Starting at 6:05 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT) will deploy up to 35 buses to provide free service along the eastern arc of Madrid’s Metro Line 6 between Legazpi and Ciudad Universitaria, maintaining mobility while the subway undergoes automation tests.
The temporary transit adjustments will span five specific dates in November: November 7, 8, and 9, alongside November 21 and 22. According to municipal reports, these dates were intentionally selected to coincide with lower traffic impact periods, specifically the La Almudena bridge holiday and the weekend preceding Black Friday. During peak hours, the free special bus service—designated as SE6—will operate with a frequency of three to four minutes across the 16 affected stations.
Did You Know? Prior to the upcoming November tests on the eastern arc, Metro de Madrid conducted similar weekend safety trials on other sections of Line 6 between September and October, closing the stretch between Cuatro Caminos and Lucero through Moncloa.
Schedule and Route Details for Line 6 Bus Replacements
For passengers traveling toward Ciudad Universitaria, initial morning departures will begin at 6:05 a.m. simultaneously from Legazpi, Pacífico, Manuel Becerra, and Cuatro Caminos. In the reverse direction toward Legazpi, services also commence at 6:05 a.m. from Ciudad Universitaria, Cuatro Caminos, Manuel Becerra, and Pacífico. Evening schedules vary by calendar day; Saturday services conclude with final departures at 2:03 a.m. from Legazpi and 2:05 a.m. from Ciudad Universitaria. On public holidays, final buses depart at 23:24 from Legazpi and 23:29 from Ciudad Universitaria.
The surface route for the SE6 line connects key transport nodes. Outbound buses toward Ciudad Universitaria depart from paseo del Molino near Legazpi, traveling via avenida del Planetario and calle Pedro Bosch near Méndez Álvaro. The route continues along calle Doctor Esquerdo—serving Pacífico, O’Donnell, and Manuel Becerra—before moving through Francisco Silvela, Joaquín Costa, and Raimundo Fernández Villaverde near Nuevos Ministerios and Cuatro Caminos. It then runs along avenida de la Reina Victoria and Juan XXIII to finish at avenida Complutense in front of the Faculty of Medicine. Return trips trace this path in reverse back to Legazpi.
Future Capacity Goals for the Circular Line
The primary purpose of these weekend and holiday closures is to validate safety systems and technical infrastructure for the upcoming driverless operation of the network. The transformation aims to introduce 48 new automated trains into regular service progressively throughout 2027. Once fully implemented, the capital’s busiest subway line could see its daily transport capacity climb from approximately 400,000 passengers to 730,000, supported by train frequencies reaching up to two minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metro stations remain open during the Line 6 closures?
Arganzuela-Planetario and Ciudad Universitaria will remain open and operate as provisional terminal stations for the remainder of the line while the eastern arc is suspended.
How much do the replacement buses cost for stranded passengers?
The special SE6 bus service provided by the Empresa Municipal de Transportes is entirely free of charge for all travelers.
When will the automated trains officially enter service?
The 48 new automated trains are scheduled to enter service progressively throughout 2027 following the completion of safety trials and system integration.
How do you plan to adjust your daily commute through Madrid during the upcoming November metro closures?