Madrid once again adjusts its plans for the nightly closure of the circular metro line. City authorities have decided to postpone the introduction of reduced service hours on Line 6 until Sunday, even though the restrictions were originally set to take effect as early as Wednesday. The reason is the accelerated pace of modernization, which has allowed passengers a couple more days with the usual schedule. For those used to coming home late, this is a small but welcome reprieve.
The changes are straightforward: starting January 11, trains will stop running at 11:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday nights, instead of the usual closing time. On Fridays and Saturdays, the metro will continue operating until 1:30 a.m. This is part of a large-scale automation project for the line, aiming to make it one of the most advanced in Europe. Still, for residents and visitors, this means months of inconvenience and extra transfers.
Timetable and details
The restrictions apply only to weekday nights. Authorities promise that the schedule on Fridays and Saturdays will remain unchanged to avoid disrupting the city’s nightlife. At all other times, passengers will need to look for alternatives. Nevertheless, no one will be left without transport: during the closure, free buses will run along the route of Line 6, stopping at every station except one. It’s a sensible solution, but unlikely to make up for all the inconvenience.
The bus routes will be named SC1 and SC2. The first will run counterclockwise, while the second will go clockwise. Both will depart from key stations such as Sainz de Baranda, Avenida de América, Cuatro Caminos, and Legazpi. The last buses will leave after 2 a.m., and intervals are expected to be around ten minutes. However, the exact number of buses on each route has yet to be specified.
Technology and construction
The main reason for all these changes is a large-scale renovation. Platform screen doors will be installed along Line 6 to improve safety and allow for driverless trains. Legazpi will be the first station to undergo upgrades, with work starting on the installation of new systems. All this equipment, incidentally, is being produced in China—a trend that has become standard for major European projects.
The construction work will affect not only the platforms, but also communications and traffic control systems. According to the contract, the main stages will continue through the end of 2026, with full automation expected by 2027. This means the nighttime restrictions could last longer than passengers would like. Still, officials promise the result will be worth it: new trains, renewed tracks, and modern infrastructure should make journeys faster and more comfortable.
Investment and prospects
The entire project is valued at 800 million euros. This amount covers the purchase of 40 new trains, replacement of 86 kilometers of rails, installation of more than 3,500 door supports, and a complete reconstruction of the platforms. Similar works were already carried out on certain stretches of the line last year, but now comes the stage passengers will notice most.
For many Madrid residents, Line 6 is more than just transportation—it’s a part of daily life. It connects key areas of the city, and any changes here immediately become a talking point. Authorities insist they’re doing everything possible to minimize disruptions, but in practice, chaos in the first weeks seems inevitable. Especially since information about the postponement appeared only a few hours before the planned start.
Passengers and changes
Passengers have already started discussing the updates on social media. Some are happy about a few extra days without restrictions, while others worry the buses won’t be able to handle the crowds. Either way, the usual rhythm of travel has been disrupted, and people will have to get used to it. For those who work or study late, nighttime transfers will become the new norm for the coming months, or even years.
However, looking at the situation more broadly, Madrid is taking a step toward the future. Automation and new technologies are not just about comfort—they also enhance safety. For now, passengers can only wait and hope that promises of minimal inconvenience are kept. And as always, the city will continue moving to its own rhythm, regardless of construction and change.
