• News
  • Valencia
  • Life in Spain

Follow us:

Search

Las Fallas 2026: Metro Closures, Bus Diversions and Traffic Restrictions in Valencia

Las Fallas 2026: Metro Closures, Bus Diversions and Traffic Restrictions in Valencia
Photo: algobonito98 / shutterstock.com

During Las Fallas, the centre of Valencia traditionally becomes a magnet for huge crowds. Daily pyrotechnic shows, the floral offering to the Virgin Mary, open-air concerts and the final day with the burning of the fallas sculptures all place heavy pressure on the city’s transport system. In 2026, authorities are once again introducing extensive restrictions and changes to metro services, buses and parking.

Metrovalencia — closure of Xàtiva and Colón stations

On 16, 17, 18 and 19 March, the Xàtiva and Colón metro stations — the closest to Plaza del Ayuntamiento — will be closed from 12:30 to 14:30. Trains will not stop at these stations during that time. The measure is intended to prevent overcrowding and congestion on platforms and in underground passages.

Those planning to attend the pyrotechnic shows are advised to adjust their routes in advance and use nearby stations such as Bailén, Plaza de España, Alameda and Ángel Guimerà. From there, Plaza del Ayuntamiento is a 5–10 minute walk.

Changes to EMT bus services

Surface transport will also operate on a modified schedule from 1 to 15 March. Buses passing through the city centre will follow diverted routes from approximately 11:45 to 15:00 on weekdays and from 11:00 on weekends.

From 16 March, when the festival's most intense phase begins, restrictions will be more extensive and affect a large part of the city centre. More than 30 bus lines will be impacted. Passengers are advised to check daily updates on temporary stops and alternative routes via the EMT website or app.

Free parking

For those using a car, special rules will apply. From 9 to 20 March, parking in blue zones will be free of charge.

However, orange zones during the same period will be reserved exclusively for Valencia residents. Parking will be permitted 24 hours a day, but only for those who can provide proof of city residence.

Traffic closures in the city centre

From 1 to 16 March, traffic will be restricted along the perimeter of Calle Colón, Calle Xàtiva, Avinguda de l'Oest, Plaza Ciudad de Bruges, Calle Vella de la Palla, Plaza del Mercat, Calle de María Cristina, Calle de Sant Vicent (from Plaza de la Reina to Plaza de l'Ajuntament), Plaza de la Reina, Calle del Mar, Calle del General Tovar and the Palacio de Justícia. Restrictions come into force two hours before each event and remain in place until 30 minutes after it ends.

From 15:00 on 16 March until 4:00 on 20 March, traffic will be prohibited throughout the inner area of the Turia riverbed, including major access roads and underpasses. Only city buses, taxis, official service vehicles and cars belonging to Valencia residents — who can prove their address with an ID card, IBI tax receipt, rental contract or residence permit — will be allowed to circulate.

Related Articles

Wildfire Emergency in Spain: Zaragoza Fire Explodes to 12,000 Hectares

Wildfire Emergency in Spain: Zaragoza Fire Explodes to 12,000 Hectares

Flames surround historic towns overnight, forcing over 1,000 evacuations across Aragon, while active fronts continue to rage in Madrid and Guadalajara under extreme heat alerts

Valencia Launches Municipal Rental Agency Offering Homes 20% Below Market Price

Valencia Launches Municipal Rental Agency Offering Homes 20% Below Market Price

The groundbreaking initiative guarantees monthly payouts to landlords and offers affordable rents to young residents to unlock 8,000 empty apartments

Historic 1905 Valencia Lighthouse to Be Relocated to La Marina

Historic 1905 Valencia Lighthouse to Be Relocated to La Marina

Inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII and originally built on rails, the iconic decommissioned landmark will be moved opposite the Veles e Vents building to become a new public attraction

Begoña Gómez to Face Jury Trial as Court Drops Business Corruption Charges but Keeps Embezzlement

Begoña Gómez to Face Jury Trial as Court Drops Business Corruption Charges but Keeps Embezzlement

The provincial court lifts travel bans and passport seizures for the Spanish PM's wife, though she still faces trial for influence peddling and the misuse of public university software.

Can You Cut Off Utilities to "Okupas"? Spain’s Supreme Court Sets Crucial Legal Boundary

Can You Cut Off Utilities to "Okupas"? Spain’s Supreme Court Sets Crucial Legal Boundary

While cutting off water and electricity to illegal squatters is ruled legal, the court warns that using the same tactic against a divorcing spouse remains a punishable crime

Valencia Unveils Free Nature Guide Featuring 69 Stunning Water Routes

Valencia Unveils Free Nature Guide Featuring 69 Stunning Water Routes

From free open-air screens at major town squares to indoor mega-venues like the Roig Arena and Movistar Arena, here is the complete guide to catching Sunday's historic final live

Historic Milestone: The Gibraltar Border Fence is Down as Schengen Integration Begins

Historic Milestone: The Gibraltar Border Fence is Down as Schengen Integration Begins

A new era dawns for the Campo de Gibraltar region as a temporary EU-UK treaty takes effect, ending 117 years of physical separation and removing daily controls for 15,000 cross-border workers

The World Cup 2026 Final: Best Big Screens and Fan Zones in Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid

The World Cup 2026 Final: Best Big Screens and Fan Zones in Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid

From massive public screenings at Roig Arena and beachfront hubs to open-air gardens and local cinemas—here is your ultimate guide to the best spots to watch the historic match in the Valencian Community

Can You Cut Off Utilities to "Okupas"? Spain’s Supreme Court Sets Crucial Legal Boundary

Can You Cut Off Utilities to "Okupas"? Spain’s Supreme Court Sets Crucial Legal Boundary

While cutting off water and electricity to illegal squatters is ruled legal, the court warns that using the same tactic against a divorcing spouse remains a punishable crime

Valencia Unveils Free Nature Guide Featuring 69 Stunning Water Routes

Valencia Unveils Free Nature Guide Featuring 69 Stunning Water Routes

From free open-air screens at major town squares to indoor mega-venues like the Roig Arena and Movistar Arena, here is the complete guide to catching Sunday's historic final live

Beyond Paella: Discovering All i Pebre, Valencia’s Best-Kept Culinary Secret

Deep in the heart of the Albufera wetlands, the fishing village of El Palmar preserves a traditional, rich garlic and wild eel stew that tourist traps completely miss

Historic Milestone: The Gibraltar Border Fence is Down as Schengen Integration Begins

A new era dawns for the Campo de Gibraltar region as a temporary EU-UK treaty takes effect, ending 117 years of physical separation and removing daily controls for 15,000 cross-border workers

The World Cup 2026 Final: Best Big Screens and Fan Zones in Valencia, Barcelona and Madrid

From massive public screenings at Roig Arena and beachfront hubs to open-air gardens and local cinemas—here is your ultimate guide to the best spots to watch the historic match in the Valencian Community

View All

Support La Cotorra on Patreon

Access exclusive content, special perks, and closer connection with us.

Become a Patron