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Tens of thousands of runners and spectators are expected in the Czech capital on Sunday, May 4, as the Orlen Prague Marathon celebrates its 30th edition. Starting at 9 a.m. from Old Town Square, the race will feature around 10,000 participants tackling a 42.195-kilometer route through Prague’s historical center and across seven city bridges.
While the event is a highlight on the city’s sporting calendar, it will also bring extensive traffic restrictions. Road closures, parking bans, and disruptions to tram and bus services will impact residents and visitors throughout the day, with some measures beginning as early as Saturday.
Closures across Prague’s city center
The Prague Marathon course winds through multiple districts including Prague 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8, and runs along both banks of the Vltava River. Roads along the route will be closed to all traffic between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, with police coordinating temporary access based on runner movement.
Key locations—including Old Town Square, Pařížská, Národní, and Charles Bridge—will be affected, as well as multiple embankments and tunnels.
Some closures will last beyond race hours due to the construction and dismantling of event facilities, especially near Wenceslas Square and Old Town. A full list of affected streets includes sections in nearly all central districts, from Celetná and Křižovnická in Prague 1 to Jankovcova in Prague 7 and Voctářova in Prague 8.
A parking ban will also be enforced along the marathon route starting Saturday, May 3, and continuing through race day. Vehicles parked in restricted areas risk being towed for safety reasons.
Public transport to operate with major adjustments
In addition to road closures, Prague Public Transport Company has announced service changes for multiple tram and bus lines. Surface transportation in central Prague will be limited or rerouted during the race window, and officials advise using the metro system instead. Increased metro service is expected to help accommodate passenger demand.
Commuters and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check the latest transport updates. Complete information about public transport changes during this year's Prague Marathon, included affected tram routes and replacement buses, is available on the transport company’s website.
Organizers and city officials are asking for patience and cooperation from residents during the race, emphasizing both the international significance of the event and efforts to minimize disruptions for residents.
