Barcelona City Council is rolling out a comprehensive mobility plan for the Tour de France Grand Départ, scheduled for 2, 4 and 5 July 2026. The event will bring significant changes to traffic, public transport, and urban services across six of the city's ten districts, with Eixample, Sants-Montjuïc, and Sant Martí most affected, according to city officials.
Nearly 900 Guàrdia Urbana officers will manage traffic and ensure safety, particularly in high-attendance areas. Emergency services will maintain access through specific routes. The city council and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) recommend using the metro, which will see a 30% to 40% increase in service.
Traffic Restrictions and Road Closures
Race circuits will be fully closed to traffic, creating physical barriers that can only be crossed at designated pedestrian points. This will lead to restricted vehicle access in areas near the routes and parking prohibitions on many streets, clearly signposted in advance.
On 2 July, the team presentation will affect the area around Sagrada Família and Avinguda de Gaudí, which will be closed along with adjacent streets. Traffic restrictions will start on the night of 1 July, with definitive closures from 14:00. The main event runs from 18:30 to 20:00, with progressive reopening from 21:30.
Individual Time Trial and Stage Two Impacts
The team time trial on 4 July will cross the city from Parc del Fòrum to Montjuïc, impacting major roads such as Avinguda del Litoral, Bac de Roda, Llull, and Josep Pla in Sant Martí, as well as Aragó, Passeig de Gràcia, Mallorca, and Lepant in Eixample and Sant Martí. The route continues towards Tarragona, Plaça d'Espanya, and Maria Cristina before reaching Montjuïc.
Restrictions will start around 12:00, with a full circuit closure at 13:30. The most restrictive period will be between 16:00 and 19:30 during the race, with normal traffic resuming progressively from 20:30. The Ronda del Litoral will experience specific closures and limitations on various access and exit points, mainly in the Besòs direction. For example, exit 25 in the Besòs direction will be closed, while entries and exits 23 and 24 in the same direction will also be closed. Parking will be prohibited along the entire time trial route from 18:00 on Friday, 3 July.
On 5 July, for the second stage, cyclists will enter via Carretera de Collblanc, continuing along Travessera de les Corts, Carrer de Sants, and Creu Coberta to Plaça d'Espanya. Activity will then focus on Montjuïc, affecting Avinguda Paral·lel, Passeig de Montjuïc, Avinguda Miramar, and Carretera de Montjuïc. Restrictions will begin at 12:00, with a complete closure at 13:30. Montjuïc mountain will be largely isolated between 15:45 and 17:45, with circulation restored from 18:00.
Pedestrian Access and Public Transport
To help pedestrian movement, over 50 designated crossing points will be available along the routes, clearly signposted and staffed. These points will ensure a crossing option is always within a five-minute walk, though they may be temporarily regulated or closed during race times. The plan includes both controlled surface crossings and temporary elevated bridges, allowing safe pedestrian passage without interfering with the race.
These structures are designed for the safety of both athletes and the public. Elevated bridges are modular, light, and temporary, with enough height for emergency vehicles and public transport if needed. Surface crossings will have marked waiting areas to manage pedestrian flows and avoid congestion. The plan also includes adapted routes for people with reduced mobility and pushchairs, with specific support to help safe crossings.
Metro stations will serve as safe crossing points in key areas like Eixample, Sagrada Família, and Plaça d'Espanya. Public transport, particularly the metro, is expected to be the primary mode of travel during the Grand Départ. Bus services will experience diversions and temporary interruptions, and there will be impacts on tram services, Bicing, and Aerobús. The city council and TMB recommend using the metro for city travel during these days.
