As the Filipinos begin their journeys ahead of Undas, major expressways are already feeling the traffic strain. Officials reported that slow-moving lines of vehicles are forming on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx).
At the NLEX’s Balintawak Toll Plaza, for instance, vehicle speeds have already dropped to approximately 10 km/h in some spots as of the evening update.
Traffic authorities say they expect the peak of the outbound rush to hit Thursday afternoon through Friday, as more people leave Metro Manila to visit their provinces.
What this means for drivers
- If you’re heading north via NLEX or south via SLEX, expect delays and slower speeds than usual.
- On NAIAx and routes to airports or ports, allow extra time if you plan to travel or pick someone up during the holiday rush.
- Consider leaving earlier in the day or choosing alternate routes if feasible.
- Make sure your vehicle is in good condition (fuel, tire pressure, fluids) before hitting the road—heavy traffic increases the risk of breakdowns.