Approximately 5.7 million passengers will fly through JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Stewart International. The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 23, 28, and 29
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Newark NJ, If you are planning to travel through the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area this holiday season, prepare for a historic rush. The Port Authority has announced that a staggering 14.8 million people are expected to use its airports, bridges, and tunnels between Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, and Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
To help you navigate the record-breaking volume, we’ve broken down the essential advisories for air travel, road crossings, and mass transit.
✈️ Airport Survival Guide: JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia
Approximately 5.7 million passengers will fly through JFK, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Stewart International. The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 23, 28, and 29.
Critical Tips for Air Travelers:
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Arrival Times: Arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights.
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Parking Crisis: On-airport parking is in high demand. You must pre-book your spot at least 24 hours in advance at JFK, EWR, or LGA to guarantee a space and avoid peak-period surcharges.
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REAL ID Reminder: Ensure your identification is REAL ID compliant, or carry a valid passport.
JFK Redevelopment Construction Impacts:
With a $19 billion overhaul underway, JFK is seeing significant roadway changes:
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Terminal 1: JFK Expressway is closed; follow detours.
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Terminal 4: Rideshare pickups (Uber/Lyft) are relocated to Lot 66 between 12 p.m. and 2 a.m. Take the free shuttle from arrivals.
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Terminal 5 & 7: Rideshare pickups are relocated to the Howard Beach Lot. Take the AirTrain (it’s free for this trip).
Bridge & Tunnel Outlook: 9.1 Million Vehicles
While 9.1 million vehicles will hit the roads, there is some good news for drivers: The Port Authority is suspending all non-emergency construction at vehicular crossings from 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, until 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
Important Road Alerts:
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Toll Adjustment: Be aware that new E-ZPass mid-tier toll rates and other adjustments take effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
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Pre-Holiday Closures: Before the suspension begins, expect lane closures tonight (Dec. 22) at the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel (center tube), and Outerbridge Crossing.
PATH & Mass Transit Updates
Public transit remains the most reliable way to beat holiday traffic.
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Holiday Schedule: PATH will operate on a modified Saturday schedule on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).
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24/7 Access: The 9 St and 23 St stations will remain open around the clock from Dec. 24–29 and Dec. 31–Jan. 5.
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Track Work: From Dec. 27–28, JSQ-33 St via Hoboken trains will run every 20 minutes. Use supplemental 10-minute service between Hoboken and 33 St.
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AirTrain Newark: Service will be partially suspended from 11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29. Free shuttle buses will bridge the gap.
Summary of Busiest Travel Dates
| Travel Hub | Peak Dates | Advice |
| Airports | Dec 22, 23, 28, 29 | Pre-book parking or use LIRR/Subway/Bus. |
| Bridges/Tunnels | Dec 24, 26, Jan 2 | Travel during off-peak hours (early AM/late PM). |
| PATH/Rail | Dec 25, Jan 1 | Check the RidePATH app for Saturday schedules. |
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