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Rome Half Marathon 2026: Road Closures & Traffic Alert

Rome marathon

Rome Half Marathon 2026: Major Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions on October 18

Travel Advisory | Updated October 16, 2026

Visitors planning to travel around Rome on Sunday, October 18, 2026, should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as the Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon takes over the streets of the Italian capital.

The event will bring thousands of runners through Rome’s historic centre, with numerous roads closed to traffic, changes to public transport services and possible delays for taxis, private transfers and sightseeing tours.

Travellers arriving from Civitavecchia Cruise Port, heading to Fiumicino Airport, or planning to explore Rome should pay particular attention to the restrictions.

When Will Roads Be Closed?

The race officially begins at 8:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, but traffic restrictions will start much earlier.

According to Rome’s official transport authorities, the following arrangements have been announced:

  • Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 PM: Closures around the Colosseum, including Via degli Annibaldi, Piazza del Colosseo, Via Celio Vibenna and Via di San Gregorio.
  • Sunday, October 18, from 4:00 AM: Additional closures around the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Porta Capena and Viale Aventino.
  • From 6:00 AM: Further restrictions around Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Lungotevere Aventino and Via del Circo Massimo.
  • From 7:00 AM: The entire race route will be closed to regular traffic.
  • From 8:00 AM: The half marathon begins, with runners expected to be on the course until approximately 1:00 PM.

Important: Roads may reopen progressively after the runners have passed and safety barriers have been removed. Travellers should not assume that all roads will be accessible immediately at 1:00 PM.

Which Areas of Rome Will Be Affected?

The 21.097 km course crosses some of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations.

Starting at Porta Ardeatina, runners will pass through the Ostiense district, the Pyramid of Cestius, Circus Maximus and the Tiber riverfront before heading towards Vatican City and the Foro Italico area.

The route then returns through central Rome, passing Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Via del Corso, Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali.

The finish line is located in Via degli Annibaldi, near the Colosseum.

Significant restrictions are therefore expected around:

  • Colosseum and Roman Forums: Via dei Fori Imperiali, Via Cavour and surrounding streets.
  • Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica: Via della Conciliazione, Piazza Pia and nearby access roads.
  • Historic Centre: Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo.
  • Circus Maximus and Aventine Hill: Roads surrounding the starting area.
  • Prati and Foro Italico: Sections of the Lungotevere and roads approaching the sports complex.

Vehicles may be required to take substantial detours, and certain hotel entrances or designated meeting points may be temporarily inaccessible.

Public Transport: 54 Bus Lines Affected

Public transport will also be significantly disrupted.

Rome’s transport authorities have announced changes affecting 54 bus lines, including seven services suspended from the beginning of service until 1:00 PM:

3L, 30, 40, 51, 64, 70 and 280.

Other services will operate with diversions, shortened routes or temporary stop closures.

Passengers relying on buses to reach Termini Station, the Vatican, the Colosseum or other central locations should check the latest ATAC updates before travelling.

Important Information for Cruise Passengers Visiting Rome

Sunday’s restrictions are particularly relevant for cruise passengers arriving at Civitavecchia Port and planning a day trip to Rome.

Although the race takes place in Rome rather than Civitavecchia, road closures in the capital may affect the timing and itinerary of shore excursions.

Visitors should consider the following precautions:

Allow extra travelling time. Heavy traffic and road diversions may significantly increase journey times within Rome.

Confirm your meeting point. Drivers and tour operators may need to arrange alternative pickup or drop-off locations outside restricted areas.

Review sightseeing itineraries. Access by vehicle to attractions such as the Colosseum, Vatican area and historic centre may be limited during the event.

Protect your cruise departure time. Cruise passengers should coordinate return arrangements carefully and avoid leaving insufficient time to reach their ship.

The restrictions do not mean that the Port of Civitavecchia itself is closed. However, road transfers involving central Rome may be affected.

Travelling to or from Fiumicino Airport?

Travellers with flights departing from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) should also plan ahead.

The race does not take place at the airport, but passengers leaving hotels or accommodation in central Rome could experience delays reaching the main roads out of the city.

If you have an early or midday flight on Sunday, October 18, contact your transfer provider in advance to confirm a suitable pickup time and location.

Passengers travelling directly between Civitavecchia Port and Fiumicino Airport should not assume that the central Rome closures affect their route, but should still check traffic conditions before departure.

Additional Events on Saturday, October 17

Traffic restrictions will not be limited to Sunday.

On Saturday morning, Rome will also host the Longevity Run and Dog Run, with temporary road closures around the Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus and Colosseum areas.

Drivers and visitors travelling through central Rome on Saturday morning should therefore anticipate some disruption.

Check Official Traffic Updates

Traffic restrictions and public transport arrangements may change as the event approaches.

For the latest confirmed information, consult:

Planning a Visit to Rome from Civitavecchia?

At CivitavecchiaPort.org, we recommend that travellers check transport arrangements carefully before departing and remain flexible with sightseeing schedules during major events.

For more information about reaching Rome from the cruise port, explore our private car transfers and Rome shore excursions.

This travel advisory is based on information published by the event organisers, Roma Servizi per la Mobilità and ATAC as of October 16, 2026. Road restrictions are subject to operational changes.