When Is the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona?

The bulls run every morning at 8 a.m. from July 7 to July 14, during the San Fermín festival.

Happy Crowds · November 14, 2026

The running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, takes place every morning from July 7 to July 14. It starts at 8 a.m. sharp. It is part of the San Fermín festival, which opens on July 6 and ends at midnight on July 14.

That gives you eight chances to see a run. Each one is short. Most last only a few minutes. The dates are the same every year, so you can plan far ahead.

What is the full San Fermín schedule?

San Fermín runs from noon on July 6 to midnight on July 14. The bull runs fill the mornings of July 7 through 14. The rest of the day is parades, music, and street parties.

The days follow a rhythm. Early morning is the run. Midday brings processions and giant figure parades. Evenings bring bullfights in the arena, fireworks, and long nights in the old town. Many events take place around the old quarter, so you can walk between them.

What is the chupinazo?

The chupinazo is the rocket that opens the festival on July 6 at noon. Crowds fill the town hall square, wear white and red, and spray each other with wine and drinks.

It is not a bull run. No bulls take part. It is a packed, loud, messy start to the week. If crowds make you uneasy, skip the square and watch from a side street or on television.

How does one bull run work?

Six fighting bulls, plus steers, run through the narrow streets of the old town. The route ends at the bullring. The whole run usually takes only a few minutes.

Two rockets mark the start. The first means the corral gates are open. The next ones tell the crowd that the bulls are out and that they have reached the arena. Once the bulls are in, the run is over.

The route is under a kilometer long. The street is narrow, with walls on both sides. That is why it gets crowded and dangerous so fast.

How much does it cost to see the running of the bulls?

Watching from the street is free. Seats in the bullring and balcony spots cost money, and prices vary by year and seller. Rooms cost the most.

Here is where the money goes:

• Street viewing: free, but you must arrive very early to hold a spot behind the barriers.
• Arena seats: typically a modest fee. They show the end of the run and are often sold in advance.
• Balconies: sold by private owners and tour companies. Prices vary a lot.
• Lodging: typically the biggest cost. Rooms in Pamplona sell out months ahead and cost far more than usual that week.

Check official sources for current prices. Do not trust a number from an old post.

What mistakes do first-time visitors make?

The biggest mistake is waiting too long to book a room. The next is arriving at the street at 7:55 a.m. The best spots fill hours earlier.

Other common errors:

• Drinking before the run. Runners who are drunk are not allowed to take part, and being drunk makes the run far more dangerous.
• Skipping the rules. Runners must be at least 18. Rules and fines are posted by the city and enforced.
• Wearing the wrong shoes. Cobblestones are slick. Wear flat shoes with grip. Skip sandals.
• Trying to film while running. Phones and cameras get people hurt. Hold them for the spectator spot.
• Expecting a long show. The run is short. Plan the rest of your day around it.

How do you watch the run safely?

The safest way is to watch, not run. Pick a spot behind the barriers or in the arena. Do not climb the fences. Stay out of the street once police close it.

Spectators can get hurt in crowds too. Arrive early and eat breakfast. Know where you will meet your group if phones fail. Learn the exit routes before the crowd grows. Keep valuables close, since big crowds attract pickpockets.

If you want to run, go to the official city information first. Listen to the local safety talks. Never copy what you saw in a video.

When should you book a local guide or tour?

Book a local guide or tour if you cannot find a room, do not speak Spanish, or want a balcony view. A good guide also explains the rules, the route, and where to stand.

Look at what a tour includes before you pay. Ask whether it covers lodging, a viewing spot, or only a talk. Be wary of anyone who promises a guaranteed spot at the last minute. Use only sellers you can check, and prefer the city's own information office when in doubt.

What else is worth doing that week?

Go to the parades, the music, and the food stalls. Visit the old town in the afternoon when it is quieter. Try local tapas and wine, and take in the giant figures and brass bands.

Plan rest time. The festival runs late into the night, and the run starts early. Many visitors sleep in shifts. Some come for two or three days instead of the whole week, which can lower the cost too.

What is the short plan?

1. Pick your dates between July 6 and 14.
2. Book lodging as early as you can.
3. Decide if you will watch from the street, the arena, or a balcony.
4. Arrive at the route well before 8 a.m.
5. Stay sober, stay behind the barriers, and follow police directions.