeholders are prepared for the busy holiday travel period. Together, they will work to ensure a safe, efficient and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Airport passengers are reminded to give themselves plenty of time for parking, airline ticketing and the TSA security screening process. Holiday travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of their scheduled departure. Local motorists should consider using the airport’s upper-level roadway, or departures level, to avoid possible traffic congestion when dropping off or picking up arriving passengers.
The airport’s website – BWIairport.com – provides real-time parking and security checkpoint information. Passengers are reminded to pack carefully and to check the TSA’s website – TSA.gov – for information about what items are allowed and not allowed through the security checkpoints.
PLAN AHEAD, TRAVEL OFF PEAK
Those traveling on Maryland’s highways should expect peak congestion between Tuesday, November 25 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesday, November 26 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 30 from 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Motorists are encouraged to travel off-peak if possible. The State Highway Administration will suspend non-emergency lane closures from Wednesday, November 26 until 9 a.m. December 2. For live traffic cameras and real-time roadway conditions, go to chart.maryland.gov.
The State Highway Administration’s Coordinated Highways Action Response Team (CHART), as well as units from the Maryland Transportation Authority, will be on patrol to help motorists with breakdowns or incidents. If you must stop for a roadside emergency, remember to first assess the situation. If you can, remain in your vehicle while help is on the way, stay buckled and face forward. If you must exit your vehicle, stand as far away from your vehicle and the roadway as possible.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is providing the following suggested travel times for the Bay Bridge, Nice/Middleton Bridge and the I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel) corridor during the holiday period.
RECOMMENDED TIMES TO DRIVE
Bay Bridge traffic can put a damper on the holiday mood. Drivers are encouraged to avoid peak congestion by traveling during the following times:
- Tuesday, November 25 – before 1 p.m. and after 8 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m.;
- Thursday, November 27 – before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.;
- Friday, November 28 – before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.;
- Saturday, November 29 – before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Weather and traffic permitting, two-way operations will be implemented to help ease eastbound delays at the Bay Bridge. Two-way operations may be limited based on westbound traffic volumes, as bridge officials strive to mitigate delays on both sides of the bridge. Two-way operations are prohibited during bridge wind warnings/restrictions, fog/limited visibility or times of precipitation, and may be prohibited during incidents.
I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway and Fort McHenry Tunnel) best times to travel include:
- Tuesday, November 25 – before noon and after 10 p.m.;
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.;
- Thursday, November 27 – before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.;
- Friday, November 28 – before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.;
- Saturday, November 29– before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before 8 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
The I-95 travel plazas – Chesapeake House in Cecil County at mile marker 97 and Maryland House in Harford County at mile marker 82 – are open 24/7 with food, indoor/outdoor seating, fuel and electric vehicle charging stations available. It Can Wait! Rest areas are designated as safe zones for texts.
Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301) suggested drive times include:
- Wednesday, November 26 – before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; and
- Sunday, November 30 – before noon and after 6 p.m.
USE TRANSIT FOR LOCAL VISITS, HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Whether you're going over the river or through the woods for Thanksgiving, remember the Maryland Transit Administration's bus, light rail, metro subway and MARC services are convenient ways to travel during the holiday season to visit family and friends – and to support local businesses. With real-time technology and the Transit app it's easy to know when the next bus or train will arrive. Learn more and plan your trip at www.mta.maryland.gov/transit.
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, the Maryland Transit Administration will operate on a modified schedule. Local bus, light rail and metro subway will follow the Sunday/Holiday schedule, while Commuter Bus will not operate Thanksgiving Day or on Friday, November 28, except for Route 201, which will operate on the Weekend/Holiday schedule both days.
MARC Train will not operate Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, November 28, Penn Line service will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will be no service operated on the Camden and Brunswick lines.
Mobility will operate on a Holiday schedule, with all standing rides canceled. Customers are asked to call the Mobility Call Center at 410-764-8181 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to reschedule Thanksgiving Day rides. For the latest information on Maryland Transit Administration service, check the website at mta.maryland.gov.
myMVA ONLINE SERVICES, SELF-SERVICE VEIP KIOSKS AND 24-HOUR MVA KIOSKS ARE AVAILABLE
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration branch offices and Vehicle Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) stations will be closed Thursday, November 27. MVA self-service VEIP kiosks, myMVA Online services, and 24-hour MVA kiosks will be available during the holiday. MVA branch offices and VEIP testing will reopen for normal operations Friday, November 28. To schedule an appointment at an MVA branch, customers can visit the Appointment Scheduler here.
THANKSGIVING CRUISES FROM THE PORT OF BALTIMORE
Two cruise ships from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore will offer their passengers a Thanksgiving holiday at sea. Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas will leave Baltimore on November 21 for an eight-night Southeast Coast and Bahamas cruise that will feature stops in Charleston, SC; Orlando, FL; Miami, FL; and Bimini, Bahamas. The Carnival Pride will cruise a seven-day Bahamas journey, leaving Baltimore on November 23 with stops in Nassau, Princess Cays and Grand Bahama Island.
THANKSGIVING TRAVEL FORECAST GRAPHICS
Thanksgiving week travel forecast graphics for the Bay Bridge and the Baltimore and Washington D.C. regions are available at the links below for use in print and online.
The Maryland Department of Transportation wishes all Marylanders and visitors a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Stay in touch with the department on X @MarylandDOT and on Facebook at facebook.com/MarylandDOT/.