LA Metro Safeguards Service During Marathon Sunday
LA Marathon affects 45 Metro bus lines from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 8
LA Marathon Disrupts 45 Bus Lines Sunday
Riders planning to use Metro buses Sunday should expect major disruptions as the LA Marathon affects 45 bus lines from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., transit officials said. The 26.2-mile race runs from Dodger Stadium to Century City starting at 7 a.m. March 8, requiring extensive route detours and service changes. Metro Rail lines A, B, D, and E won't be affected and offer reliable alternatives for getting around the city during the event.
The LA Marathon is one of the largest annual sporting events in Los Angeles, drawing thousands of runners and spectators to a course that winds through multiple neighborhoods. According to Metro Los Angeles, the race's path requires significant coordination with transit services to balance runner safety with rider mobility. Transit agencies typically adjust dozens of bus routes during major marathons to accommodate street closures while maintaining service to as many areas as possible. The event's 14-hour impact window reflects the time needed for course setup, the race itself, and post-event cleanup.
Metro officials said affected bus lines include Lines 2, 4, 10/48, 14/37, 16, 18, 20, 28, 30, 33, 40, 45, 53, 55, 60, 62, 70, 76, 78, 81, 90, 92, 94, 96, 105, 106, 180, 182, 204, 206, 207, 210, 212, 217, 218, 222, 224, 233, 460, 602, 603, 617, 720, 754, 761, and the J Line. The extensive list reflects the marathon's route through central Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Transit officials didn't provide specific detour routes for each affected line, though riders can expect delays and modified stops along the race corridor. Metro Rail's A, B, D, and E lines will operate on normal schedules and serve as the most reliable option for cross-city travel during the marathon.
The service disruptions begin at 3 a.m. Sunday to allow for course preparation and will continue until 5 p.m. as streets reopen, according to Metro Los Angeles. Officials said the early start time affects some overnight and early morning bus service, though specific timing for individual route changes wasn't detailed. The marathon starts at 7 a.m., with the bulk of runners expected to finish by early afternoon. Transit officials said street closures will be lifted progressively as runners clear each section of the course.
Riders should plan extra travel time and consider using Metro Rail lines to avoid bus disruptions, transit officials said. Metro Los Angeles advised passengers to check for service updates before traveling Sunday, particularly if their usual routes fall within the affected line numbers. The weekend also features LA Lakers and LA Kings games at Crypto.com Arena, accessible via the A, E, or J Lines, plus cultural events at the Natural History Museum and MOCA Geffen. Moovit provides real-time transit updates and alternative route planning to help riders navigate around marathon-related service changes throughout the day.
