The Metro Line 6 in Madrid, popularly known as the Circular, is set to undergo significant renovations beginning this Saturday, May 31. This line, which is the most frequently used with an average of 430,000 daily commuters, will see a partial suspension between the Moncloa and Méndez Álvaro stations—15 out of its total 28 stations. This ambitious project, with a budget exceeding 800 million euros, aims to transform Line 6 by 2027 into Madrid's first fully automated, driverless metro line.

The service suspension will affect the western arc of the line until September 12, with Moncloa and Méndez Álvaro stations remaining operational as they are endpoints for the active segment. A subsequent phase will target the eastern arc, from Moncloa to Legazpi, where service will be halted for the remaining 13 stations from September 13 to December 31.

During this initial phase, Line 6 will bypass stations including Argüelles, Príncipe Pío, Puerta del Ángel, Alto de Extremadura, Lucero, Laguna, Carpetana, Oporto, Opañel, Plaza Elíptica, Usera, Legazpi, and Arganzuela-Planetario. Notably, Arganzuela-Planetario will remain closed throughout both phases of construction as it serves as the central coordination hub, equipped with the necessary ramps for machinery access, as outlined by the Transport Counselor.

In the second phase, Line 6 will not service Ciudad Universitaria, Vicente Aleixandre, Guzmán el Bueno, Cuatro Caminos, Nuevos Ministerios, República Argentina, Avenida de América, Diego de León, Manuel Becerra, O'Donnell, Sainz de Baranda, Conde de Casal, Pacífico, Méndez Álvaro, and Arganzuela-Planetario. Stations intersected by multiple lines will remain open to accommodate other routes.

Preliminary work on Line 6 has been underway since March 10, with nightly operations necessitating an earlier service closure at midnight. This schedule will continue for the open sections until the complete reopening of the Circular on January 1, 2026, barring any delays or unforeseen circumstances.

During the three-and-a-half-month closure, an alternative transportation plan will be implemented, featuring a complimentary replacement bus service by the Empresa Municipal de Transporte (EMT). This service will include a fleet of 60 buses, 20 of which are articulated, providing free shuttle services.

To assist commuters affected by the construction, Metro has developed an online journey planner offering transportation alternatives for various construction phases. This tool can be accessed via QR codes at EMT replacement service stops, as well as on the company's website and app. Additionally, a dedicated microsite on Metro's website provides comprehensive details on the mobility plan, including bus stop maps and layouts.

The microsite also offers updates on ongoing construction work and features a FAQ section addressing queries such as whether a transportation ticket is required for the alternative bus service. "As this is a free replacement service, no tickets are necessary, though having one is advisable," clarifies Metro.

Furthermore, the site includes videos showcasing the future of Line 6, featuring new trains, updated station designs, platform doors, and historical insights and trivia about the Circular.