Moovit, creator behind the #1 commuter app which has guided more than 1 billion people during their public and shared transportation commutes, today released new data showing how New Yorkers move during Thanksgiving. Journey planning activity across the Moovit app reveals that holiday travel begins the day before in the very early hours and dips significantly during peak feast time. 

Using anonymized app activity across New York City, Moovit is sharing its public transportation movement predictions based on historical mobility patterns on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) with a typical Thursday the week prior (November 21), as well as the day before Thanksgiving (November 27) against the previous Wednesday (November 20). 

Key Findings

• Thanksgiving travel begins before dawn, the day before

Searches start as early as 4:00-6:45 AM the day before Thanksgiving, reaching up to 139% of typical weekday levels. This is likely fueled by early airport departures and out-of-town travel. 

• Busy Thanksgiving morning, especially during parade hours

Journey planning activity by Moovit users last year jumped up to 129% between 6:00-9:00 AM, with parade-goers and early flights contributing to the spike.

• NYC pauses for Thanksgiving dinner

From 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, transit interest dips significantly, with searches falling to 43% of normal levels at 1:00 PM, indicating the New Yorkers are gathered with family.

• Evening travel returns after celebrations

Journey planning searches resume after dinner, with a 126% surge at 9:00 PM as people travel home or head to late-night plans.

“Thanksgiving in New York has a distinct rhythm,” said Ziv Kabaretti, Moovit’s Chief of Product. “The data shows New Yorkers wake up early to get a head start on travel, flock to the parade or to public transportation hubs and airports, and then pause as families gather. After dessert? The city comes alive again.”