Barcelona’s Grand Prix Fan Festival Brings Traffic and Road Closure Chaos

As the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix lands at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from June 21 to 23, a parallel celebration, the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival, is gearing up to transform the cityscape. Sponsored by the Barcelona City Council, this exhilarating festival is set to take place predominantly at Plaça Catalonia, punctuated by a series of free activities designed to amplify the city’s profile during the Grand Prix week.

A principal attraction, bound to turn heads and stop traffic, is the ‘roadshow’ on June 19 at 6:00 p.m., featuring F1 drivers performing breathtaking forms of driving at speeds of up to 100 km/h across the streets of Barcelona. This high-adrenaline display is not just a treat for motorsport enthusiasts but a spectacle that positions the city itself as a stage for premier international sporting events.

However, such a large-scale event naturally comes with significant logistical challenges, particularly in terms of city traffic and public transportation. In anticipation of the crowds and the unique requirements of the festival, extensive traffic alterations and public transit schedule modifications have been implemented. These adjustments are particularly pronounced on Passeig de Gràcia, a major city thoroughfare, which will see significant restrictions. On June 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the avenue will be converted into a pedestrian-only zone.

Prior preparations begin on June 18, with restrictions taking effect at 4:00 p.m. and spanning until the early hours of June 20. These closures impact several crucial routes including Ronda Sant Pere and Casp Street. Even merchandise vehicles will only be granted access until 3:00 p.m. on June 19, after which Passeig de Gràcia will be strictly off-limits until the event’s conclusion at 11:00 p.m.

Further restrictions on pedestrian crossings and private vehicle movements on intersecting roads such as Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes and Diputació Street will ensure safety during the roadshow. These restrictions are poised to affect several bus lines including D50, H16, V15, and H12 among others, altering their normal routes and schedules from June 18 to June 20.

The F1 Barcelona Fan Festival, with its blend of speed, sport, and spectacle, is more than just a race event; it’s a dynamic celebration of motorsport culture, promising to leave an indelible mark on the Catalan capital.

Restrictions for Private Vehicles

Duration

• June 18 at 4:00 p.m. to June 20 at 6:00 a.m.

Affected Sections

• • Ronda Sant Pere and Ronda Universidad (between Pau Claris and Rambla Catalunya)
  • Plaça Catalunya (Besòs band and mountain road)
  • Passeig de Grècia (between Plaça Catalunya and Gran Via)
  • Casp Street (between Passeig de Gràcia and Pau Claris)
  • Passeig de Gràcia (between Gran Via and Carrer Aragó, without affecting the transversal roads, starting at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday)

Additional Restrictions on June 19 (Exhibition Day)

Duration:

Affected Transversal Roads to Passeig de Gràcia

• Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes (between Rbla. Catalunya and Pau Claris)
• Diputació Street (between Rambla Catalunya and Pau Claris)
• Consell de Cent Street (between Rambla Catalunya and Pau Claris)

Impacts on Public Transport

Bus Restrictions:

• June 18 at 4:00 p.m. to June 20 at 6:00 a.m.

Affected Bus Lines:

• D50, H16, V15, 19, 22, 24, 52, 54, 55, 67
• Night, metropolitan, and interurban bus lines

Additional Bus Restrictions on June 19 (Exhibition Day):

• Duration: Starting at 11:00 a.m. (returning to normal on June 20 at 6:00 a.m.)

Additional Affected Bus Lines: