News
The Madrid Marathon transforms mobility and disrupts 109 bus routes
Madrid changes its routine this Sunday with the arrival of the Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Maratón Madrid, an event that forces mobility to be reorganised across much of the city. From early in the morning, road closures and diversions particularly affect those who rely on buses to get around.
The event brings together 47,000 runners and passes through several districts, directly affecting the EMT Madrid network. In all, 109 routes change their course: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, C1, C2, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 85, 86, 107, 116, 118, 119, 120, 124, 126, 127, 128, 129, 133, 138, 143, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 156, 158, 160, 161, 179, 203, 210, 215, 001, 002, C03, M3, SE832, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, N1, N22, N23, N24, N25 and N26. In addition, routes 3, 5, 149 and C03 are suspended until 13:00.
The race starts at 8:00 on Paseo de la Castellana and finishes on Paseo de Recoletos. From 7:15, key thoroughfares such as Gran Vía, Cibeles and Plaza de Castilla are restricted to traffic. In addition, the northern entrances to Cercanías de Recoletos station will remain closed until the evening.
The City Council insists that public transport will be the best way to get around. Stations such as Gregorio Marañón, Nuevos Ministerios, Colón and Banco de España make it easier to reach the main areas of the route, although people are advised to allow extra time because of possible overcrowding.
During the day, occasional pedestrian crossings will also be enabled on arteries such as Castellana or Prado, depending on the passage of runners. For long journeys by car, the recommendation is to avoid the centre and use roads such as the M-30 or M-40.
Getting around Madrid will be slower and less predictable. If you have to cross the centre, plan ahead and opt for the metro or Cercanías. In return, the city will offer a unique atmosphere, with thousands of people on the streets.