Best time to travel to avoid Deepavali traffic 2026
The best time to travel for Deepavali 2026 depends on your route, but highway users should follow the operator’s recommended travel windows and check live traffic before leaving. Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November, and PLUS expects heavier traffic during the holiday period, with more vehicles heading towards the Klang Valley on 9 and 10 November.
Table of contents
Key takeaways
- Deepavali is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Check your state’s holiday calendar for any replacement holiday.
- PLUS expects up to 2.24 million vehicles a day across its highway network on peak travel days, from 7 to 10 November.
- For KLK and LPT1, AFA Prime’s suggested departure slots vary by destination and date.
- PLUS expects heavier traffic towards the Klang Valley on 9 and 10 November. Check MyPLUS-TTA and live traffic updates before travelling.
When is Deepavali 2026?
Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026, according to the Malaysian Government calendar. The Deepavali and school-holiday travel period is expected to run from 7 to 10 November. Public holiday arrangements can vary by state, so check the official calendar that applies to you.
PLUS expects up to 2.24 million vehicles a day on its highway network during peak travel days, up to 17% above its stated average daily traffic volume. The operator says traffic towards the Klang Valley is expected to rise on 9 and 10 November as people return from their trips.
Best travel times for KLK and LPT1
For journeys on the Kuala Lumpur–Karak Highway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1), AFA Prime has issued suggested travel slots for selected journeys from the Klang Valley and the return journey. These are advisory windows to help distribute traffic; they do not guarantee a congestion-free trip.
| Journey | Suggested travel windows |
|---|---|
| From the Klang Valley to Pahang, 7 November | 12pm–4pm or 8pm–11pm |
| From the Klang Valley to Terengganu, 7 November | 9am–12pm or 8pm–11pm |
| From the Klang Valley to Kelantan via Gombak, 7 November | 6am–9am or 5pm–8pm |
| From Pahang towards the Klang Valley, 9 November | 7am–10am or 7pm–11pm |
| From Terengganu via Jabor, 9 November | 10am–1pm or 8pm–10pm |
| From Kelantan via Bentong, 9 November | 4pm–8pm or 9pm–12am |
AFA Prime also identifies midnight to 6am as a free-travel window on the specified dates. For light vehicles, it advises avoiding Gombak Toll Plaza during express-bus peak periods: 9.30am–12pm and 9.30pm–12am. Read the full Deepavali travel advisory reported by RTM and check for updates before setting off.
Expert tip: If you are driving on a route covered by an official travel-time advisory, match your departure to your destination’s recommended slot, then check the latest traffic conditions shortly before leaving.
When and where traffic may build
PLUS expects traffic to increase from 5 November as people begin travelling to hometowns and holiday destinations. It forecasts heavier traffic towards the Klang Valley on 9 and 10 November. On LPT2, PLUS expects daily traffic to rise to around 42,000 vehicles during the period, compared with approximately 25,000 on normal days.
Traffic conditions can change with incidents, weather and local travel patterns. There is no single departure time that will avoid congestion on every Malaysian road. The KLK and LPT1 slots above apply to the journeys and dates stated in the advisory; drivers using other routes should check the relevant highway operator’s latest guidance.
How to plan around Deepavali traffic
Check the latest travel-time advisory. PLUS says MyPLUS-TTA provides recommended times for journeys leaving and returning to the Klang Valley. Check the current schedule through the PLUS website and official channels before your trip.
Check traffic close to departure. A traffic incident or heavy rain can change your journey. PLUS advises motorists to monitor its official traffic updates. You can also contact PLUSLine at 1-800-88-0000 for assistance.
Plan rest stops. Busy periods can make rest areas crowded. PLUS recommends planning your stops and continuing to the next available rest area if your preferred stop is congested.
Leave rested and allow extra time. Check your vehicle before a long drive, take breaks when needed and do not rush to make up for delays.
Common mistake: Treating a suggested departure window as a promise of clear roads. It is a planning guide; check live conditions and follow highway signs and officers’ instructions.
What to do if you meet a Smart Lane
PLUS says Smart Lanes will be activated at 32 selected locations according to traffic conditions. The emergency lane may be used as an extra lane only when the Smart Lane is activated. Follow the signs, speed limits and instructions from highway personnel, and keep a safe following distance.
Never enter an emergency lane just because traffic is slow. Use a Smart Lane only when it is visibly activated and permitted by the highway operator.
Conclusion
For Deepavali 2026, use the route-specific travel windows for KLK and LPT1 where they apply, and check MyPLUS-TTA or your highway operator’s updates for other journeys. Traffic is expected to increase during the holiday period, especially on return routes towards the Klang Valley on 9 and 10 November.
Use the Motorist App to access traffic updates and live traffic cameras while planning your drive. Check official highway operator notices for travel advisories and road instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to travel for Deepavali 2026?
It depends on your route and destination. Follow the relevant highway operator’s travel-time advisory and check live conditions before leaving.
2. When is Deepavali in Malaysia in 2026?
Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Check your state’s official holiday calendar for any replacement holiday.
3. When is traffic expected to be heavier during Deepavali 2026?
PLUS expects traffic to increase from 5 November and heavier traffic towards the Klang Valley on 9 and 10 November. Conditions will vary by route.
4. What are the suggested travel times to Pahang on 7 November?
For the KLK route from the Klang Valley, AFA Prime’s suggested windows are 12pm–4pm or 8pm–11pm.
5. What are the suggested travel times to Terengganu on 7 November?
For the KLK and LPT1 route from the Klang Valley, AFA Prime’s suggested windows are 9am–12pm or 8pm–11pm.
6. What are the suggested travel times to Kelantan on 7 November?
For travel via Gombak, AFA Prime’s suggested windows are 6am–9am or 5pm–8pm.
7. What time should I return to the Klang Valley on 9 November?
The suggested window depends on where you are travelling from. AFA Prime lists separate windows for journeys from Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan; check the table and latest advisory before departure.
8. What is MyPLUS-TTA?
MyPLUS-TTA is PLUS’s Travel Time Advisory, which provides suggested travel times for selected journeys. Check the latest schedule through PLUS before travelling.
9. Can I use the emergency lane when traffic is congested?
Only use it as a Smart Lane when the highway operator has activated it and signs permit its use. Otherwise, keep out of the emergency lane.
10. Where can I check live traffic updates for Deepavali?
Check official updates from your highway operator. PLUS lists its app, official X account @plustrafik and PLUSLine at 1-800-88-0000 for traffic information and assistance.
Read More: Deepavali 2026 car prep: Saman, fuel and road checklist
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