The Spanish capital is bracing for a weekend of complicated mobility due to the visit of Pope Leo XIV. Over 1.8 million attendees are expected at the scheduled events, which will take place in emblematic locations such as Plaza de Lima, Cibeles, and the surroundings of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. This massive event will involve street closures, diversions, and restrictions on key access routes to the city, also impacting residents of Alcorcon.

Confirmed major disruptions include the total closure of Plaza de Lima from June 3rd, restrictions on Paseo de la Castellana, and progressive closures in Cibeles and Paseo del Prado. Streets such as Serrano, Alcala, Gran Vía, Padre Damian, Concha Espina, and Paseo de Recoletos will also face temporary limitations. Potential impacts on major ring roads like the M-30 and M-40 are anticipated, which could lead to significant congestion on the usual access routes from Alcorcon.

Public transport will also experience alterations. The Regional Transport Consortium has announced the temporary closure of up to 16 Metro stations, including Sol, Banco de España, Colon, Nuevos Ministerios, Santiago Bernabeu, and Cuzco. EMT Madrid, meanwhile, will modify over 70 bus lines, particularly in the areas of Castellana, Cibeles, and Bernabeu.

In light of this situation, mobility experts recommend that residents of Alcorcon plan their journeys in advance and prioritize the use of public transport. For those who need to use private vehicles, it is advised to utilize park-and-ride facilities in peripheral areas connected to the Metro or Cercanías commuter rail, such as those at Ciudad Universitaria, Plaza Eliptica, Fuente de la Mora, Avenida de Portugal, or IFEMA. Booking parking spaces in advance is another key recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel during one of the most challenging weekends of the year for mobility in the capital.