Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Getting around London during the TCS London Marathon takes more planning than on a normal weekend. The next edition is the one-off 2027 Double TCS London Marathon, held on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April 2027. Both days use the same route from Greenwich to Westminster, so spectators should expect major crowds, transport pressure and road closures across the course area.
Quick Answer
The easiest way to get around during the London Marathon is usually by rail, DLR, Underground and walking. Avoid driving near the route, use the official marathon app to track your runner, and check TfL Go before every journey. Allow extra time because the busiest stations can have long queues.
Key Takeaways
- The 2027 London Marathon is a two-day event on 24–25 April, with the same Greenwich-to-Westminster course used on both days.
- Use TfL Go and the official marathon spectator guidance rather than relying on a normal weekend journey plan.
- Contactless payment and Oyster are both practical ways to pay for most London public transport journeys.
- Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf are memorable viewing areas, but they can also be among the busiest.
- Download the official TCS London Marathon app so you can track your runner instead of trying to guess when they will reach you.
- Do not rely on driving, nearby parking or spectator luggage storage unless you have independently confirmed an option for your event day.
Note: Detailed 2027 transport, road-closure and spectator arrangements may continue to change as the Double approaches. Check the official London Marathon and TfL information again shortly before your assigned race day.
Planning Your Transportation to the Marathon
Start with two official tools: the London Marathon Spectator Guide and TfL Go. TfL Go shows live arrivals, disruptions, walking routes and step-free options across London.
Do not plan the day as if every station will operate under normal conditions. Marathon crowds can make a short journey take much longer, particularly around Greenwich, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and central London.
The official spectator guidance recommends walking between parts of the route where practical. That can be faster than entering a packed station, making one or two stops, and then queuing to leave another busy station.
Pro Tip: Plan fewer viewing stops than you think you can manage. Seeing your runner clearly at two or three well-chosen locations is usually better than spending the whole race rushing between crowded stations.
Ride-shares, taxis and private transfers can still be useful away from the course, but road closures and traffic restrictions make them unreliable for journeys that cross the marathon route. Public transport and walking should normally be your first choices.
Navigating London’s Public Transit System
London’s transport network includes the Underground, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, buses and National Rail. You may use several of these during Marathon Day, so do not think only in terms of the Tube.
For most visitors, the simplest payment choice is either an Oyster card or a compatible contactless bank card or mobile device. TfL says both can be used for pay-as-you-go travel across most of its network.
Oyster Card and Contactless Benefits
Oyster is useful if you prefer a prepaid travel card or need an Oyster-specific discount. Contactless can be more convenient if you already have an eligible bank card or mobile wallet.
Whichever option you use, keep using the same card or device throughout the journey. For rail journeys, touch in and touch out where required. On buses, you normally touch in only. Switching between a physical card and a phone linked to that card can result in separate journeys being charged.
| Payment method | Best for | Remember |
| Contactless card/device | Visitors who already have a compatible payment method | Check whether your bank charges overseas transaction fees |
| Oyster | Travelers who want a separate prepaid transport card | Keep enough pay-as-you-go credit available |
| Either option | Most normal London journeys | Use the same card or device consistently so fares and caps are calculated correctly |
Current fare information is available from Transport for London.
Navigating Tube Stations
Study your route before entering a busy station. TfL Go can show live service information and alternative journeys if a line, station, lift or escalator is disrupted.
On escalators, follow local signs and keep the left side available for people walking when instructed. Let passengers leave trains before boarding, move away from doors once aboard and follow station staff directions during crowd-control measures.
Race-day crowd controls can change how you enter or exit a station. A station that appears closest on the map is not always the quickest choice.
Warning: Current official spectator guidance warns that some busy stations can have queues of up to 90 minutes at peak periods. Build substantial spare time into any plan that depends on moving between popular viewing areas.
Best Viewing Spots Along the Route
The official London Marathon course runs from Greenwich through south-east and central London before finishing on The Mall. Famous locations create a memorable backdrop, but the most famous viewing points also attract the largest crowds.
Prime Spectator Locations
Tower Bridge is one of the race’s signature locations. The atmosphere is exceptional, but spectators should arrive well before their runner because the bridge and nearby transport hubs become extremely busy.
Canary Wharf gives spectators another high-energy section later in the race. The area has several nearby transport choices, but crowds around Canary Wharf stations can still be heavy.
The Highway can be useful strategically because the course passes through this part of London at different stages, making it possible to see participants more than once without crossing the entire city.
Wherever you stand, stay behind barriers, do not enter the course for photographs, and never run alongside a participant. Follow stewards when crossing the route.
Iconic Course Highlights
For a classic London Marathon experience, consider these landmarks:
- Cutty Sark: The route loops around the historic ship between Miles 6 and 7. It is visually impressive but extremely popular with spectators.
- Tower Bridge: Runners cross the Thames around the halfway stage, producing one of the loudest and most recognizable scenes of the marathon.
- Victoria Embankment and Westminster: This late-race section lets you watch tired runners head toward Parliament Square and the final mile.
- Buckingham Palace and The Mall: The final turn gives runners their view of the famous Finish Line, but access around the finish is tightly managed and extremely busy.
The best spectator spot is not always the closest one to a famous landmark. A slightly quieter section can give you a better view of your runner and make your next journey much easier.
Tips for Finding Accommodation During the Event
Book accommodation early, particularly for the unusual two-day 2027 marathon weekend. Staying beside the course can be convenient for spectating, but it is not essential if you have easy access to rail, Underground, DLR or Elizabeth line services.
Central London gives you many transport choices but often costs more. Greenwich and Docklands can be convenient for eastern sections of the course, while areas around Waterloo, Southwark and other well-connected central stations can work well for spectators who plan to move between viewing points.
Before booking, check:
- Walking distance to a useful station.
- Whether the station provides the accessibility you need.
- Hotel luggage-storage policies before check-in or after checkout.
- Cancellation terms.
- Whether road closures could affect taxi or car access.
A cheaper hotel farther from the course can be a better choice than an expensive room beside a section that becomes difficult to enter or leave on Marathon Day.
Getting to and From the Race Start Line
The marathon starts in the Greenwich and Blackheath area. This is primarily a runner logistics issue: spectators generally do not need to travel to the Start and may have a much easier day meeting their runner later on the course.
Blackheath is a National Rail station, not a Tube station. Greenwich is served by National Rail and the DLR. Maze Hill is another rail station used for Start-area access.
Participants should follow the exact travel and arrival instructions in their official Participant Guide. Start areas and arrival instructions can differ by wave, and London Marathon Events says the Participant Guide contains the information needed to reach the correct Start.
Do not simply choose whichever station appears closest on your phone. Your allocated start area may make another station the appropriate option.
Note: Because detailed 2027 participant transport arrangements are still being finalized, runners should use the 2027 Participant Guide rather than assuming that free-travel or station arrangements from earlier editions will apply unchanged.
Parking Options and Road Closures
Driving should normally be your fallback option on Marathon Day. Large sections of the route require road closures, parking suspensions and controlled crossing points so runners and spectators can move safely.
Before driving anywhere near the route, check the official London Marathon road-closure page for the current event.
Marathon Day Road Closures
Closures affect roads along and around the course, and restrictions may begin well before the main field reaches a neighborhood. Reopening is also gradual rather than simultaneous across London.
This means a driving route that works on a normal weekend may be impossible on Marathon Day. Taxi and ride-share drivers face the same restrictions.
Use official closure maps rather than relying solely on a standard navigation app. Event barriers and managed crossing points may also change where pedestrians can cross the course.
Parking Lot Locations
Do not assume there will be official spectator parking close to the marathon. The event’s road and parking restrictions make public transport a safer default.
If you must drive, choose a legitimate commercial or hotel car park well away from the route and confirm:
- The car park is open on your race day.
- Your planned access road is not closed.
- You can leave when you need to.
- Any height, advance-booking or overnight restrictions.
Parking outside the busiest central areas and completing the trip by rail may be simpler than attempting to drive close to a viewing point.
Alternative Transport Tips
Walking is one of the most useful alternatives. The official spectator guide recommends walking between parts of the course where possible, particularly when nearby stations are heavily congested.
River services may also be useful for some journeys, but check the operator’s live timetable and pier information before relying on them. Do not assume normal service during a major event.
Bike hire can work away from the busiest areas, but a bicycle becomes awkward in dense pedestrian crowds. Never take a bike onto or obstruct the race course, and be prepared for docking stations or streets near the route to be inaccessible.
Local Services and Facilities for Spectators
London offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops and public facilities around the marathon route, but do not confuse participant services with spectator services.
Drinks stations along the course are primarily race infrastructure for participants. Spectators should carry their own water and snacks or buy them from local businesses.
Toilets may be available in event areas and nearby public facilities, but availability varies. In very busy areas, expect queues.
Official merchandise is normally associated with London Marathon event locations and partners, but do not depend on finding a merchandise kiosk at your exact viewing point.
Pro Tip: Carry only what you need: water, a small snack, portable phone power, weather protection and essential identification. A lighter bag makes crowded stations and long walks much easier.
Accessibility and Special Needs Arrangements
London Marathon Events provides specific accessibility support for both participants and spectators, but the arrangements are different.
Current spectator guidance lists five accessible viewing areas:
- Cutty Sark
- Canary Wharf
- Rainbow Row at Butcher Row
- Tower Hill
- Victoria Embankment
These viewing areas are managed by stewards, are barrier-free and provide improved visibility for wheelchair users. The official guide also states that a spectator with a disability may attend with one carer or supporter and that an accessible toilet is available at these locations.
Check the current locations in the London Marathon Spectator Guide before traveling because arrangements can be updated.
For transport, TfL’s accessible journey planner lets you search for step-free routes, routes with less walking and alternatives when lifts or stations are disrupted.
Participants who need disability-related support should use the official participant accessibility information rather than relying on spectator arrangements.
Staying Safe and Avoiding Crowds
The biggest safety challenge for most spectators is crowd density. The areas around Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the Finish can become extremely busy.
London Marathon Events recommends patience and flexibility. If a location is already packed, switching to a quieter section of the course may give you a better experience than forcing your way toward a famous landmark.
Do not enter the race route, run beside a participant or block the course with a bag, pushchair or bicycle. Use managed crossing points and follow instructions from stewards and police.
The organizers also operate event security measures including stewards, police presence and other procedures. Remain aware of your surroundings and report anything concerning to event staff.
Warning: Do not depend entirely on your phone to reunite with friends or a runner. Mobile reception can become unreliable when large crowds concentrate in one area. Agree on a specific backup meeting point before the race.
Exploring London While the Marathon Unfolds
You can combine spectating with sightseeing, but remember that moving across the city may take longer than usual.
- See landmarks already near the route. Tower Bridge, the Tower of London area, Westminster and Buckingham Palace can fit naturally into a spectator day without adding a long cross-city trip.
- Visit a museum or gallery between planned sightings. Attractions such as Tate Modern or museums in central London may provide a useful break, but check normal opening hours, ticket requirements and access independently.
- Use parks for a quieter pause. St James’s Park and other central green spaces can provide relief from crowded pavements, although areas close to the Finish may still be busy.
Keep your sightseeing schedule flexible. Tracking your runner and getting to your next viewing position should take priority if seeing them is the main goal.
Use the Official Marathon App
The official TCS London Marathon app provides participant tracking and event updates. It is one of the most useful tools for spectators trying to decide when to leave one location for another.
Tracking is still an estimate of where a participant is on the course, so leave a buffer. Do not wait until the app shows your runner almost beside you before trying to reach the barrier.
Download and set up the app before Marathon Day rather than trying to do it in a crowded station.
Meeting Your Runner After the Finish
The area immediately beyond the Finish Line is controlled and busy, so do not tell your runner simply to “meet outside the finish.”
The official spectator guidance uses a Meet and Greet Area around Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall, Horse Guards Road and Horse Guards Parade, with lettered meeting points.
Choose a specific letter or agreed location before the race. Organizers advise allowing roughly 30 minutes for a runner to make their way from the Finish Line to the meeting area, although individual times vary.
This pre-arranged plan is especially important if mobile service is slow or unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Marathon-Related Events or Festivals in London?
Yes. The main pre-race event is the TCS London Marathon Running Show at Excel London, where participants collect their Event Packs and can visit exhibitors and hear talks. For 2027, organizers are planning an expanded Running Show around the Double weekend. Check the official schedule before traveling.
What Are the Best Local Restaurants Near the Marathon Route?
There are many options around Greenwich, London Bridge, Tower Hill, Canary Wharf and Westminster. Borough Market near London Bridge is convenient for a wide range of food, while pubs and restaurants are common around central sections of the course. Check opening hours and reservations because Marathon Day can be unusually busy.
How Early Should I Arrive to Secure a Good Viewing Spot?
For famous locations such as Tower Bridge, arrive well before you expect your runner. There is no single arrival time that guarantees a front-row position because crowd levels vary by location and wave. Allow substantially more time than on a normal London journey and switch to a quieter section if your first choice is already packed.
Are There Luggage Storage Options for Spectators Before and After the Race?
Do not assume spectator luggage storage is available along the marathon route. The Running Show at Excel has offered a cloakroom, and participants have separate event baggage arrangements, but those services should not be treated as general spectator storage. Ask your hotel to hold luggage or use a reputable commercial left-luggage service that you verify in advance.
What Are the Weather Forecast Predictions for Race Day?
A reliable forecast is only useful close to Marathon Day. Check the latest London forecast shortly before leaving and dress for changing spring weather. Layers and light rain protection are useful because spectators may spend several hours outdoors and walking between locations.
Should Spectators Go to the London Marathon Start?
Usually not unless you have a specific reason to be there. The Greenwich and Blackheath Start area is focused on assembling participants, and traveling there can make it harder to reach later viewing positions. Many supporters have an easier day choosing their first viewing point several miles into the course.
Can I See the Same Runner More Than Once?
Yes, but keep the plan realistic. Use the marathon app to track the runner, choose viewing points with straightforward transport or walking connections, and allow for station queues. Two or three sightings are generally more achievable than trying to chase a runner around every major landmark.
Conclusion
A successful London Marathon spectator day depends less on covering the most ground and more on choosing the right locations. For the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon on 24–25 April, plan around public transport and walking, track your runner with the official app, and leave generous time for crowds.
Avoid assuming that normal road access, parking, station conditions or previous-year arrangements will apply. Check the latest London Marathon and TfL updates shortly before your event day, agree on a Finish meeting point in advance and stay flexible if a planned viewing area becomes too crowded.
Sources
- London Marathon Events — 2027 Double TCS London Marathon FAQs — confirms the April 24–25, 2027 format and current event arrangements.
- London Marathon Events — Spectator Guide — viewing locations, crowd guidance, accessible viewing areas and Finish meeting information.
- London Marathon Events — The Course — official course route and landmark information.
- London Marathon Events — Road Closures — official road, access and parking-restriction information.
- Transport for London — TfL Go — live transport, disruption, walking and accessibility planning.
- Transport for London — Fares — current Oyster, contactless and pay-as-you-go information.