It’s that time of year again for turkey, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings! But before you dive into the holiday fun, here’s everything you need to know to make your Thanksgiving travel smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re hitting the road, catching a flight, or hopping on public transit, we've got you covered with tips and updates to help you navigate the holiday rush.
Peak Travel Times: Be Prepared for the Turkey Day Traffic!
Thanksgiving is a time for family, fun, and feasts—but it’s also one of the busiest travel times of the year! If you’re planning to drive, especially on I-15 southbound towards Southern California, expect heavier-than-usual traffic. The peak travel times on I-15 are expected to be:
- Wednesday, Nov. 27 (just before Thanksgiving)
- Saturday, Nov. 30 (post-feast travels)
- Sunday, Dec. 1 (heading home from holiday visits)
To avoid the headache of traffic jams, the RTC recommends traveling outside peak hours if you can. And don’t forget, you can stay ahead of the traffic with real-time updates and alerts on the RTC website or by visiting seeingorangenv.com. With a little planning, you can spend less time in the car and more time enjoying the festivities!
Transit Schedules: Leave the Parking Hassles Behind!
If you want to skip the stress of parking and driving, public transit is the way to go! Whether you’re getting around town for holiday shopping, family visits, or simply enjoying the festivities, RTC has you covered with convenient and affordable options:
- Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28): RTC buses will operate on a Sunday schedule
- Family Day (Friday, Nov. 29): RTC will operate on a Saturday schedule
And don’t forget, if you're headed to the Strip or nearby, the Deuce on the Strip will be running as usual. For all your trip planning and pass purchasing needs, download the free rideRTC app, or tap to pay using your debit/credit card, smartphone wallet, or smartwatch! For more information on real-time transit alerts, please visit rtcsnv.com/alertsanddetours.
Flying? Airport Access Made Easy
Free parking is available at the Centennial Hills Transit Center and the South Strip Transit Terminal, both offering direct access to Harry Reid International Airport. You can easily reach the airport's Ground Level Zero at Terminal 1 via the Centennial Express (CX) or Route 109 (Maryland Parkway).
Park and Ride: Holiday Shopping Made Simple
Why battle the traffic and parking headaches when you can use RTC’s complimentary park-and-ride facilities? Whether you’re heading to a mall, the Strip, or your family’s house, RTC offers park-and-ride options throughout the valley. Parking spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early to snag a spot.
Stay in the Know: Real-Time Alerts
Holidays are hectic, but RTC is here to help! Sign up for real-time traffic and transit alerts on the RTC website to get the latest updates on your commute. Stay informed, avoid surprises, and get to your destination without the stress.
No matter how you choose to travel this Thanksgiving, remember: RTC has plenty of options to make your journey smooth, simple, and stress-free. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the holiday season—whether you’re shopping, traveling, or spending time with loved ones!
Watch this video to see how EASY it is to park for free at the South Strip Transit Terminal!
