How to plan a stress-free All Saints' Day trip with a rental car

Every year on 1 November millions of people in Poland set off to visit the graves of their loved ones. It is a special time of reflection and family gatherings, but also one of the busiest days on Polish roads. How do you plan your trip for All Saints' Day 2026 to avoid stress, traffic jams and rushing? Here are some practical tips to help you travel calmly over All Saints' Day – with a rental car.

In Poland, All Saints' Day (Wszystkich Świętych) has a unique and deeply rooted character. It is a time of contemplation, reflection and remembering those who have passed away. For many families it is also a chance to meet after a long time, light candles together and visit places that connect generations. These trips are not only practical – they often take us back to our home towns, where every bend in the road and every cemetery path brings back memories.

That is why a well-planned journey is not only about convenience, but also about respect for tradition and the peace of mind worth keeping at this special time.

All Saints' Day 2026 in Poland – dates and peak traffic

In 2026 All Saints' Day (1 November) falls on a Sunday. As the holiday is on a Sunday, employees in Poland do not get an extra day off, and 2 November (All Souls' Day) is a normal working day. Travel will therefore be concentrated on a single weekend:

• Friday 30 October in the afternoon – the first wave of departures from big cities,
• Saturday 31 October – the heaviest traffic on main roads out of cities and near cemeteries,
• Sunday 1 November afternoon and evening – return journeys and queues on roads into cities.

The quietest times to travel are Friday morning, early Saturday morning or Sunday before noon. If you can, visit a few days earlier, for example the weekend before, to avoid the biggest crowds.

Heavy traffic and jams – how to avoid them

The period from 30 October to 1 November brings heavy traffic not only in big cities but on roads all over Poland. Polish police traditionally run the “Znicz” road safety operation with more speed and sobriety checks, and there are many diversions and temporary traffic changes near cemeteries.

To avoid getting stuck in traffic:

• Leave early – ideally on Friday 30 October in the morning or on Saturday 31 October before 8 am.
• Plan alternative routes with apps such as Google Maps, Yanosik or Waze, which show traffic problems in real time.
• Avoid the main roads into cities – sometimes a few extra minutes on a quieter side road saves a lot of time.
• Check parking near cemeteries – many cities publish maps of temporary car parks and traffic changes for All Saints' Day.

In the days before 1 November, the streets of Polish cities and towns look completely different. Traffic slows down, car headlights reflect in the autumn rain and more and more people walk along the roadside carrying candles and flowers. It is not just a journey to a destination – it is a journey at the pace of memories. It is worth approaching it with patience, awareness and calm.

Book your car in advance

Many families today live all over Poland – children in big cities, parents and grandparents in smaller towns. That is why renting a car for a few days at this time lets everyone meet up. You do not have to worry about inspections, insurance or the technical condition of the car – everything is ready, you just get in and drive.

Car rental at the turn of October and November is in high demand – many people come from abroad or from other regions of Poland. That is why it is worth:

• Booking your car a few days in advance to get a wider choice of models and a better price.
• Choosing a car that suits your trip – a small city car for getting around Warsaw or Kraków, and a spacious SUV or 7-seater for a longer journey with the whole family.
• Using pick-up and drop-off in different cities, so you can plan a flexible route without returning to your starting point. This is especially useful if you fly into Warsaw and fly out of Kraków.

Renting with MobiCars is simple – you book online, with no deposit and unlimited mileage in Poland.

TIP: The “Autumn with MobiCars” promotion runs until 6 November 2026, so you can book your All Saints' Day rental for less. See the details on the promotions page.

Benefits of renting: no deposit and flexible drop-off

Why choose a rental company instead of travelling in your own car or by public transport?

• No deposit – no money blocked on your card, and everything is arranged quickly online.
• Unlimited mileage – visit several cities and cemeteries without worrying about extra charges.
• Flexible drop-off – pick up your car in Warsaw and return it in Wrocław, Kraków or Legionowo.
• Regularly serviced cars ready for autumn – fitted with winter or all-season tyres.

Check the offer in your city:

• Car rental Warsaw – MobiCars
• Car rental Legionowo – MobiCars
• Car rental Wrocław – MobiCars
• Car rental Kraków – MobiCars

Practical tips: when to leave and how to plan your route

Good planning not only saves time but also helps you avoid the traffic jams and rushing that are especially frustrating at this time. Remember that 1 November is a day of reflection, not a stressful battle for a parking space – so it is better to set off early and travel at your own pace.

Here are a few practical steps:

1. Leave early – ideally on Friday 30 October in the morning. If you are travelling back after the holiday, leave on Sunday before noon or on Monday 2 November early in the morning, before the commuter traffic starts.
2. Plan your stops – on a long route, take a break for a coffee or a short walk about every 2 hours.
3. Check the weather – autumn fog, rain and the first frosts can make your journey longer.
4. Choose a car with good lights and parking sensors – it makes manoeuvring near crowded cemeteries much easier.
5. Fill up in advance – you will avoid queues at petrol stations around the holiday.

A calm and reflective journey

All Saints' Day in Poland is different from many European traditions – it is solemn, quiet and melancholic, but also full of the warmth of family gatherings. It is the time when cemeteries glow with thousands of candles and the scent of burning candles mixes with the autumn air. Many drivers choose to travel in the evening just to see this unique, symbolic light of remembrance.

These days are a good time to slow down – literally and figuratively. Let your car journey be not only a means of transport, but also a moment to remember, talk and unwind. MobiCars supports trips like these – without rushing, without stress and without a deposit. Because in November what matters most is not the kilometres, but the memories we carry with us.

Related articles:

• Winter Tyres in Poland – Are They Mandatory?
• Renting a car in winter – what should you pay attention to?
• Car rental for a long weekend – what do you need to know?