CHOKEPOINTS

The worst Thanksgiving travel times and routes for 2017

Nov 21, 2017, 2:56 PM | Updated: Nov 24, 2017, 10:56 am

The worst travel routes for 2017 Thanksgiving weekend. (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT) (WSDOT)

When it comes to Thanksgiving traffic in western Washington, the best times to hit the road are generally the same every year — when no one else is out.

It therefore helps to know when drivers are expected to flood Washington’s freeways and highways.

RELATED: Gratitude goes beyond the Thanksgiving holiday

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the worst of the weekend travel is over: Thanksgiving traffic is heaviest for the longest period on Wednesday, Nov 22. In fact, of the 13 worst travel times over this weekend, the heaviest traffic will be on I-5 between Tacoma and Olympia.

Still, you’ll want to avoid a few more bumper-to-bumper travel times this Thanksgiving weekend. Traffic peaks along certain routes, including:

  • I-5 between Bellingham and the Canadian border
  • Highway 2 from Everett to Stevens Pass and Leavenworth
  • I-90 from North Bend to Cle Elum
  • I-5 between Olympia and Tacoma

13 worst Thanksgiving traffic times and routes

  • I-5 northbound Friday, Nov. 24 (Olympia to Tacoma): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • I-5 southbound Friday, Nov. 24 (Tacoma to Olympia): 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
  • I-5 northbound Saturday, Nov. 25 (Olympia to Tacoma): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • I-90 Westbound Saturday, Nov. 25 (Cle Elum to North Bend): 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • I-90 eastbound Sunday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. through 2 p.m.
  • I-90 westbound Sunday, Nov. 26 (Cle Elum to North Bend): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • I-5 southbound Sunday, Nov. 26: 11 a.m. through 2 p.m.
  • I-5 northbound Sunday Nov. 26 (Olympia to Tacoma): 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Check traffic news for Western Washington

Ferry travel

Lines are expected for Washington’s ferries. Reservations — if possible — are strongly advised by WSDOT.

Longest lines at the ferry terminals are expected:

  • Seattle/Bainbridge: Westbound Wednesday afternoon and evening (Nov. 22); eastbound Friday morning (Nov. 24).
  • Seattle/Bremerton: Westbound Wednesday afternoon and evening (Nov. 22); eastbound Friday morning (Nov. 24).
  • Fauntleroy and Southworth: All departures Wednesday evening (Nov. 22); departures from Vashon Friday morning (Nov. 24).
  • Edmonds/Kingston: Westbound Wednesday afternoon and evening (Nov. 22); eastbound Friday morning (Nov. 24).
  • Anacortes/San Juan Islands: Westbound Wednesday afternoon and evening (Nov. 22); westbound and eastbound Friday (Nov. 24) morning; eastbound Sunday (Nov. 26). Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before your departure time.
  • Port Townsend/Coupeville: Wednesday throughout the weekend.

Sea-Tac Airport travel tips

While Thanksgiving is not the busiest time at Sea-Tac Airport, officials are bracing for heavier traffic. More than 950,700 travelers are expected to pass through the airport between Nov. 19-26, according to the Port of Seattle. The busiest days will be:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 21: 131,400 travelers
  • Wednesday, Nov. 22: 140,200 travelers
  • Sunday, Nov. 26: 145,800 travelers

Sea-Tac officials recommend travelers:

  • Try traveling on Thanksgiving Day, the least traveled day during this holiday time.
  • Take Link Light Rail to the airport instead of tackling heavy holiday traffic.
  • Consider taking a shuttle, taxi or rideshare to the airport.
  • Arrive 2 hours in advance of the departure of a domestic flight.
  • Arrive 3 hours in advance of the departure of an international flight.
  • You can take food with you in your carry-on luggage, but TSA will want to check it out.

Check your flight status here.

The airport also touts its cell phone waiting lot with 200 parking spots and WiFi. It is located across from the S. 170th Street exit of the Airport Expressway. (Map) You’re allowed to park there for free for 20 minutes.

Chokepoints

I-5 overpass 145th seattle...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-5 overpass at 145th in Seattle to close

The North 145th Street overpass of I-5, right there at the new light rail station, is about to close for seven months.

6 hours ago

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

19 hours ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

2 days ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

2 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

7 days ago

There's a right way and a wrong way to turn into traffic with a bus lane. (Graphic: Bill Kaczaraba,...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Sweeping bus-only lanes, what’s the right move?

I received feedback from my story on lane sweeping last week. But what happens when you are turning and the closest lane is restricted?

9 days ago

The worst Thanksgiving travel times and routes for 2017