Guerin® Blog
Events
Lisbon Half Marathon 2026: what changes in the city and how to plan your journeys
Share
The Lisbon Half Marathon 2026 is one of Portugal’s most iconic sporting events and a key date in the international running calendar. Each year, it attracts professional athletes, amateur runners and thousands of visitors who travel to Lisbon to take part in or watch the race. Its distinctive route and vibrant atmosphere turn the event into a defining moment for the city.
Starting on the famous 25 de Abril Bridge and finishing near the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, the Lisbon Half Marathon offers a unique experience for participants and spectators alike. Its inclusion in the SuperHalfs circuit highlights the race’s international status and reinforces Lisbon’s position among Europe’s leading running destinations.
A race that transforms Lisbon for a day
On the day of the Lisbon Half Marathon, the city takes on a different rhythm. From early morning, large crowds head towards the riverside areas, creating a lively environment shaped by supporter enthusiasm and the presence of both national and international visitors.
This increased movement inevitably brings changes to daily life in Lisbon. One of the most significant impacts is the temporary closure of the 25 de Abril Bridge, which disrupts one of the main road links between the two sides of the Tagus River. Several major avenues and access roads along the route are also subject to traffic restrictions or full closures for a number of hours.
H2: What are the main traffic closures during the Lisbon Half Marathon?
Traffic restrictions usually begin in the early hours of the morning and last until early afternoon, with roads reopening gradually. Official information on closures and restrictions is typically shared by the local authorities, the Lisbon City Council and the event organisers. The areas most affected usually include the 25 de Abril Bridge, Avenida Brasília, Avenida da Índia, parts of Avenida 24 de Julho and the Belém area, including access routes to the Jerónimos Monastery.
Parking restrictions are also enforced in these locations, often starting the night before the race. Drivers who overlook these limitations may face significant delays or have their vehicles towed.
How to plan your journeys on race day
Whether you are running in the Lisbon Half Marathon, attending as a spectator or simply need to move around the city, planning ahead is essential. Avoiding the riverside areas during the morning and choosing alternative routes can help save time and reduce frustration caused by temporary traffic changes.
Leaving earlier than usual and keeping track of official updates allows you to anticipate disruptions more effectively. On a day like this, flexibility with schedules and routes is one of the most effective ways to move around Lisbon smoothly.
Easier mobility on a day of major disruptions
On the day of the Lisbon Half Marathon, advance planning makes a noticeable difference. Having access to the right mobility solutions helps ensure comfort, efficiency and peace of mind, even when the city is operating under significant constraints.
Guerin supports travellers during large-scale events by providing options that simplify journeys for runners, companions and support teams. Choosing a suitable vehicle and planning routes carefully can help navigate temporary traffic changes more easily. For those looking for added peace of mind, the Pack Premium Gold combines enhanced vehicle protection with a higher level of travel assistance. Features such as excess waiver, glass and tyre protection and discounted top-level roadside assistance can be particularly valuable on a busy day when unexpected situations are more likely.
Enjoying Lisbon during the Lisbon Half Marathon
Despite the traffic restrictions, the Lisbon Half Marathon is also an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective. Discover how to choose a car with Guerin, watch the finish in Belém, explore quieter neighbourhoods or combine the event with a short city break to make the experience even more rewarding.
By planning journeys in advance and choosing the most appropriate mobility solutions, it is possible to move around Lisbon with confidence, avoid unnecessary setbacks and enjoy one of the most important sporting events of the year, whether as a runner, a supporter or a visitor.
Share
