Madrid boosts buses and changes routes for San Isidro: how it will affect mobility

On 15 May, the main public holiday of San Isidro, several routes will increase their frequency and number of buses, especially those connecting with Carabanchel, Latina and the riverside area. Routes 3, 17, 18, 23, 25, 34, 35, 36, 116, 118, 119 and 148 will have more vehicles in service for much of the day to make it easier to get to the concerts, open-air dances and popular activities.

Route 25 will be one of the most affected by the route changes. Until 20 May, it will be diverted along part of the Ermita del Santo promenade, one of the busiest areas during the festivities. There will also be significant changes to route 50 throughout the day on 15 May.

In practice, this means less private traffic near the Pradera, but also more people using the metro and buses at certain times. As happens every year, the most difficult periods are expected between late afternoon and night, coinciding with concerts and fireworks.

EMT recommends checking routes before leaving home because some changes affect stops heavily used by residents of Latina and Carabanchel. In several areas, temporary alternatives will be provided to prevent road closures from completely blocking the service.

During San Isidro, Madrid's mobility changes almost completely around the Manzanares. Streets that are quiet for the rest of the year fill with people walking towards the Pradera, street vendors, families with blankets and groups moving from concert to concert until dawn.

The Pradera continues to function as one of the few places where Madrid mixes popular tradition and urban life without too many barriers. And that requires the city to adapt for several days: more buses, fewer cars and thousands of people moving at the same time towards the same point on the map.