Thanksgiving travel is about to get a lot more expensive for many Americans.
With millions of people expected to hit the road and take to the skies for the holiday, travelers are already facing higher costs in 2026. A new analysis from Hopper found that the average domestic round-trip airfare for Thanksgiving is currently $402—a 31% increase from last year. Hotel rates are averaging about $170 per night.
For those planning to drive instead of fly, where you live (or where you’re headed) can also make a difference.
These States Have the Most Expensive Gas for Thanksgiving Travel
AAA’s state-level gas data from the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period provides a useful look at where drivers have historically faced the highest fuel costs around the holiday.
California topped the list, with regular gas averaging $4.59 per gallon on Nov. 25, 2025. Hawaii followed at $4.44, while Washington ranked third at $4.19. Oregon, Nevada and Alaska also landed among the states with the highest gas prices.
The 10 most expensive gasoline markets in AAA’s Nov. 25 data were:
- California: $4.59 per gallon
- Hawaii: $4.44
- Washington: $4.19
- Oregon: $3.82
- Nevada: $3.78
- Alaska: $3.72
- Arizona: $3.35
- Idaho: $3.27
- Pennsylvania: $3.26
- Illinois: $3.23
At the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma had one of the nation’s lowest prices at about $2.50 per gallon during the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period. Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Arkansas were also among the cheaper states for filling up.
Thanksgiving Flights Are More Expensive, Too
Gas isn’t the only travel expense rising this year.
According to Hopper’s latest 2026 Holiday Travel Index, Thanksgiving airfare has reached a 10-year high. The average domestic round-trip ticket is currently $402, compared with $307 in 2025.
When travelers choose to fly can make a significant difference. Hopper says the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday are among the most expensive times to travel. A round-trip ticket returning Sunday, Nov. 29, is averaging $604, while travelers who return Monday or Tuesday could pay around $350.
And the clock is ticking for anyone who hasn’t booked yet. Hopper recommends booking Thanksgiving flights and hotels before Halloween to get ahead of additional price increases as the holiday approaches.
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