Residents and visitors planning to travel around Zagreb this Sunday should prepare for significant traffic disruptions as the city hosts the 34th Zagreb Powerade Marathon and the World Masters Marathon Championships.
The sporting event will bring runners to the streets of the Croatian capital for the full marathon, half marathon and 10-kilometre race. All races will start and finish at Ban Jelačić Square, with the routes passing through some of Zagreb's busiest streets and intersections.
According to official announcements from the City of Zagreb and public transport operator ZET, temporary traffic restrictions will be introduced from 7:30 a.m. until approximately 3 p.m., with roads reopening gradually as runners complete different sections of the course.
Which streets will be closed and when?
Traffic restrictions will begin at 7:30 a.m. around Ban Jelačić Square, while road and tram traffic along the marathon route will be suspended from approximately 8:30 a.m.
Road closures will be implemented in several stages, meaning that some streets will reopen earlier than others.
- Until approximately 10 a.m.: Ribnjak, Medveščak, Gupčeva zvijezda and Ksaverska Road towards Gračanska Road.
- Until approximately 10:40 a.m.: Vlaška Street, Kvaternik Square and Maksimirska Road up to the INA petrol station near number 150.
- Until approximately 3 p.m.: Sections of Martićeva, Đorđićeva, Palmotićeva, Amruševa, Teslina, Masarykova, Republic of Croatia Square, Prilaz Gjure Deželića, Republike Austrije Street, French Republic Square, Grada Mainza Street, Prilaz baruna Filipovića and parts of Ilica.
City officials have emphasised that these times are approximate and may change depending on the progress of the race, traffic conditions and police safety assessments.
Tram services disrupted: Line 13 suspended
Zagreb's public transport network will also undergo major changes during the marathon.
Tram lines 9 and 15 will operate as usual, while tram line 13 will be temporarily suspended until the marathon ends.
Several other tram routes will operate on modified or shortened routes between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
| Tram line | Temporary route |
| 2 | Zapadni kolodvor – Vodnikova – Glavni kolodvor – Držićeva – Savišće |
| 4 | Savski most – Savska – Vodnikova – Glavni kolodvor – Borongaj |
| 5 | Prečko – Savska – Ulica grada Vukovara – Žitnjak |
| 6 | Zapadni kolodvor – Vodnikova – Glavni kolodvor – Držićeva – Sopot |
| 7 | Savski most – Zapruđe – Autobusni kolodvor – Branimirova – Trg žrtava fašizma |
| 11 | Zapadni kolodvor – Vodnikova – Glavni kolodvor – Borongaj |
| 12 | Ljubljanica – Ulica grada Vukovara – Heinzelova |
| 14 | Trg žrtava fašizma – Glavni kolodvor – Savska – Velesajam – Zapruđe |
| 17 | Prečko – Savska – Vodnikova – Glavni kolodvor – Borongaj |
Passengers are advised to check their routes before travelling, as some tram services will not pass through their usual city-centre stops. 
Three special replacement bus services introduced
To minimise disruption caused by changes to the tram network, ZET will introduce three additional bus services connecting key parts of the city.
- Dubrava – Borongaj: operating from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Črnomerec – Magazinska: operating from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Kaptol – Mihaljevac: operating from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Dubrava–Borongaj replacement service will operate without intermediate stops, while the other two services will use designated stops along their routes.
Regular bus services will also be affected. Changes will apply to routes 106, 139, 141, 146, 148, 201, 202, 203, 204, 207, 226, 227 and 228.
Bus line 106 will be suspended between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., while line 148 will not operate between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Other affected bus services will follow shortened or modified routes.
The city's Fulir electric minibuses will also be suspended between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
What time does the Zagreb Marathon start?
The sporting programme will begin early on Sunday morning.
The 10-kilometre race is scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m., followed by the marathon and half marathon at 9 a.m.
Thousands of runners are expected to take part in the event, which will transform Zagreb's city centre into a major sporting venue.
The race programme is expected to finish by approximately 3 p.m., when the remaining traffic restrictions should be lifted.
Drivers and public transport passengers advised to plan ahead
The most significant traffic disruption is expected during the morning hours, when multiple roads across central Zagreb will be closed simultaneously.
Drivers travelling between the eastern and western parts of the city are particularly likely to experience delays, especially on routes that normally pass through the city centre.
Motorists are strongly advised to use alternative roads outside the marathon route and allow additional travel time.
Public transport passengers should also plan their journeys carefully, check temporary tram and bus routes, and consider leaving earlier than usual.
Police officers will be deployed at key intersections to manage traffic and direct vehicles away from restricted areas. Drivers must follow temporary road signs and instructions from authorised personnel.
Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire engines, will be allowed through restricted areas under police supervision.
Although the road closures will last only one day, the impact is expected to be felt across much of Zagreb's transport network.
Residents and visitors are therefore encouraged to plan their Sunday activities in advance and, where possible, avoid travelling through the city centre until the afternoon.
For the latest information, passengers can consult the official websites of the Zagreb public transport operator and the City of Zagreb.
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