The city of Madrid will face a significant mobility operation next weekend due to events related to the visit of Pope Leo XIV, which will cause significant closures and diversions on the northern axis of the capital starting Saturday at 2:30 PM.
According to municipal planning, the first effects will be felt in the vicinity of Plaza de Castilla, where access to the tunnel will be diverted to the surface towards Bravo Murillo and Mateo Inurria, with the aim of channeling traffic and avoiding the saturation of the subways.
In Plaza de Cuzco, northbound and east-west movements will remain operational, although southbound circulation will be restricted, which will reduce the passage capacity in one of the key junctions of Paseo de la Castellana.
Saturday Afternoon
One of the most affected points will be precisely the Castellana axis, where a total closure is expected between Plaza de Cuzco and Plaza de Gregorio Marañón. However, this closure could be extended to Plaza de Colón depending on the public turnout, although transversal circulation between Gregorio Marañón and Colón will be attempted to avoid completely paralyzing mobility in the city's financial center.
The street General Perón will also be affected, which will be closed from its connection with Orense, with the possibility of extending restrictions to adjacent streets in the direction of Bravo Murillo if the security operation requires it. This measure will turn part of the area into a very limited access zone for residents and essential services.
In the case of Concha Espina, the street will be closed from Serrano, although the latter street will remain open to ensure some permeability in the Chamartín district.
Finally, traffic interruption is expected on the elevated passage of Joaquín Costa, in the section between Príncipe de Vergara and Cuatro Caminos. This closure will be applied progressively and, according to the operational plan, could occur around 6:00 PM, depending on the evolution of the operation and the attendance of people.
The City Council recommends drivers avoid the northern area of Castellana throughout the afternoon and use alternative routes, especially the M-30, given the restrictions that could intensify as the day progresses.
Saturday Night
Starting from the night of June 6 and during the early morning of June 7, 2026, Madrid will face a new block of traffic cuts associated with the security measures for the visit of Pope Leo XIV, with particularly intense impacts in the center and along the Paseo de la Castellana.
According to municipal planning, the following restrictions will be applied between 10:00 PM on June 6 and 6:30 AM on June 7:
Goya street will be closed between Serrano and Plaza de Colón, with Serrano remaining open for local traffic. Génova street will also be closed between Alonso Martínez and Plaza de Colón.
One of the most significant points will be the closure of the entire axis between Plaza de Emilio Castelar, Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Paseo de Recoletos, Plaza de Cibeles, and Paseo del Prado up to Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V, although tunnels and some movements at the roundabouts will remain open.
In addition, multiple strategic intersections in the city center will be affected, such as Gran Vía with Hortaleza, Alcalá with Cedaceros, Alcalá with Príncipe de Vergara, as well as O'Donnell street with Menéndez Pelayo and Plaza de la Independencia, which will be completely closed.
Traffic will also be restricted on Carrera de San Jerónimo and Alfonso XII street, which will only allow access to authorized vehicles.
Closures on Sunday
Starting at 6:30 AM on June 7, a new set of restrictions will be reactivated, with possible extensions depending on public attendance.
Among the main impacts are the closure of Goya street from Velázquez, as well as the closure of Génova street from Alonso Martínez, with traffic regulation measures at the Bilbao and Ruiz Jiménez roundabouts.
The axis between Plaza del Doctor Marañón, Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Recoletos, Cibeles, and Paseo del Prado up to Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V will also be closed again, although transversal crossings between Plaza del Doctor Marañón and Emilio Castelar will be attempted to be kept open if the situation permits.
Access to Plaza de Cibeles from Princesa with Ventura Rodríguez will also be limited, while circulation from Hortaleza towards Princesa may be allowed depending on attendance.
Other affected points will be Alcalá street with Cedaceros, Carrera de San Jerónimo, O'Donnell street with Menéndez Pelayo, Plaza de la Independencia, and again Alcalá street at its intersection with Príncipe de Vergara.
Finally, Serrano street from María de Molina will be closed, although transversal movements will be allowed in the section between María de Molina and the Eduardo Dato–Juan Bravo bridge if conditions permit.
The City Council insists that the schedules and closures are indicative and may be modified depending on the evolution of the operation, recommending avoiding the city center and using the M-30 as the main ring road.