As the United States grapples with one of the worst air travel disruptions in years, more and more Americans are choosing to travel by train or bus this Thanksgiving season. According to the travel search engine Wanderubookings for regional buses and trains have increased 12% annuallywith reporting increases of up to 30%.
The shift is happening on a large scale flight cancellations and delays caused by the ongoing government shutdown. More than on Monday alone 2,400 flights were cancelled and almost 9,500 delayedThis is the most chaotic travel day since early October, when the shutdown began.
Major ground transportation providers are trying to meet demand. Megabus reported a “significant increase” in ticket sales last week FlixBuswho owns it Greyhoundsaid searches for buses around Thanksgiving “are trending sharply higher.” CEO Kai Boysan noted: “We are closely monitoring demand and adding capacity where possible to keep people moving during this critical period.”
Train traffic is also on the rise. Amtrak expected record-breaking passenger numberswith double-digit growth in advance bookings compared to 2024. The company has added more seats on the busy Northeast Corridor routes that Boston, New York and Washington, DC
For some travelers, the choice to stay grounded is as much about common sense as it is about logistics. “After hearing about all the cancellations, I decided I would rather take the train than risk being stuck at the airport for hours,” says Harry Cookea Boston-based consultant. “It’s slower, but at least I’m getting there.”
Meanwhile, ground travel prices are rising rapidly – bus fares increase by 11% And train fares increased by 10% in just two weeks, Wanderu said. But as air travel chaos continues, America’s long-haul highways and railroads are becoming the country’s unlikely lifeline this holiday season.
