NYC Marathon Transportation Guide 2026: Road Closures, Bridge Shutdowns & How to Get Around All 5 Boroughs
The TCS New York City Marathon — held the first Sunday of November — sends 50,000+ runners through all five boroughs along a 26.2-mile course that closes roads from Staten Island to Central Park. For the 2 million+ spectators and everyone else trying to move through the city, it is the most disruptive single-day transportation event in New York. This guide covers every road closure, bridge shutdown, and alternative route — plus how to book professional car service that actually works on Marathon Sunday.
NYC Marathon 2026 — Quick Facts
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Start time: 8:00 AM (wave starts through 11 AM)
Runners: 50,000+ (largest marathon in the world)
Spectators: 2 million+ lining the course
Road closures: 7 AM – 5 PM (progressive reopening)
Verrazzano Bridge: Closed 7 AM – 3 PM
Boroughs crossed: Staten Island → Brooklyn → Queens → Bronx → Manhattan
Car service: From $100/hr — (888) 420-0177
The Complete Road Closure Map: Borough by Borough
Staten Island (Start Line — Fort Wadsworth)
The Marathon starts at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Road closures affect the area around the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge toll plaza beginning at 5 AM for runner staging. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is completely closed to all vehicle traffic from approximately 7 AM to 3 PM — this is the single most impactful closure, as it eliminates the only direct driving route between Staten Island and Brooklyn. If you need to travel between these boroughs on Marathon Sunday, you must route through New Jersey via the Goethals Bridge or Outerbridge Crossing.
Brooklyn (Miles 1–13)
The course runs through Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg. Key closures include Fourth Avenue (from 92nd Street to Flatbush Avenue), Lafayette Avenue, Bedford Avenue, and the approach to the Pulaski Bridge into Queens. Cross-course vehicle movement in Brooklyn is extremely limited between 8 AM and 2 PM. East-west travel across Fourth Avenue requires detouring to the BQE or surface streets south of the course.
Queens (Miles 13–15)
Runners cross the Pulaski Bridge into Long Island City and run along 48th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard before crossing the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge) into Manhattan. The Queensboro Bridge lower level is closed to vehicle traffic during the Marathon. Upper level remains open for vehicles but expect severe congestion.
The Bronx (Miles 20–21)
Runners enter the Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge (closed to vehicles), run up 138th Street and Grand Concourse, then return to Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge (also closed to vehicles). The Bronx section is short but creates a bottleneck for vehicle traffic between Manhattan and the Bronx for approximately 3 hours (10 AM – 1 PM).
Manhattan (Miles 15–20, 21–26.2)
The Manhattan portions create the most widespread disruption. First Avenue is closed from the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street) to 138th Street — that is 80 blocks of one of Manhattan's primary north-south corridors shut down. After the Bronx, runners return via Fifth Avenue through Harlem (from 138th to 90th Street), then enter Central Park at Engineers' Gate (90th Street), running south to the finish line at Columbus Circle (59th Street). Central Park drives are closed all day.
Key Manhattan Impact
First Avenue closure (80 blocks) forces all east-side north-south traffic onto Second Avenue and Third Avenue — expect gridlock from 9 AM to 3 PM. Fifth Avenue closure in Harlem pushes traffic to Madison and Lenox Avenues. Central Park closure eliminates the transverse roads used for cross-park vehicle traffic.
Bridge and Tunnel Status During the Marathon
| Bridge / Tunnel | Marathon Day Status | Closure Window |
|---|---|---|
| Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | CLOSED to all vehicles | 7 AM – 3 PM |
| Queensboro Bridge (lower) | CLOSED to vehicles | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Queensboro Bridge (upper) | Open — severe congestion | — |
| Willis Avenue Bridge | CLOSED to vehicles | 10 AM – 2 PM |
| Madison Avenue Bridge | CLOSED to vehicles | 10 AM – 2 PM |
| Brooklyn Bridge | Open — heavy congestion | — |
| Manhattan Bridge | Open — moderate congestion | — |
| Williamsburg Bridge | Open — heavy congestion | — |
| Lincoln Tunnel | Open — normal flow | — |
| Holland Tunnel | Open — normal flow | — |
| Queens-Midtown Tunnel | Open — moderate congestion | — |
How to Get Around NYC on Marathon Sunday
Option 1: Pre-Booked Professional Car Service (Recommended)
A professional car service with a chauffeur who knows the Marathon closure map is the most reliable way to move through NYC on Marathon Sunday. Detailed Drivers provides flat-rate service from $100/hr with no surge pricing — your chauffeur pre-plans the route around every closure, bridge shutdown, and congestion zone. For JFK and LaGuardia airport transfers, your driver uses the Queens-Midtown Tunnel or Williamsburg Bridge to avoid the closed Queensboro lower deck.
Marathon Day Car Service — Pricing
Executive Sedan: $100/hr (2-hr minimum) — ideal for airport transfers and point-to-point
First Class SUV: $120/hr — ideal for families and groups with luggage
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: $170/hr — VIP arrivals and corporate
Sprinter Van: $200/hr (3-hr minimum) — groups of 10-14
JFK → Manhattan (Marathon day): from $120 sedan
LGA → Manhattan (Marathon day): from $120 sedan
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for Marathon Sunday. Call (888) 420-0177.
Option 2: Subway (MTA)
The subway operates on a normal Sunday schedule, but stations near the Marathon course — especially along First Avenue (6 train), in Brooklyn along Fourth Avenue (N/R/D trains), and at Columbus Circle (A/C/B/D/1) — experience extreme crowding from spectators. The subway is your best self-service option, but plan for 20-30 minutes extra travel time due to crowding at stations.
Option 3: Uber / Lyft (Not Recommended)
Rideshare apps are the worst option on Marathon Sunday. Surge pricing routinely hits 3-5x across Manhattan and Brooklyn due to road closures limiting available drivers. Wait times of 30-45 minutes are common. Many drivers avoid Manhattan entirely during the Marathon because road closures make navigation unprofitable. If you must use Uber, expect to pay $200-$400+ for rides that normally cost $60-$80.
Airport Transfers on Marathon Sunday
JFK Airport → Manhattan
JFK to Manhattan remains fully accessible on Marathon Sunday. Your Detailed Drivers chauffeur uses the Van Wyck Expressway to the Long Island Expressway to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel (open all day). Avoid the Queensboro Bridge lower level (closed). Expect 60-80 minutes during Marathon hours (vs. 45-60 minutes normally). Sedan flat rate: from $120.
LaGuardia Airport → Manhattan
LaGuardia to Manhattan is more affected because the Queensboro Bridge lower level is closed. Your chauffeur routes via the Triborough Bridge (RFK Bridge) to the FDR Drive — or if FDR is congested, through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Expect 40-55 minutes (vs. 25-40 normally). Sedan flat rate: from $120.
Newark Airport → Manhattan
Newark (EWR) to Manhattan via the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel is minimally affected by the Marathon — these tunnels operate normally. The Lincoln Tunnel feeds into Midtown West, avoiding the closure zones on the East Side. Newark is often the best airport choice for Marathon weekend arrivals. Sedan flat rate: from $120.
Spectator Transportation Tips
If you're spectating the Marathon at multiple points along the course, a chauffeur on hourly hire is the most efficient way to move between viewing locations. Popular spectator strategies:
- Start in Brooklyn (mile 8, Fourth Ave & Union St) → chauffeur drives you to First Avenue & 70th Street (mile 17) via the Manhattan Bridge while runners are still in Queens. You see runners in both locations.
- First Avenue (mile 17) → chauffeur takes you to Central Park South (mile 25.5) via West Side Highway while runners are in the Bronx. You see the final push to the finish.
- Finish line (Columbus Circle) → chauffeur picks you up at a pre-arranged location on 8th Avenue (west of the course) for your post-Marathon restaurant or hotel.
Booking Advice
For Marathon Sunday car service, book 2-4 weeks in advance. Hourly hire ($100/hr, 2-hour minimum) is the best value for spectators hitting multiple viewing points. For airport transfers arriving on Marathon Sunday, book at the time you purchase your flights — Marathon weekend demand fills quickly.
Timeline: When Do Roads Reopen?
| Time | What Reopens |
|---|---|
| ~1:00 PM | Brooklyn course streets begin progressive reopening (Bay Ridge → Park Slope) |
| ~2:00 PM | Fourth Avenue fully reopened; Queens streets reopen |
| ~2:30 PM | Willis Avenue and Madison Avenue Bridges reopen |
| ~3:00 PM | Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge reopens to vehicles |
| ~3:30 PM | First Avenue begins reopening (north to south) |
| ~4:00 PM | Queensboro Bridge lower level reopens; Fifth Avenue (Harlem) reopens |
| ~5:00 PM | Central Park transverse roads reopen; Columbus Circle area clears |
| ~6:00 PM | All streets fully reopened; normal traffic patterns resume |
Frequently Asked Questions
What roads are closed during the NYC Marathon?
The NYC Marathon closes roads across all five boroughs along the 26.2-mile course: the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (closed 7 AM–3 PM), Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, First Avenue in Manhattan from 59th to 138th Street, Willis Avenue Bridge, Fifth Avenue through Harlem, and Central Park South to the finish at Columbus Circle. Most closures begin at 7 AM and reopen progressively between 2–5 PM.
How much does car service cost during the NYC Marathon?
Detailed Drivers charges $100/hr for an Executive Sedan with a 2-hour minimum — flat rate, no surge. Uber Black during the NYC Marathon routinely surges to $200-$400+ for rides that normally cost $60-$80. Pre-booking with Detailed Drivers guarantees your vehicle and avoids Marathon surge entirely. Call (888) 420-0177.
Can I get from JFK to Manhattan during the NYC Marathon?
Yes — JFK to Manhattan is accessible via the Van Wyck Expressway to LIE to Queens-Midtown Tunnel. Avoid the Queensboro Bridge lower level (closed). Expect 60-80 minutes vs. the usual 45-60. Detailed Drivers sedan flat rate: from $120.
Is the Verrazzano Bridge closed during the NYC Marathon?
Yes — completely closed to all vehicles from 7 AM to 3 PM. Travel between Staten Island and Brooklyn requires routing through New Jersey (Goethals Bridge or Outerbridge Crossing).
When is the NYC Marathon in 2026?
Sunday, November 1, 2026. The race starts at 8 AM from Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Book Marathon-day car service 2-4 weeks in advance.
When do roads reopen after the NYC Marathon?
Roads reopen progressively. Brooklyn course streets begin reopening around 1 PM. The Verrazzano Bridge reopens at ~3 PM. First Avenue starts reopening at ~3:30 PM. Central Park and Columbus Circle clear by ~5 PM. Full normal traffic typically resumes by 6 PM.
Book NYC Marathon Day Car Service
Flat-rate from $100/hr — no Marathon surge, pre-planned routes around every closure, JFK/LGA/EWR airport transfers available.