The London Marathon will take over London this weekend as thousands of people run along a 26.2-mile route through the city. But, naturally, that’s far too many people to stick to using the pavement. And the runners can’t exactly share the road with cars. As such, the London Marathon will result in a number of road closures throughout the city.
These road closures will all but prevent people in some areas from driving at all. There will also be restrictions for pedestrians, and public transport is expected to be much busier than usual.
In addition to the road closures, there will be temporary parking restrictions, as the roads will need to be completely cleared of cars. Drivers are encouraged to find parking off route on the evening of April 25, ahead of the Marathon taking place on the 26th. On the day of the marathon, vehicle removals will start at 4am, ahead of the race beginning.
London Marathon road closures
Since they comprise portions of the marathon route, these roads are the primary roads that will be closed during the London Marathon.
- Charlton Way (04:00 – 14:30)
- Shooters Hill Road (04:00 – 14:30)
- St Johns Park (07:00 – 14:30)
- Charlton Park Road (07:00 – 14:30)
- Old Dover Road (07:00 – 14:30)
- Little Heath (07:00 – 14:30)
- Charlton Park Lane (07:00 – 14:30)
- Artillery Place (07:00 – 14:30)
- John Wilson Street (07:00 – 14:30)
- Woolwich Church Street (07:00 – 15:00)
- Woolwich Road (07:00 – 15:00)
- Trafalgar Road (07:00 – 16:00)
- Creek Road (07:00 – 16:00)
- Evelyn Street (08:00 – 16:00)
- Surrey Quays Road (08:00 – 16:00)
- Salter Road (08:00 – 16:00)
- Brunel Road (08:00 – 16:00)
- Jamaica Road (08:00 – 16:00)
- Tower Bridge (08:00 – 20:30)
- The Highway (south side) (08:00 – 20:30)
- Narrow Street (08:00 – 20:30)
- Westferry Road (08:00 – 20:30)
- East Ferry Road (08:00 – 20:30)
- Marsh Wall (08:00 – 20:30)
- Bank Street (08:00 – 20:30)
- North Colonnade (08:00 – 20:30)
- Poplar High Street (08:00 – 20:30)
- Commercial Road (08:00 – 20:30)
- The Highway (north side) (08:00 – 20:30)
- Byward Street (07:30 – 21:00)
- Upper/Lower Thames Street (07:30 – 21:00)
- Victoria Embankment and Parliament Square (07:30 – 22:00)
As well as these closures, the following areas and roads will also be closed:
- Trafalgar Square, surrounding roads, & several nearby roads (07:30 – 22:00)
- The Mall & Marlborough Road (05:00, Thursday, April 23 – 18:00 Monday, April 27)
- Spur Road, Constitution Hill, Horse Guards Road, & Birdcage Walk (Eastbound) (06:00, Friday, April 24 – 06:00 Monday, April 27)
- Birdcage Walk (westbound) (06:00, Saturday, April 25 – 06:00 Monday, April 27)
- The Greenwich Foot Tunnel will operate one way only – south to north – between 10:00 and 12:30 on April 26
Further, as part of the TCS Mini London Marathon on Saturday, April 25, which is hosted at St James’s Park, Northumberland Avenue, Great Scotland Yard, and Whitehall Place, will be closed from 06:00 to 12:00 on the day.
Getting around during the London Marathon
For drivers affected by the London Marathon, there will be route crossings available. However, these will not be in use while the marathon is being run. Public transport is the best way to get around on the day. Or you can simply stay home, or even head to the route to support the runners!
TRAINS
The London Underground, Overground, and DLR will all have extra services on Marathon Day. In central areas, however, the London Underground services are expected to be extremely busy.
If you’re travelling to the Marathon start line, the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and DLR all have stops close to the marathon route. These are expected to be busier than usual.
BUSES
Buses travelling on roads affected by the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the full length of their route until after the event.
SANTANDER CYCLES
Some Santander Cycles docking stations along the marathon route will be suspended from Saturday evening until Sunday evening.
Road closure guides for local residents
It’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive list of all of the roads being closed. The London Marathon event organisers have created individual leaflets for residents of various areas to understand which roads will be closed, and for how long, as well as advice on getting around.
Click here for advice for local residents of Canary Wharf.
Click here for advice for local residents of Greenwich.
Click here for advice for local residents of Isle of Dogs.
Click here for advice for local residents of Queen Anne’s Gate.Click here for advice for local residents of Rotherhithe.
Click here for advice for local residents of Trafalgar Square.
Click here for advice for local residents of Wapping.
Click here for advice for local residents of Westcombe Park.
Find out more about the London Marathon road closures, and how you can navigate them, here.
