Madrid Goes All In for Pope Visit With Late Metro, Over 100 Extra Trains and Limited-Edition Transport Cards

Madrid is preparing for a major influx of pilgrims and visitors ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit next month, with regional authorities announcing extended Metro hours, additional trains, and special transport measures across the Spanish capital.

Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Fabrizio Maffei / Shutterstock.com

The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, confirmed that Metro services will run until 2:30 a.m. during the night of June 6 to June 7 as part of a wider Special Mobility Plan linked to the papal visit.

The measures will apply across the entire Madrid Metro network and form part of a larger operation running from June 6 to June 9. Authorities expect large crowds to travel across the city during the visit of Pope Leo XIV.

According to regional officials, train frequency on several Metro lines will increase by up to 125%, with 111 additional trains added to the network to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion.

Madrid buses. Photo: Anna EST / Shutterstock.com

The Community of Madrid also announced that staffing levels will be reinforced throughout the operation. More than 600 workers are expected to be deployed across stations, maintenance operations, and security services.

Surface transport will also be strengthened. Madrid’s Municipal Transport Company will increase bus services, while around 100 additional intercity buses will help transport visitors staying outside the capital.

“The Community of Madrid is extending the Metro service during the early hours of Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 7, until 2:30 a.m., to facilitate the movement of passengers due to the Pope's visit,” regional authorities said in a statement.

Officials also revealed that Madrid’s public transport system will feature special decorations to welcome pilgrims and visitors arriving for the event. In addition, Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid will launch a limited-edition transport card featuring commemorative artwork linked to the papal visit.

The visit is expected to become one of Madrid’s largest public events of the year, bringing thousands of pilgrims and international visitors to the Spanish capital.