Tens of thousands of runners will set off on the 26.2-mile route on Sunday, April 26
The London Marathon 2026 is less than a fortnight away, bringing hundreds of thousands of spectators into the capital. The 26.2-mile route will be lined with crowds supporting friends and loved ones tackling the ultimate running challenge on Sunday, April 26.
The beloved race is one of the city’s biggest events of the year, with DJs, bands and cheer zones transforming the streets with electric energy. While the atmosphere is unforgettable, getting there is much less fun.
Several roads will be sealed off from 4am, affecting buses and taxis attempting to travel via Greenwich, Lewisham, Tower Hamlets and Central London – read the key list. A number of Tube stations will also be much busier than usual.
Areas expected to be the most packed along the marathon route are Cutty Sark, Canada Water/Rotherhithe, Tower Bridge/Tower Hill, Canary Wharf and and Victoria Embankment/Westminster. Passengers are encouraged to check Transport for London’s journey planner before setting off for the day.
Here’s what you need to know:
Route map
The London Marathon 2026 route starts in Blackheath and Greenwich Park and finishes by Buckingham Palace:
Which Tube stations will be busiest?
Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark DLR station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking from Deptford, Greenwich, Island Gardens or Maze Hill.
Canada Water
Canada Water station will be extremely busy. Use London Overground to Rotherhithe or Surrey Quays instead.
Bermondsey
Bermondsey station will be extremely busy. Consider using London Bridge station to access Jamaica Road and the surrounding area.
Tower Bridge
Arrive early for viewing spots. London Bridge is a better alternative to Tower Hill or Tower Gateway.
Canary Wharf and Heron Quays
Canary Wharf Underground station, and the surrounding area, will be extremely busy. For Canary Wharf, use the Elizabeth line or Canary Wharf DLR. For Miles 15, 17 and 18, use Crossharbour or South Quay.
Limehouse
Limehouse station will be extremely busy with queues up to 90 minutes at peak times. Consider walking to and from Shadwell station via Cable Street, Westferry station or Poplar station.
Tower Hill
Tower Hill will be extremely busy. Consider using Cannon Street or Mansion House. For Lower/Upper Thames Street, use Bank, St Paul’s or Southwark.
Westminster
Westminster station and St James’s Park will be extremely busy. The former will be exit only from 7am to 7pm. Consider using Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Victoria and Waterloo.
Are there quieter spots along the route?
These following areas are expected to be less crowded than other points along the course:
- Miles 9 – 11: Rotherhithe Peninsula
- Miles 14/22: The Highway
- Mile 15: Westferry
- Mile 16: Isle of Dogs
- Mile 20: Poplar
- Mile 25: Victoria Embankment
There will also be five accessible viewing points providing better visibility for wheelchair users. These are barrier free and managed by stewards:
- Cutty Sark
- Canary Wharf
- Rainbow Row (Butcher Row)
- Tower Hill
- Victoria Embankment
Read MyLondon’s guide to the London Marathon 2026 including road closures and best freebies
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