Thanksgiving Travel In Washington: What You Need To Know

SEATTLE, WA — With the holiday travel week about to kick off, Washington transportation agencies have shared a handful of tips to help families reach their destinations with minimal delays. Tens of thousands of drivers are expected to hit the road between Wednesday and Sunday, and extended periods of congestion are expected.

When roadways are packed beyond capacity, even a minor incident can have a large ripple effect on traffic. WSDOT encourages drivers to check road conditions and traffic updates before they head out the door. Longer wait times are also likely at ferry docks, Canadian border crossings and Sea-Tac Airport. Whether you're traveling by car, train, plane or ferry, there are a few ways you can stay ahead of the pack.

PEAK ROAD CONGESTION

Interstate 5 (Between Lacey and Tacoma)

• Based on historical travel data, every year WSDOT compiles detailed travel charts showing which days and times are most likely to see stop-and-go traffic. Hours marked red in the graphs show the highest congestion, compared to usual traffic volume, represented by the black line. You can view charts for every day on WSDOT's website.
• The days before and after Thanksgiving typically see the longest stretches of congestion, especially between mid-morning and late afternoon.

Interstate 90 (Between North Bend and Cle Elum)

• Dense eastbound traffic is expected over Snoqualmie Pass the day before Thanksgiving, especially between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
• There is a chance of snow in the passes over Thanksgiving week, which could also impact travelers heading into Seattle for the Apple Cup Friday afternoon, or returning over the weekend.
• Westbound congestion is expected Saturday, November 30, between noon and 4 p.m.
• Sunday will likely see eastbound delays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and westbound delays from noon to 6 p.m.
• Travelers can sign up for text alerts for delays by texting "wsdot snoqualmie" to 468311.

TRAVEL ALERTS AND UPDATES

• WSDOT provides online tools, apps, traffic cameras and email alerts to update travelers on any incidents. You can also follow their social media accounts for real-time information.
• You can check current chain or traction tire requirements online or by calling 511.

MOUNTAIN PASSES

• Cayuse Pass (SR 123) and Chinook Pass (SR 410) close for the season on Thursday, November 21. Both roads close every year due to avalanche dangers, road conditions and a lack of nearby emergency services.
• State Route 20, the North Cascades Highway, remains open, but travelers are encouraged to check its current status before they leave.

TRAINS

• Those planning to travel on the Amtrak Cascades line should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure.
• There are no extra Thanksgiving trains this year.
• All Amtrak trips require reservations and trains tend to fill up quickly around the holidays.
• Link trains in Seattle will run on a Sunday schedule during Thanksgiving and a Saturday schedule on Black Friday.
• The Tacoma Link will run on a Sunday schedule during Thanksgiving and a regular schedule on Black Friday.
• Sounder commuter trains will not run on Thanksgiving Day.
• On Black Friday, Sounder trains will run on a modified schedule to accomodate shoppers.

SEA-TAC AIRPORT

The airport expects more than 1 million people will pass through Sea-Tac over Thanksgiving week. Travelers can monitor real-time security wait times and other information using the airport's updated app.

Busiest Sea-Tac Travel Days
Wednesday, Nov. 27: 163,500 passengers
Sunday, Dec. 1: 150,000 passengers
Tuesday, Nov. 26: 143,500 passengers
Monday, Dec. 2: 142,500 passengers
Friday, Nov. 22: 140,000 passengers

Peak Congestion Times
Departures:
4:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Arrivals:
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

FERRIES

• According to WSDOT, the longest lines for westbound trips are expected in the afternoon and evening before Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving morning. Eastbound travelers will see the longest lines Thanksgiving afternoon and Friday morning.
• Ferry passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online.
• Travelers can sign up for wait-time alerts or check terminal conditions on the Washington State Ferries website.
• Some routes will run on a modified schedule during the holiday.
• Travelers with questions can call 888-808-7977.