History of Madrid Metro in Timeline

The Madrid Metro is a rapid transit system serving Madrid, Spain and its metropolitan area. Inaugurated in 1919, it has expanded significantly over the past century. The system consists of thirteen heavy-rail lines and three light-rail lines (Metro Ligero). Metro de Madrid S.A., a public company owned by the Government of the Community of Madrid, owns and operates the majority of the network.

1986: Exhibition "The Dream of Madrid" at Expometro

In 1986, the exhibition "The Dream of Madrid", by Pablo Sycet, Rafael Arellano, Tono Carbajo, Christian Domec and Julio Juste, was displayed at Expometro within the Retiro station.

1995: People's Party take over promising Metro improvements

In 1995, the People's Party assumed control of the government, pledging to significantly expand and enhance the Metro service, leading to line refurbishments and closures for platform expansions.

1998: Delivery of CAF series 6000 trainsets

In 1998, CAF delivered the first of its series 6000 trainsets, totaling 29, which featured a new design and were intended for the TFM line 9 extension to Arganda del Rey. These trains included luminous destination panels and an automatic train protection (ATP) and automatic train operation (ATO) system.

1999: Introduction of patented solid rail system

Since 1999, Metro de Madrid has been utilizing a patented system involving a solid rail suspended from tunnel ceilings, replacing traditional overhead wire systems for power supply. This rigid system is more robust but less common outside tunnels due to higher installation costs.

2000: "The Passengers" exhibition by Daniel Garbade at Expometro

In 2000, the exhibition "The Passengers" by Daniel Garbade was displayed at Expometro within the Retiro station. Goya station displays works by Francisco Goya (1746–1828) on two murals on the platforms of line 2.

2000: Aging 2000 series in service

In November 2024, it was announced that the aging 2000 series trains would be replaced starting in 2027. These had been in service since at least the year 2000.

2002: Delivery of CAF series 8000 trainsets

In 2002, CAF built and delivered 45 trainsets of the series 8000, originally designed for the MetroSur line 12. These trains featured a 'boa' layout and regenerative braking, along with informative panels and gate activity warnings.

2010: Second batch of CAF series 8000 ordered for line 11

In 2010, a second batch of CAF series 8000 trainsets were ordered for line 11 to replace the series 3000 operating on the line since its extension to La Fortuna.

2010: Introduction of CAF series 8400 on line 6

In 2010, the CAF series 8400, derived from the series 8000 trains, entered service on Madrid Metro's line 6, complementing the existing series 5000 trains.

May 2011: Fitness festival held in underground station

In May 2011, a three-day fitness festival was held in an underground station, attracting 2,600 visitors. Additionally, Ópera station contains a 200-square-metre archaeological museum.

2013: Sale of series 6000 cars to Buenos Aires

In 2013, 73 of the 108 CAF series 6000 cars were sold to Buenos Aires for operation on Line B of the metro system for €32.6 million. Later, 13 additional cars were ordered. These trains have faced criticism in Argentina.

2020: Scrapping of earlier line 11 extension proposal

In 2020, an earlier proposal to extend line 11 along a semi-circular route was scrapped, despite the construction of extra empty platforms at Chamartín.

2022: Contracts awarded for line 11 extension design

In 2022, contracts were awarded for designing the construction work of sections 2 and 3, as well as the southern extension of line 11, with the local government expecting to open section 3 in 2027.

December 2023: CRTM discontinues annual passes for general public

Since December 2023, the CRTM only offers 30-day passes to the general public, having discontinued annual passes; however, legal entities may still purchase annual passes.

September 2024: Announcement of through services on line 9B

In September 2024, Jorge Rodrigo Domínguez announced intentions to introduce through services on line 9B, eliminating the need to change trains at Puerta de Arganda.

November 2024: Order of new trainsets from CAF

In November 2024, Metro Madrid ordered 80 new trainsets from CAF for approximately €950 million. 40 broad-gauge driverless trains for line 6 and 40 narrower semi-automatic trains for line 1 are expected to enter service in early 2027, replacing older units.

May 2025: Exploration of integrating Chamartín–Nuevo Norte route into line 1

In May 2025, the Community of Madrid began exploring the possibility of making the Chamartín–Nuevo Norte route part of line 1, potentially altering service patterns on existing sections of the line.

August 2025: Order for additional trainsets from CAF

In August 2025, Metro Madrid announced an order for eight additional trainsets from CAF for line 6, increasing the total number of new trains destined for the line to 48.

September 2025: Network expansion projects under construction

As of September 2025, the operator confirms that two network expansion projects are under construction: a major lengthening of line 11 and a short extension of line 5.

November 2025: Standard fares for 30-day Transport Passes announced

As of November 2025, the standard fares for 30-day Transport Passes, valid for adults between 26 and 64, are as follows.

November 2025: Standard fares for Single and 10-Trip Tickets announced

As of November 2025, the standard fares for Single and 10-Trip Tickets will be as follows.

November 2025: Standard fares for Tourist Tickets announced

As of November 2025, the standard fares for Tourist Tickets will be as follows.

2025: Metro Madrid's silence on proposed line 9B through services

As of 2025, Metro Madrid has not commented on proposals to introduce through services on line 9B, despite announcements made in September 2024.

2025: Section 1 of line 11 expansion under construction

As of 2025, section 1 of the line 11 expansion project is under construction, with an estimated opening in 2027.

2025: Construction begins on line 5 extension

In 2025, construction began on a single-station extension of line 5 towards Airport Terminals 1-2-3 station, with a planned opening date in 2028.

2027: Estimated opening of section 1 and 3 of line 11 expansion

As of 2025, section 1 of the line 11 expansion project is under construction, with an estimated opening in 2027. The local government expected to open section 3 in 2027 as well.

2027: Expected entry into service of new CAF trainsets

From early 2027, new CAF trainsets ordered in November 2024 are expected to enter service on lines 1 and 6, replacing older units like the 2000 and 5000 series. The 8000 series from line 6 will be redeployed to other lines.

2028: Planned opening date of line 5 extension

The planned opening date for the single-station extension of line 5 towards Airport Terminals 1-2-3 station is in 2028. Construction began in 2025.

2029: Projected opening of new station on line 9B

In 2029, a new station is projected to open on line 9B between Puerta de Arganda and Rivas Urbanizaciones stations, serving the future communities of Los Ahijones and Los Berrocales, coinciding with the end of the TFM concession.

2029: Expiration of TFM concession for line 9B

In 2029, the Transportes Ferroviarios de Madrid (TFM) concession for operating line 9B is set to expire, after which Metro Madrid is expected to assume operating responsibilities for the route.