Christmas traffic restrictions in Madrid

December 19, 2019 2 Min Read

The Christmas celebrations mean a sharp increase in pedestrian and private vehicle numbers. Therefore, to avoid endless traffic jams on the main access roads to the centre and risks related to road safety, certain Christmas traffic restrictions in Madrid have been implemented. These restrictions began on 22 November 2019 and will end on 7 January 2020, both inclusive. During this period, we recommend using public transport, which will be beefed up by increasing its frequency.

Zones with traffic restrictions in Madrid at Christmas

Unless you are a Madrid resident or park in a garage or underground car park there, drive an electric vehicle, ride a bicycle, motorbike or travel with a person with reduced mobility (appropriately indicated on the parking ticket), the restrictions will affect the following roads or streets:

Gran Vía : from Plaza de España to Calle Alcalá.
Calle Atocha : from Carlos V roundabout to Plaza de la Provincia.
Calle Mayor : in both direction from Calle de Bailén to Puerta del Sol.
Calle Segovia : from Ronda de Segovia to Puerta Cerrada.
Other perimeter roads in Central Madrid may also be affected by these disruptions.

Restrictions could be put in place in critical traffic congestion situations along the whole stretch comprising Calle Princesa-Alberto Aguilera, Plaza de Colón, la Ronda de Atocha, Ronda de Toledo, Ronda de Segovia, Glorieta de San Vicente and Plaza de España.

The Christmas traffic measures established by Madrid City Council will be implemented in advance and are scheduled between 22 November 2019 and 7 January 2020 (both inclusive).

Heavy vehicle restrictions at Christmas

On the other hand, and for security reasons, lorries weighing over 3,500 kg will be prohibited from entering or circulating on Gran Via between 00:00 on 22 November 2019 and 00:00 on 7 January 2020. With the exception of those specified in The General Directorate of Emergencies and Civil Protection of Madrid City Council Ruling .

In this situation, in order to travel around the centre of Madrid, public transport will be the best option as there will be no restrictions. We will be able to take the underground, buses, taxis, VTC vehicles, ride bicycles (including the BiciMad electric bike hire service), electric scooters or also take advantage of the mobility offered by companies that are committed to electrical energy, such as Zity, the flexible carsharing service.