2026 Berlin Marathon: Course, Travel Information, and Tips for Spectators

Once a year, Berlin becomes a running course: During the Berlin Marathon, tens of thousands of people run 42.195 kilometers through the capital. For the runners, this means months of preparation; for spectators, it boils down to one question: Where’s the best place to watch the marathon, and how do you get from A to B despite the road closures?

That's because the Berlin Marathon significantly disrupts traffic in Berlin for a day. Numerous streets are closed, bus routes are rerouted, and some trips that normally take just a few minutes can suddenly take much longer. Still, the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind and truly special!

If you're coming to Berlin for the Berlin Marathon—whether to run, cheer on the runners, or just watch—you'll find the most important information here about the course, spectator areas, public transportation, road closures, and Berlin tickets.

• 2026 Berlin Marathon: All the Key Information at a Glance
• 2026 Berlin Marathon Route
• Where's the best place to watch the Berlin Marathon?
• Where is the atmosphere especially lively during the Berlin Marathon?
• The Berlin Marathon by Bus and Train
• Which Berlin ticket do you need for the marathon?
• Our Tips for a Relaxing Marathon Day
• What can you do after the Berlin Marathon?

2026 Berlin Marathon: All the Key Information at a Glance

The Berlin Marathon will take place on September 27, 2026. The course covers 42.195 kilometers through several Berlin districts and traditionally ends at the Brandenburg Gate.

2026 Berlin Marathon Route

Photo: Screenshot

The marathon route winds its way through Berlin. You won’t just be running—or following the race—along a single major street, but through a wide variety of city districts and Berlin neighborhoods.

The exact route may be slightly adjusted from year to year. When planning your marathon day, you should therefore always check the event’s current route map.

The start at Straße des 17. Juni

The marathon starts near Berlin’s Tiergarten on Straße des 17. Juni. It’s already very busy there early in the morning.

If you’re running the marathon yourself, you should plan to arrive early. For spectators, however, the starting area isn’t necessarily the most convenient place to watch the entire marathon. It gets very crowded around the starting line, and movement is restricted by barriers.

If you'd like to see the runners off at the starting line, you can then take the subway or the S-Bahn to another point along the route.

The Finish Line at the Brandenburg Gate

The finish line at the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous moments of the Berlin Marathon. After 42.195 kilometers, the runners head toward the city’s landmark. The actual finish line, however, is a few meters further on.

For spectators, however, the area around the finish line is also one of the most crowded spots along the entire route. If you want to meet someone after the race, you should therefore arrange a meeting spot in advance that’s a little away from the biggest crowds. A meeting spot right at the Brandenburg Gate might seem like the obvious choice, but in practice it can be quite inconvenient.

We recommend the official family meeting spot in front of the Paul-Löbe-Haus instead. There, you can arrange to meet and reunite at the sign with the first letter of your last name.

The start/finish area is reserved exclusively for runners. Just before the finish line, there are grandstands on both sides with standing room, from which you can cheer on the participants and experience special moments. Admission to the grandstands is free. The entrance is located to the side of the Brandenburg Gate. If you want to see the top runners cross the finish line, you should arrive early.

The only place to cross the marathon course in the finish area is at Pariser Platz, in front of the Hotel Adlon. Please follow the instructions of the volunteers there, who are directing traffic across the course.

Where's the best place to watch the Berlin Marathon?

You don't have to spend the whole day in one place. Especially if you're using public transportation, you can combine several legs of your trip.

Starting area

The start is, of course, especially exciting if you want to experience the atmosphere right before the race. However, this area isn’t the best choice for a relaxed day as a spectator, since there are so many people there. Please note: Certain areas are accessible only to runners.

Downtown and central sections of the route

Along the main streets, you'll get a real sense of the marathon atmosphere. At the same time, you can combine your visit with a stroll through Berlin.

Friedrichshain and other eastern sections of the line

If you want to experience the marathon a little off the beaten path, the eastern sections of the course might be worth checking out. While there are often fewer well-known tourist attractions here, you’ll get a different perspective on Berlin.

Brandenburg Gate

The finish line is a classic spot. If you want to cheer someone on there, though, you should expect a huge crowd. Please note: The start and finish areas are accessible only to runners. Just before the finish line, you’ll find free-standing bleachers on both sides where you can experience the race up close. Access is from the side of the Brandenburg Gate. If you want to see the top runners, it’s best to arrive early.

Tip: Don't plan too many activities in one day

In theory, you can visit several spots along the route using the subway and commuter rail. In practice, however, you shouldn’t plan on changing locations every few kilometers.

The route is closed off in many places during the marathon. In addition, public transportation may also be affected by detours and schedule changes.

Two or three well-chosen viewing spots usually make more sense than running a marathon through half the city.

Where is the atmosphere especially lively during the Berlin Marathon?

If you want to do more than just watch runners pass by at the Berlin Marathon—if you want to experience the typical marathon atmosphere—there are several particularly lively sections along the route. The organizers highlight the Wilder Eber and Kurfürstendamm, among other spots, as special highlights for spectators. There are also numerous music and cheering points along the route. You can find the cheering points on the official route map.

Wilder Eber: Around kilometer 28, it traditionally gets especially loud. This spot is known as a real hub of excitement, making it a great choice if you want to be right in the thick of the Berlin Marathon action.

Kurfürstendamm: Around kilometer 34, the marathon reaches another special highlight. Large crowds line the famous boulevard, and various cheering stations and musical groups add to the festive atmosphere.

Kottbusser Damm and Hermannplatz: Things also liven up around kilometers 15 and 16. There are several music and cheering stations lined up here, ranging from bands to DJs to drum groups. If you’d like to experience the marathon with plenty of music and the atmosphere of a Berlin neighborhood, this section is especially interesting.

Potsdamer Platz: Right in the heart of the city, surrounded by modern architecture, the runners reach another landmark at kilometer 38. There is also an official cheering point here. After that, they’re already on the final kilometers toward the Brandenburg Gate.

Unter den Linden: At kilometer 41, the runners begin the final major stretch. The historic boulevard leads straight toward the Brandenburg Gate and thus to the finish line. If you want to experience the final stretch of the marathon, this is the place to be.

Brandenburg Gate: Just before the finish line, the route passes through the Brandenburg Gate. This is, of course, one of the most spectacular spots along the entire route. However, it also gets particularly crowded here. If you want a good spot there, you should arrive early. The organizer also notes that the standing-room-only sections are accessible free of charge just before the finish line.

Our tip: If the atmosphere is more important to you than a perfect view of the world’s top runners, pick one of the music and cheering spots along the route. There, you’ll not only get to experience the marathon, but also much of what makes Berlin so special on this day: music, a sense of community, international runners, and plenty of people cheering loudly.

The Berlin Marathon by Bus and Train

Photo: Christina Watkins Photos, Pexels

When tens of thousands of people are out on the streets of Berlin, and large parts of the city center are closed to car traffic, a bike, taxi, or car isn’t automatically the best choice.

For spectators, public transportation is often the most practical way to get around different parts of the city.

In Berlin, you can generally use

• Subway
• S-Bahn
• Tram
• Bus
• Regional trains within the applicable fare zone

The event may cause changes—even at the last minute—to which routes are actually running and which stops are accessible on marathon day. That’s why you should double-check your route on the day of the event using the latest schedule information.

Take the subway, S-Bahn, tram, or bus to the course

Plan your route not only from your lodging to the marathon, but also for the return trip.

Important to note: Just because a bus stop is marked on the map as being right next to the marathon route doesn’t mean it’s automatically accessible. Buses may be rerouted, and certain streets or access points may be closed.

The subway and S-Bahn are therefore often a good starting point for your planning. From there, you can walk the last few meters.

If you want to visit several viewing spots during the day, you should also allow some time for walking and transfers.

How will public transportation be affected by the road closures?

The marathon doesn’t just affect the streets where the race takes place. Bus routes may also be rerouted, or certain stops may be temporarily skipped.

Specific changes will be announced by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe and other transit agencies in the days leading up to the event.

Important: Don’t rely on a route you planned several days during marathon weekend. It’s best to double-check your route shortly before departure.

Which Berlin ticket do you need for the marathon?

Photo: Stefanie Jost

If you're coming to Berlin for the Berlin Marathon, you'll quickly find yourself wondering: What kind of ticket do you actually need for the bus and train?

That depends on how long you're staying in Berlin and whether you already have a valid public transit ticket.

EasyCityPass Berlin

If you're visiting Berlin for several days and want to explore the city in addition to running the marathon, the EasyCityPass Berlin might be a good option.

With this pass, you can use public transportation within the selected validity period in the corresponding fare zone and also receive discounts from numerous tourist partners.

This can be especially convenient if you combine your marathon visit with a weekend in Berlin. If you don’t feel like walking after the marathon, we recommend taking the No. 100 bus: It runs between Zoologischer Garten Station and Alexanderplatz and passes by numerous sights.

You can purchase your EasyCityPass Berlin directly from our online store.

EasyCityPass Berlin Light

Do you already have a valid public transit ticket but still want to take advantage of the EasyCityPass discounts?

Then the EasyCityPass Berlin Light is a great option. This pass isn’t focused on additional use of public transit, but rather on the discounts offered by participating partners.

This can be a good option, for example, if you already have a Deutschlandticket.

You can purchase your EasyCityPass Berlin Light ticket directly from our online store.

Deutschlandticket (Germany Ticket)

With your valid Deutschlandticket, you can use public transportation in Berlin. This generally includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams, as well as certain regional trains.

However, when it comes to tourist offers and discounts, the Deutschlandticket is not equivalent to a traditional sightseeing ticket.

If you already have a Deutschlandticket and are mainly interested in exploring Berlin during the marathon weekend, combining it with one of the discount offers mentioned above might be a good option.

Our Tips for a Relaxing Marathon Day

Photo: Stefanie Jost

The Berlin Marathon starts early and goes on for a long time. With a little planning, you can save yourself some unnecessary stress.

1. Plan your route the night before
2. Allow more time than usual
3. Agree on meeting spots
4. Decide in advance whether you’ll stand on the right or left if you want to cheer on your loved ones
5. Use public transportation
6. Wear comfortable shoes
7. Bring some snacks
8. Don’t forget sunscreen (it usually gets sunny and warm again on marathon weekend)
9. Don’t overdo it with the spectator spots
10. Call out the athletes by name (as listed on their race number bibs)

What can you do after the Berlin Marathon?

After 42.195 kilometers, you probably don’t really feel like taking a 10-kilometer walking tour of the city. Offers that are easily accessible by public transportation are especially convenient.

If you use the EasyCityPass Berlin, you can take advantage of the included discounts at various Berlin attractions and recreational activities.

So if you still have time after the marathon, you can round out your day with a visit to a museum, an exhibition, or a city tour, for example. How about, for example:

• a leisurely boat tour to experience Berlin from the water
• the Panoramapunkt to discover Berlin from above—and see once again all the places you walked the day before
• replenish the calories you burned with an authentic Berlin currywurst at Witty’s

You can see which partners and offers are currently participating in the partner overview on our website.

We wish all participants in the Berlin Marathon the best of luck. Cross the finish line safe and sound! We hope all spectators have an exciting day, take plenty of steps, stay in good spirits, and get to experience our athletic Berlin from a very special perspective. Feel like getting creative? Then why not make a motivational sign, or break out your whistles and cheer banners? The runners will thank you for it!