The TCS New York City Marathon, held every November on the first Sunday, is the world's largest marathon with over 50,000 runners. The race course winds through all five boroughs — which means road closures affect virtually every major route in New York City for most of the day.
If you have an airport transfer, a flight to catch, or need to get anywhere in the city on Marathon Sunday, advance planning is essential.
What Roads Are Closed During the NYC Marathon
The marathon course runs through all five boroughs: starting on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (Brooklyn), through Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and ending in Central Park (Manhattan). Major closures include:
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: Closed to vehicles much of the morning
- 4th Avenue (Brooklyn): Closed
- Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge): Closed to vehicles for several hours
- First Avenue (Manhattan): Closed from 59th to 125th Street
- Fifth Avenue and Central Park South: Closed for the finish area
Race start is at 8 AM. The last runners finish mid-afternoon. Most closures lift progressively through the afternoon, but some Manhattan closures persist until 6 PM or later.
Airport Transfers on Marathon Sunday
JFK and Newark: These airports are reachable without crossing the most affected routes. Routes via Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Belt Parkway, or New Jersey side remain accessible, but expect extended travel times of 30–60 minutes beyond normal.
LaGuardia: This is the most affected airport. Routes through Queens and across the Queensboro Bridge face extended closures. Allow an extra 60–90 minutes minimum for LGA pickups and drop-offs on Marathon Sunday.
BLVK recommendation: If you have an LGA flight on Marathon Sunday, strongly consider rebooking to JFK or EWR if possible. If not, depart 2 hours earlier than you normally would.
Book Marathon Sunday Transportation
BLVK books Marathon Sunday in advance. Email info@blvklimo.com to discuss your specific origin, destination, and timing so we can route you effectively around closures.
