Every year, Undas brings some of the heaviest pedestrian and vehicle traffic to Manila, particularly around Manila North Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, and Manila Chinese Cemetery.
If you’re planning to drive through Manila during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day period, this is one traffic advisory you’ll want to check before leaving home.
The Manila Police District (MPD) has announced temporary road closures and traffic rerouting measures from October 30 to November 3, 2026, as thousands of families are expected to visit cemeteries across the city.
The biggest restrictions will affect roads surrounding Manila North Cemetery and the neighboring cemetery district, particularly Blumentritt Road, Dimasalang Street, Maceda Street, Aurora Boulevard, and nearby intersections.
At the same time, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is deploying thousands of personnel throughout Metro Manila as part of Oplan Undas 2026.
So if you normally pass through Sampaloc, Santa Cruz, Blumentritt, Dimasalang, A. Bonifacio Avenue, or the areas surrounding Manila North Cemetery, expect delays and prepare an alternate route.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Content
Manila Undas 2026 Road Closure Dates
According to the Manila Police District, temporary road closures will be implemented from:
October 30, 2026 to November 3, 2026
The restrictions are being implemented primarily because of the large number of pedestrians expected around Manila’s major cemeteries during Undas.
Traffic conditions will likely be busiest on October 31, November 1, and November 2.
November 1, All Saints’ Day, normally attracts the biggest crowds.
Motorists should also expect traffic to start building up before the official peak as families visit cemeteries earlier to avoid the November 1 rush.
As of October 25, the publicly reported MPD advisory specifies the October 30 to November 3 closure period but does not give one universal opening and closing time for every affected road. Actual barricades and traffic controls may therefore be adjusted depending on crowd and traffic conditions.
If you’re driving through the area, always follow the instructions of MPD and Manila traffic personnel on the ground.
Roads Closed in Manila for Undas 2026
The MPD has identified several road sections that will be affected.
1. Blumentritt Road
The stretch of Blumentritt Road from A. Bonifacio Avenue up to Aurora Boulevard will be affected by the Undas road closure.
This is one of the most important roads to avoid if you’re not actually heading to the cemetery district.
Blumentritt is a major east-west corridor used by motorists traveling between Quezon City, Manila, Rizal Avenue, and the areas around Manila North Cemetery.
Expect extremely heavy pedestrian activity here.
2. Dimasalang Street
The affected portion of Dimasalang stretches from the Retiro area toward Calavite Street.
Dimasalang is one of the main roads surrounding Manila North Cemetery, so restricting vehicles here helps create safer pedestrian corridors for cemetery visitors.
3. Maceda Street
The stretch of Maceda Street from Makiling Street to Dimasalang Street will also be affected.
If Maceda is part of your usual route through Sampaloc, consider changing your route before reaching the cemetery area.
4. Dimasalang Bridge – Northbound Lane
The northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge is also included in the Undas traffic restrictions announced by the MPD.
This is worth pointing out because the bridge’s northbound lane only recently reopened after months of rehabilitation.
The repaired lane reopened to motorists on October 20, ahead of Undas, after rehabilitation work that began in May.
However, during the Undas traffic-management period, motorists should again expect temporary restrictions around the bridge because of the huge volume of pedestrians and vehicles in the cemetery district.
5. Aurora Boulevard at Leonor Rivera Street
Traffic restrictions will also affect the intersection of Aurora Boulevard and Leonor Rivera Street.
This area is particularly important because Leonor Rivera will also serve as one of the alternate routes for vehicles diverted away from the closed cemetery roads.
6. Blumentritt Road at Leonor Rivera Street
The Blumentritt Road–Leonor Rivera Street intersection is likewise included in the traffic-control area.
Expect traffic personnel and possible barricades around this section.
The announced closures are concentrated mainly around the Manila North Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, and Manila Chinese Cemetery area.
Manila Undas 2026 Traffic Rerouting
Fortunately, the MPD has also released alternate routes for motorists.
Here are the rerouting instructions currently announced.
Coming From Dimasalang Going to Blumentritt
Vehicles traveling along Dimasalang Road intending to use Blumentritt Road may:
Turn right at Simoun Street, then continue toward their destination.
This route is intended to divert vehicles before they reach the busiest pedestrian sections around the cemeteries.
Coming From Quezon City via A. Bonifacio Avenue
If you’re coming from Quezon City and traveling along A. Bonifacio Avenue:
Turn left at Labo Street, then continue toward your destination.
This will allow motorists to avoid entering the closed portion of Blumentritt Road near the cemetery district.
If you’re simply passing through Manila and don’t need to enter Blumentritt, this may save you from getting stuck near the cemetery entrances.
Coming From Maceda Street
Motorists coming from Maceda Street who would normally proceed toward Dimasalang or Retiro are advised to divert through Simoun Street before continuing to their destination.
Again, expect traffic officers to make adjustments depending on pedestrian volume.
Coming From Aurora Boulevard Going to Dimasalang
Vehicles coming from Aurora Boulevard intending to use Dimasalang Street may:
Turn right at Leonor Rivera Street, then continue toward their destination.
Coming From Blumentritt Going to Aurora Boulevard
Motorists traveling from Blumentritt Road toward Aurora Boulevard may also be directed to:
Turn right at Leonor Rivera Street, then continue toward their destination.
Leonor Rivera will therefore be an important diversion road during Undas.
Quick Summary of Road Closures and Alternate Routes
For easier reference, here are the main areas to remember.
Road closures and restrictions:
- Blumentritt Road from A. Bonifacio Avenue to Aurora Boulevard
- Dimasalang Street around Retiro to Calavite Street
- Maceda Street from Makiling Street to Dimasalang Street
- Northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge
- Aurora Boulevard at Leonor Rivera Street
- Blumentritt Road at Leonor Rivera Street
Main alternate roads mentioned in the MPD rerouting scheme:
- Simoun Street
- Labo Street
- Leonor Rivera Street
Because traffic rerouting may change depending on crowd conditions, treat these routes as your basic guide rather than assuming every road will remain open throughout the day.
Why Are These Roads Being Closed?
If you’ve experienced Undas around Manila North Cemetery before, you’ll understand why.
During the peak of Undas, the roads around the cemetery can essentially become giant pedestrian corridors.
Thousands of families arrive carrying flowers, food, candles, water, umbrellas, tents, and other items. At the same time, jeepneys, buses, motorcycles, taxis, Grab vehicles, and private cars are trying to pass through the same narrow streets.
Closing selected roads gives pedestrians more space and allows authorities to manage the crowd safely.
The Manila Police District said these roads were identified as areas where very high pedestrian traffic is expected during the observance.
Manila North Cemetery Undas 2026 Schedule
If you’re visiting Manila North Cemetery itself, there are additional rules you should know.
The cemetery will be open from:
October 29 to November 2, 2026
5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The last day for cleaning, repairing, and repainting graves is October 27.
The last day for burials before Undas is October 28.
Regular cemetery operations resume on November 3.
No Vehicles Inside Manila North Cemetery
Here’s another important detail.
Vehicles will not be allowed inside Manila North Cemetery from October 29 through November 2.
That means you should not plan on driving directly to your relative’s grave.
You’ll need to park outside the cemetery or use public transportation and walk.
With the surrounding road closures already in place, this is another reason why bringing a private vehicle may not always be the easiest option during November 1.
Manila South Cemetery Undas 2026 Schedule
Manila South Cemetery will also implement its Undas visitor schedule.
It will be open on:
October 31 to November 2, 2026
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cleaning and painting of graves is allowed only until October 26, while October 28 is the final day for burials before Undas.
Regular burials resume November 3.
Take note that Manila South Cemetery is geographically located in Makati, even though it is owned and administered by the City of Manila.
No Vehicles Inside Manila South Cemetery
From October 29 to November 2, all types of vehicles will be prohibited inside Manila South Cemetery.
The restriction includes:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- E-bikes
- E-trikes
- Bicycles
- Scooters
- Monocycles
So even bicycles and small electric vehicles cannot be used inside during the restricted period.
As of this update, the detailed October 30–November 3 road-closure announcement from the MPD is focused primarily on the Manila North Cemetery/Blumentritt/Dimasalang cemetery corridor.
Visitors heading to Manila South Cemetery should still expect heavy traffic and possible localized traffic controls around the cemetery entrances.
Expect Heavy Traffic Around La Loma and Manila Chinese Cemetery
The Manila North Cemetery isn’t the only cemetery in this part of the city.
Right beside it are other major burial grounds, including La Loma Cemetery and Manila Chinese Cemetery.
That means the whole cemetery district around Blumentritt, Dimasalang, Rizal Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, and nearby streets can become congested simultaneously.
The MPD is preparing deployments at Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, and Manila Chinese Cemetery during the Undas period.
So even roads that aren’t officially closed may become extremely slow.
2,419 MMDA Personnel Deployed for Undas 2026
Traffic management won’t be handled by Manila alone.
The MMDA announced that 2,419 personnel will be deployed for Oplan Undas 2026 to manage traffic and provide assistance around major Metro Manila cemeteries.
Priority areas include:
- Manila North Cemetery
- Manila South Cemetery
- Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina
- San Juan Public Cemetery
- Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City
The operation covers October 24 through November 3.
The MMDA will also provide medical and emergency assistance, while ambulances and rescue vehicles will be placed on standby.
So if you see a heavier-than-usual presence of traffic enforcers along major roads during the weekend, that’s part of the wider Oplan Undas operation.
When Will Traffic Be Heaviest?
If you’re asking me when I would personally avoid driving around Manila’s cemetery district, the answer is easy:
October 31 to November 2.
November 1 will almost certainly be the busiest.
But traffic may already become noticeably heavier by October 30 as people travel early to visit relatives or head to the provinces.
Transport terminals are preparing for a surge as well. PITX, for example, expects around two million passengers from October 25 to November 4, with around 20,000 passengers expected on October 30 alone.
Then there’s another surge in the opposite direction as people return to Metro Manila around November 2 and November 3.
So the traffic pattern will probably look something like this:
October 29 – Increasing traffic
October 30 – Major outbound travel begins
October 31 – Heavy cemetery and provincial travel
November 1 – Peak cemetery traffic
November 2 – Heavy cemetery and return traffic
November 3 – Return-to-Manila traffic and normalization of cemetery operations
Should You Bring a Car to Manila North Cemetery?
If you have another option, I would seriously consider leaving the car at home during the peak days.
The problem isn’t simply finding a route into the area.
Even if your chosen road isn’t officially closed, you’ll still be dealing with:
- Road barricades
- Thousands of pedestrians
- Limited parking
- Jeepney and public transport traffic
- Temporary rerouting
- Loading and unloading activity
- Police checkpoints and traffic personnel
- Vehicles looking for parking
- Possible road restrictions that change depending on crowd volume
Public transportation combined with walking may actually be easier than driving directly into the cemetery district on November 1.
If you’re bringing elderly family members, children, or persons with disabilities, however, driving may still be more practical. In that case, consider going very early.
Best Time to Visit to Avoid the Biggest Crowd
One strategy Filipinos have increasingly adopted is visiting before November 1.
Manila North Cemetery opens for the Undas period beginning October 29.
If your schedule allows it, visiting on October 29 or October 30 may be much easier than going on November 1.
Another option is arriving as early as possible in the morning.
A 5:00 AM arrival may sound extremely early, but you’ll appreciate it once you see how quickly the area fills up later in the day.
Give Yourself Extra Travel Time
Don’t use your normal Manila travel time as your estimate during Undas.
If a route normally takes 20 or 30 minutes, give yourself significantly more time.
Traffic may back up several intersections before the actual road closure.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze can help, but remember that temporary police barricades sometimes change faster than mapping apps can update.
If a traffic enforcer tells you to take a different route, follow the on-ground instructions.
Avoid Dropping Passengers Directly at Cemetery Gates
One major cause of congestion around cemeteries is vehicles stopping directly in front of entrances to unload passengers.
If authorities establish designated loading or unloading areas, use them.
Even stopping for a minute in the wrong place can create a bottleneck once hundreds of other vehicles do the same thing.
This becomes especially important when you’re using Grab or another ride-hailing service.
Your driver may not be able to take you directly to the cemetery gate because of road closures.
Choose a pickup or drop-off point a short walking distance away when necessary.
What Items Are Prohibited Inside Manila Cemeteries?
Visitors should also remember that security restrictions are in place.
Among the items prohibited at Manila North Cemetery are firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic drinks, pets, guitars, loud sound systems, and flammable materials such as alcohol and thinner.
Similar restrictions apply at Manila South Cemetery, including prohibitions on illegal drugs, deadly weapons, smoking, alcoholic drinks, gambling paraphernalia, loud speakers, and pets.
Security inspections may therefore add some time when entering the cemetery.
Pack only what you actually need.
Bringing Children? Put Contact Information on Them
This is a simple tip, but an important one.
The MPD has advised parents bringing small children to attach identification information to them in case they become separated from their families in the crowd.
You can include:
- Child’s name
- Parent or guardian’s name
- Mobile number
- Emergency contact
Avoid putting unnecessary personal information.
With thousands of people moving through cemetery entrances, children can get separated very quickly.
Undas 2026 and ASEAN Summit Preparations
There’s another factor affecting Metro Manila traffic this year.
Government agencies are simultaneously preparing for the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Because of this, the MMDA and LGUs have strengthened coordination for traffic management and security.
The issuance of permits for fun runs, motorcades, processions, and similar public events has been suspended from October 24 to November 20 in Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Makati, and Taguig.
Partial restrictions around the PICC and CCP Complex also begin October 24, while the larger summit-related lockdown comes later in November.
These aren’t the same as the Undas cemetery road closures, but they’re worth remembering if you’re traveling through Manila and Pasay during this period.
Road Excavation Moratorium Begins November 1
There’s at least one piece of good news for motorists.
The MMDA has announced a moratorium on road excavation works beginning November 1 until midnight of December 23, 2026.
The goal is to prevent unnecessary road disruptions as Metro Manila handles the ASEAN Summit preparations and eventually the Christmas rush.
Of course, that won’t magically eliminate Undas traffic.
But fewer unnecessary construction-related lane closures should help.
Tips for Motorists During Manila Undas 2026
If you’re driving through Manila between October 30 and November 3, here’s what I recommend.
First, avoid the Blumentritt-Dimasalang cemetery district entirely if you’re only passing through.
Second, check traffic conditions before leaving home.
Third, prepare more than one alternate route.
Fourth, don’t depend entirely on Waze or Google Maps. Follow actual police barricades and traffic enforcers.
Fifth, don’t expect to park beside the cemetery entrance.
Sixth, if you’re visiting a grave, consider traveling early in the morning.
And lastly, bring patience.
Undas traffic is one of those situations where almost everyone on the road is trying to do the same thing at the same time.
Important Dates to Remember
October 26 – Last day for cleaning and painting graves at Manila South Cemetery.
October 27 – Last day for cleaning, repairs, and repainting at Manila North Cemetery.
October 28 – Last day for burials before Undas at both cemeteries.
October 29 – Manila North Cemetery begins its special Undas schedule; vehicle restrictions inside both North and South cemeteries begin.
October 30 – Manila road closures announced by the MPD begin.
October 31 – Manila South Cemetery begins its main Undas visitor schedule.
November 1 – All Saints’ Day and expected peak cemetery crowds.
November 2 – All Souls’ Day and final day of special visitor operations.
November 3 – Announced road-closure period ends and regular cemetery operations resume.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling around Manila during Undas 2026, planning ahead can save you a lot of time and stress.
The most important roads to remember are Blumentritt, Dimasalang, Maceda, Aurora Boulevard, and the surrounding streets near Manila North Cemetery.
The road closures will run from October 30 to November 3, while vehicle restrictions inside Manila North and South cemeteries begin even earlier, on October 29.
If you’re visiting the cemetery, going early is probably your best option.
If you’re simply passing through Manila, avoiding the entire North Cemetery–Blumentritt–Dimasalang area during peak hours would be even better.
And because traffic plans can still be adjusted depending on the actual volume of visitors, check the latest advisories from the Manila city government, Manila Police District, and MMDA before traveling.
I’ll also keep this article updated if Manila announces additional road closures, parking areas, or changes to the rerouting scheme closer to November 1.
