Barcelona is preparing for major traffic and public transport changes on 9 and 10 June as Pope Leo XIV visits the city. The main impacts will be in Ciutat Vella, Eixample and Sants-Montjuïc, with road closures, parking bans and service changes expected across several busy areas.
Barcelona city council and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) have already started putting up notices across the city. TMB says people should use the Metro where possible, as bus routes will be affected and services will be reinforced at key times, especially on the afternoon and evening of 9 June for Montjuïc and throughout 10 June for events near the Sagrada Família. The Sagrada Família Metro station will close on 10 June.
For the Prayer Vigil at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, TMB will run a special shuttle bus between Plaça d'Espanya and the stadium using nine articulated buses. The Montjuïc funicular will also run more often to handle higher passenger numbers. More details on city transport can be checked on the TMB website.
Restrictions will begin before the Pope arrives. From 7 am on Monday, 8 June, until the morning of 11 June, circulation and parking limits will apply around the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace, where Pope Leo XIV will stay. These measures will affect Avinguda de la Catedral, between Plaça d'Antoni Maura and Plaça Nova, and motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles will not be allowed to park on the pavement there.
The Raval area, including Sant Agustí church, will also face restrictions on 9 and 10 June. Parking will be banned, traffic will be cut off and access controls will be in place on nearby streets, with pedestrian flow managed during busy periods. Montjuïc will see wider limits too, with parking bans near the Estadi Olímpic starting on 8 June and lasting until the early hours of 10 June. From midday on 9 June, only accredited people will be allowed into the stadium area.
The biggest mobility impact is expected in the Eixample on 10 June, when Pope Leo XIV will preside over a mass and bless the Sagrada Família's new Jesus Christ Tower. An extensive security perimeter will be in place until the early morning of the following day, affecting traffic and parking along the planned Popemobile route and in the area bordered by Carrer de Còrsega, Carrer de València and Carrer de Lepant. For official city updates, readers can also check the Barcelona City Council website and follow our news coverage.