With gas prices steady at $3.02, other factors lead to uncertainty around Thanksgiving travel
DALLAS, TEXAS, November 18, 2025 – Fewer Americans plan to hit the road for Thanksgiving this year, even as gas prices remain near the lowest holiday level since the pandemic, according to GasBuddy, North America’s trusted fuel savings platform for more than 25 years. GasBuddy forecasts a national average price of gas of $3.02 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year and marking one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.
GasBuddy’s 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Survey shows that 60% of Americans plan to take a road trip, a sharp decrease from 72% last year. The decline comes despite stable fuel prices and points to a more home-centered holiday season.
“Gas prices are cooperating this Thanksgiving, but that’s not translating into more travelers,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Drivers have grown more resilient to price swings, yet I worry that concerns about a cooling economy may be weighing on Americans’ willingness to travel. Even with affordable gas, economic uncertainty can make people stay closer to home.”
According to the survey, 74% say gas prices have no effect on their Thanksgiving travel plans, up from roughly 56% last year. Among those traveling, patterns remain familiar:
- 56% will cross at least one state line.
- 66% expect to drive more than 100 miles.
- Most plan to leave early to mid-morning on Wednesday, November 26.
Gas stations remain the most common pit stop, driven by convenience, price, and clean restrooms. A majority (60%) say they’ll use a loyalty or cash-back program to save on fuel, though slightly fewer than last year. Drivers can also join Pay with GasBuddy+ to save a guaranteed 3–5 cents per gallon on every fill-up. Visit gasbuddy.com/pay to learn more.
“Even with fewer people on the road, it pays to compare prices before filling up,” added De Haan. “Crossing a state line can mean a 10–25 cent jump in prices, and in rare cases, differences of up to a dollar per gallon. Tools like GasBuddy and Pay with GasBuddy+ can make a meaningful difference on longer trips.”
This holiday season, GasBuddy is giving away 350,000 GasBuddy Rewards points and a $1,500 prepaid digital card to two lucky winners as part of its Fuel Your Sleigh Giveaway. Learn more about how to enter up to three times per day at https://go.gasbuddy.com/fuel-your-sleigh.
About GasBuddy
GasBuddy, North America’s trusted fuel savings platform for more than 25 years, empowers consumers to fuel up for less. With over 100 million app downloads, GasBuddy is reimagining everyday mobility with real-time gas prices at 150,000+ stations, tangible rewards at and beyond the pump, and the Pay with GasBuddy+™ program. Owned and operated by PDI Technologies, GasBuddy connects top brands with millions of digitally engaged consumers—wherever the road takes them—by unlocking data and insights into purchase patterns through a frictionless experience. To learn more about GasBuddy, visit gasbuddy.com.
Media Contact
Patrick De Haan
Head of Petroleum Analysis
773-644-1427
pdehaan@gasbuddy.com