This coming Saturday, December 6, both residents and visitors to Madrid can expect significant changes to the usual transportation system. Due to Constitution Day celebrations and large-scale events, vehicle traffic will be restricted in several areas of the city. Organizers are urging everyone to plan their routes in advance to avoid getting stuck in traffic or entering closed-off zones.
On this day, the capital will host running events, music festivals, and street celebrations, resulting in temporary restrictions on dozens of central and outlying streets. The situation is expected to be particularly challenging in the districts of Barajas, Salesas, and the city center. Authorities advise leaving private cars at home and using the metro or buses instead.
Salesas and the city center
In the Salesas district, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, traffic will be closed due to a festival. Restrictions will affect Campoamor street between Génova and Fernando VI, Orellana from Campoamor to Plaza de Santa Bárbara, as well as the plaza itself. Additionally, from 8 am to 10 pm, expect further inconvenience due to the setup and dismantling of stages and equipment.
The city center is expected to see an influx of tourists due to the long holiday weekend, which will lead to additional congestion and temporary traffic restrictions on key thoroughfares. Drivers are advised to avoid traveling to Madrid’s historic center, especially near Gran Vía, Callao, and Ópera.
Barajas and IFEMA
In the Barajas district, the traditional race dedicated to Constitution Day will take place from 11:00 to 14:00. During this time, traffic will be restricted on the following streets: Alhaurín, Arroyomolinos, Timón, Alar de Rey, Artemisa, Aeronave, Paseo Zurrón, Playa de Barlovento, Simún, Glorieta de Almendrales, Playa de Riazor, Playa de América, Alcañiz, and Gran Poder. EMT bus routes 105, 115, 151, and 166 will temporarily change their routes.
In the IFEMA area, where a major music festival kicks off in the evening, road closures may occur from 18:00 until 1:00 a.m. on Avenida del Partenón and Vía de Dublín. Congestion is expected on the access roads to the exhibition center’s parking lots, especially during peak hours.
Demonstrations and large-scale events
On the same day, a demonstration will begin at 11:30, causing temporary road closures on Calle de Alcalá until 13:30. Later, from 16:30 to 19:00, restrictions may affect Plaza de Canalejas and Carrera de San Jerónimo. Police will direct traffic and reroute vehicles as the situation requires.
Due to mass events held for the holiday, large crowds are expected in the city. This may lead to additional delays and temporary difficulties moving around the city center.
Transport and recommendations
City authorities strongly advise against using private cars on this day. Metro, buses, or other forms of public transport are recommended for getting around the city. Please note that the Sol metro station will be closed for entry and exit on December 5, 6, and 7 for security reasons. Metro and commuter trains will pass through the station without stopping. This will affect metro lines 1, 2, 3 and commuter rail lines C-3, C-4.
In high-traffic areas such as Gran Vía, Callao, and Ópera, transport services will increase the number of buses and trains. For IFEMA visitors, there will be special zones for taxis and VTC services, along with additional routes for city and intercity buses. The exhibition center is also accessible via metro line 8 or by using the city bike rental service.
In case you didn’t know, Ayuntamiento de Madrid is the municipality responsible for organizing city events, transportation, and security in Spain’s capital. This body coordinates services during major celebrations and keeps residents informed of temporary changes in traffic. If you have questions about road closures or route changes, you can always check the official Ayuntamiento website or use the city’s transport mobile apps.
