You should definitely leave Thursday morning instead of Wednesday night...unless you are leaving on a really off hour like midnight - 5am. Most people are usually driving long distances on Wed night so they don t have to deal with it on the holiday itself. Most people are going to be taking 95 especially on Wed night. I know one option that may be better is taking 301 South. You should be able to pick it up outside of Newark on 95. If there is traffic, 301 may be quicker. 301 is a 1 2 lane road in most places but is normally 50 mph speed limit (except through towns) and does open up to 3-4 lanes (and 65 mph) once it merges with Rt 50. Going south, you will not have to play a toll over the Bay Bridge but if you return the same way, you will have to pay $2.50 per car.
I find it by far best to travel by train at times of inescapable traffic like thanksgiving. Amtrak fares are a few dollars more around thanksgiving time, but for Philly can take 1-1.5 hours instead of four or more hours to drive.Also, for under $15 one-way fare, you can also exit 95 at Perryville, and use the MARC commuter rail train from Perryville station (parking is available at the station and also the surrounding residential streets), but this service only offers three daily departures, and does not run on thanksgiving day itself, the friday after thanksgiving or any weekends, meaning in this case it probably isn t useful.
First of all, it s kind of impossible. And second of all....TWO POINTS
at night! straight down 95!