Traffic, tram disruptions to hit central Prague Saturday for international race

Prague residents and visitors to the Czech capital should expect major traffic disruptions in the city center on Saturday, Sept. 6. The annual Birell Grand Prix will cause key streets to close or be heavily disrupted from approximately 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with public transport also hit.

Bringing thousands of international runners and spectators to the city, the event will feature two races (5km and 10km), both starting and finishing at Náměstí Republiky by the Municipal House.

“Restrictions will affect both car traffic and trams in and around the areas of Náměstí Republiky, Revoluční Street, Štefánikův Most, Čechův most, and Edvard Beneš Embankment,” said city hall spokesperson Vít Hofman in a press release. 

Authorities encourage early planning, alternative routes, and the use of diverted public transit to minimize delays during the high-profile event.

The lower half of Wenceslas Square, Na Příkopě Street, and Náměstí Republiky will be closed completely from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Additional streets and tunnels, including the Letná Tunnel and Kpt. Jaroš Embankment in Prague 7, will be blocked in stages from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

From 7:20 p.m., depending on race progress, Rohanské and Dvořákovo Embankment, Ludvík Svoboda Embankment, Těšnovský Tunnel, Lannova Street, and Nové mlýny will also close.

A no-stopping rule along the entire race route is in force, with violators subject to towing. “The stopping ban will apply from Saturday, Sept. 6, from 0:01 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Revoluční Street, and from midday to 10 p.m. on Edvarda Beneš Embankment, Kpt. Jaroš Embankment, as well as on Dvořákov and Rohanské Embankment,” the City of Prague informed.

Tram lines 6, 8, 15, 17, 26, 41, 42, and bus lines 194 and 207 will be interrupted in both directions from approximately 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. across the city center, particularly in the areas of Náměstí Republiky, Revoluční Street, Štefánikův Most, Čechův Most, and Edvard Beneš Embankment. 

Metro lines are recommended as the primary travel option during the restrictions. Additional information is available on the Prague Public Transport website or via the free information line at 800 165 102.

Inputting your journey on the DPP website (available in English) will allow you to check whether your commute or planned route will be disrupted. You may also plan your route and see all changes via the PID Lítačka phone app.