The New Year’s festivities are approaching, and with them come significant changes to Madrid's public transportation schedules on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The Community of Madrid adjusts its transportation services to facilitate the celebrations for both locals and tourists, ensuring adequate service amid expected crowds.
On New Year's Eve, December 31, Metro de Madrid will close its doors at 1:30 AM, adhering to the regular schedule. Meanwhile, the majority of EMT bus lines will commence their last departures from head offices between 9:30 PM and 9:45 PM. The Cercanías Madrid trains will conclude operations around 10:00 PM; nevertheless, special trains will be available on certain lines starting at midnight. Travelers are encouraged to consult specific schedules for these changes.
For New Year's Day, January 1, the Metro will open later than usual, beginning service at 7:00 AM instead of 6:00 AM. The EMT buses will also have similar adjustments, with most of the network starting between 7:15 AM and 8:45 AM. Cercanías service will commence approximately one hour later, with most lines starting between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM.
The nocturnal bus service, known as 'búhos', will experience adjustments throughout the night. The end of the daytime service on December 31 will vary between lines, concluding between 9:30 PM and 9:45 PM, save for special lines and those serving cemeteries. On New Year’s Eve night, the Buses N1 to N26 will initiate service from Cibeles at 10:30 PM, continuing until 7:00 AM on January 1.
Specific alterations will apply to those needing transport to the airport; the last bus will depart at 9:30 PM from Terminal 4. Night service will begin at 10:30 PM at both head offices, operating with intervals of 35-45 minutes.
Ahead of these changes, it's worth noting the heightened security at the Puerta del Sol for the iconic grape-eaters' countdown. The Cercanías station at Sol will be closed from 9:00 PM on both December 30 and 31 to maintain safety during the celebrations. Trains will, nonetheless, run on set schedules without stopping at this station.
Looking forward to 2024’s celebrations, adjustments for the C3 line will see the last train leave Chamartín at 8:47 PM and return around 8:53 PM, without stopping at Sol. Trains on the C4 line will end their service at 9:15 PM and 9:34 PM from Colmenar Viejo. C5 passengers will notice their last services at 9:01 PM and 9:06 PM, continuing until 9:46 PM but only up to Fuenlabrada. Notably, lines C8 and C10 will also amend their schedules.
While festive settings light up the capital, making the most of public transport during these dates is pivotal for ensuring efficient travels. The public transportation authorities have called on commuters to plan their routes beforehand and obey systems put forth for the evening festivities. This approach aims to deliver the fullest service possible, allowing everyone to revel safely as they usher in the New Year.
With the sparkling lights of Madrid at night and the upbeat ambiance during New Year's Eve, many await this celebration as one to cherish. Be mindful of transport timings, and let's raise our glasses to the New Year properly by getting there on time!