Madrid faces several days of significant mobility disruptions due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled in the capital from June 6 to 9. Although the main events will take place during that period, traffic cuts and restrictions began earlier due to assembly work in Plaza de Lima and Plaza de Cibeles, the two main venues for the visit.
The disruptions are concentrated especially along the Castellana-Recoletos-Prado axis, with an impact on areas such as Plaza de Lima, Paseo de la Castellana, Nuevos Ministerios, Plaza de Cibeles, Calle Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos, and Paseo del Prado.
The Madrid City Council recommends avoiding the use of private vehicles in the affected areas and opting for public transport. Furthermore, the Madrid employers' association CEIM has asked companies to encourage teleworking between June 6 and 9 whenever the activity allows, to reduce travel and alleviate pressure on the city.
Since when have there been traffic cuts in Madrid due to the Pope's visit
Preparations began on May 21 with road occupations, structure assembly, and material stockpiling in the areas where the main events will be held.
Restrictions are being applied progressively and will intensify in the days leading up to the Pope's arrival. The most critical period will be between June 4 and 9, with area closures, diversions, circulation limitations, and changes to bus stops.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Madrid will take place from June 6 to 9, but mobility disruptions will extend before and during those days for assembly, security, and dismantling reasons.
Most affected streets and areas by the cuts
The main disruptions are concentrated in the areas around Plaza de Lima and Plaza de Cibeles.
In Plaza de Lima, the cuts affect the area near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and Paseo de la Castellana. This is one of the key areas because the Prayer Vigil is scheduled there for Saturday, June 6.
In Plaza de Cibeles, the restrictions affect the roundabout itself, Paseo del Prado, Paseo de Recoletos, Calle Alcalá, and adjacent streets. This area will be one of the most sensitive points due to the Holy Mass and the liturgical procession scheduled for Sunday, June 7.
Traffic jams and diversions may also occur in Nuevos Ministerios, Plaza de Colón, Banco de España, Puerta de Alcalá, Paseo del Prado, Recoletos, Castellana, and access to the city center.
When will the most complicated days be
The most complicated days to get around Madrid will be Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.
On Saturday the 6th, the Prayer Vigil is scheduled in Plaza de Lima, with a large number of attendees in the vicinity of Castellana and Nuevos Ministerios.
On Sunday the 7th, Holy Mass will be celebrated in Plaza de Cibeles, the event that will foreseeably generate the most pressure on the center of Madrid. Restrictions will affect the Prado-Recoletos-Cibeles-Alcalá axis and several public transport stations.
On Monday the 8th and Tuesday the 9th, disruptions may also occur due to the continuity of the Pope's agenda and the logistical movements associated with the visit.
Teleworking recommended from June 6 to 9
The papal visit has led authorities and the Madrid employers' association to recommend measures to reduce travel in the city.
CEIM, the Business Confederation of Madrid-CEOE, has recommended that companies encourage teleworking during the days of the visit, from June 6 to 9, whenever possible due to the nature of the activity.
The objective is to reduce pressure on roads, public transport, and access to the city center during days marked by large gatherings of people, traffic closures, and security restrictions.
Free EMT from June 3 to 9
EMT buses will be free from June 3 to 9, with the exception of the Airport Express Line.
The measure seeks to facilitate travel during the busiest days and compensate for restrictions on private traffic. However, several bus lines are experiencing route modifications, stop cancellations, and diversions due to assembly work and restrictions in Plaza de Lima and Cibeles.
Affected lines include services that run around Plaza de Lima, Castellana, Cibeles, Paseo del Prado, and Recoletos. The recommendation is to check the updated status of the line on the EMT website or app before leaving.
BiciMAD will also be free
BiciMAD will be free from June 3 to 9, although there will also be stations closed for security and due to the occupation of public spaces.
The most significant disruptions will occur between June 4 and 8. In Plaza de Cibeles, station 86 will close from June 4. There will also be closures at stations in the vicinity of Plaza de Lima, Nuevos Ministerios, Cuzco, Castellana, Recoletos, Banco de España, Puerta de Alcalá, Colón, Retiro, and nearby areas.
Therefore, although the service is free, not all stations will be available during the days of greatest pressure.
Cercanías Reinforcement and Station Closures
Renfe will reinforce Cercanías Madrid during the days of greatest attendance. On Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, an increase of more than 1.1 million seats is expected on the Cercanías network to absorb demand.
On Saturday, June 6, from 13:00 hours until the end of service, lines such as C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, C-7, C-8, and C-10 will be reinforced, with more frequencies and trains in double composition.
There will also be occasional station closures for security reasons. On Saturday, June 6, between 17:00 and 22:00 hours, trains will not stop at Nuevos Ministerios. On Sunday, June 7, Sol will remain closed between 07:00 and 10:00, and Recoletos will not have a stop from the start of service until 16:00.
Metro will also have reinforcements and restrictions
Metro de Madrid will reinforce several lines during the central days of the visit, especially on Saturday, June 6, Sunday, June 7, and Monday, June 8.
On Sunday, June 7, due to the mass in Cibeles, special reinforcements are expected on the lines closest to the center and the main mobility axes. Closures or access restrictions in central stations may also occur for security and capacity control reasons.
The recommendation for users is to plan their trips in advance, avoid peak hours, and check the status of the Metro before starting their journey.
Taxis and discretionary buses
The City Council will authorize a reinforcement of the taxi service on June 6 and 7. All licenses will be able to work, including those that had a rest day.
An extension of the reinforcement to Friday, June 5, in the afternoon is also being considered due to the expected increase in demand from the arrival of attendees to the celebrations.
Regarding tourist and discretionary buses, from June 5 to 7, SEA Madrid system reservations will be disabled, which will affect the operation of coaches and organized groups.
Recommendations for getting around Madrid
The main recommendation is to avoid private cars in the center and in the areas around Plaza de Lima, Castellana, Cibeles, Recoletos, Prado, and Alcalá.
It is also advisable to check the status of public transport before leaving, allow more time than usual for travel, and avoid event areas if you are not attending them.
For companies and workers, the most practical measure will be to apply teleworking or hybrid models between June 6 and 9 when possible. For those who have to attend in person, the safest option will be to use Metro, Cercanías or EMT, assuming possible route changes, closed stations and greater traveler influx.
Key dates for closures and restrictions
- June 3: start of free travel on EMT and BiciMAD.
- June 4: intensification of closures in Cibeles and first significant impacts on BiciMAD stations.
- June 5: expected arrival of attendees and possible reinforcement of taxis in the afternoon.
- June 6: Prayer Vigil in Plaza de Lima and severe restrictions in Castellana and Nuevos Ministerios.
- June 7: Holy Mass in Plaza de Cibeles, day of greatest impact in the center.
- June 8 and 9: continuity of the visit and restrictions associated with the agenda, security and mobility.