August in Barcelona isn’t complete without that moment when the streets of Gràcia swap their gray asphalt for colorful skies and fantasy worlds. From August 15 to 21, the neighborhood once again dresses up for its traditional festivities, attracting— as it does every year—thousands of residents and visitors ready to explore its 23 decorated streets. Given the scale of these celebrations, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has decided that public transportation will also join the festivities to ensure that everyone can get to and from the concerts without worrying about the time.
To ensure that the trip home isn’t a headache, the subway system will implement a special plan that will culminate in a metro service running nonstop for an entire weekend. In additionto staying open all night, more trains will be added to the network, and staff levels will be increased to ensure comfort at the busiest stations during this massive summer event.
Three days of nonstop metro service
The highlight of the public transit schedule for these festivities will come during the final stretch. TMB has announced that the metro will operate continuously for a total of 67 straight hours. The turnstiles will run nonstop from 5:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, until midnight on Sunday, August 23. This measure is designed exclusively to make life easier for everyone who stays out late enjoying the neighborhood’s activities and concerts.
Those who usually ride Line 3 (the green line) will notice an extra relief. To avoid overcrowding, TMB will add up to 10% more trains during certain time slots compared to a typical day’s service.
In addition to this increased service on the rails, there will be more staff on the platforms and in the station concourses. Stops that traditionally see the largest crowds during the festivities will have more customer service representatives, as well as increased cleaning and security crews.
All Roads Lead to Gràcia
If you’re looking for the most direct route to get right into the heart of the neighborhood, the operator recommends using the following stations:
- Line 3 (Green): Lesseps, Fontana, and Diagonal.
- Line 4 (Yellow): Joanic.
- Line 5 (Blue): Diagonal and Verdaguer.
That said, TMB reminds the public that improvement work is currently underway on the metro network, so they advise residents to plan their route a little in advance and check the available alternatives.
If you’d rather get around by bus and enjoy the sights, the bus fleet will also drop you off right at the heart of the festivities. You can get there using any of these regular bus lines: D40, D50, H6, H8, H10, V15, V17, V19, 6, 7, 19, 22, 24, 27, 33, 34, 39, 47, 114, and 116.
