Thousands of daily commuters in Barcelona will need to adjust their travel routines as the vital transfer corridor at Verdaguer metro station has closed for approximately one year for major construction work. The closure, which affects the connection between the L4 (yellow) and L5 (blue) lines, officially began on 13 October 2025 and is scheduled to last until 13 October 2026.

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Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), the city’s public transport operator, announced the closure. This year-long project will make the underground passageway completely inaccessible to travellers, forcing a significant change in one of the network’s busiest interchanges.

A Necessary Disruption for Accessibility

These works are part of a wider city-wide initiative to make the entire metro network fully accessible. Verdaguer is one of the last remaining stations without step-free access for persons with reduced mobility. The construction will involve replacing stairs with modern ramps and installing new lifts to connect the L4 and L5 platforms to the street level and to each other.

This major overhaul at Verdaguer station follows similar accessibility projects across the network, such as the extensive works recently begun at Plaça de Sants station on the same L5 line. These investments reflect a renewed focus on public infrastructure, a trend also seen at a regional level, as Catalonia revives public works concessions after a long hiatus.

The Street-Level Alternative

To navigate the closure, TMB has established a street-level transfer. Commuters arriving on one line and needing to switch to the other must now exit the station, walk above ground, and re-enter through the corresponding entrance for their destination line. This means passengers will have to validate their tickets to exit the barriers and again to re-enter, though the single journey fare will still apply if the transfer is completed within the standard time limit.

The walk, which takes travellers along Carrer de Provença between Passeig de Sant Joan and Carrer de Bailèn, is expected to add several minutes to daily journeys. Commuters particularly feel the disruption in the bustling Eixample district, a central hub for residents, businesses, and tourists which frequently features in city news for everything from police operations to traffic diversions.

Further Disruptions on Line 5

In addition to the Verdaguer closure, L5 users face other service alterations along its route. TMB and Metrópoli Abierta report that two other stations are currently affected by improvement works:

  • Horta Station: The access point at Plaça Eivissa is closed until 27 February 2026. Passengers are advised to use the alternative entrances on Carrer del Tajo and Carrer de Lisboa.
  • Sant Ildefons Station: The lift connecting the main hall to the platform for trains heading towards Vall d’Hebron is out of service for maintenance until approximately 27 March 2026. This will temporarily affect accessibility for some travellers at this station.

While train circulation on the L5 remains normal, TMB advises all passengers to plan their journeys in advance and allow for extra travel time, especially if their route involves the Verdaguer interchange. Commuters are encouraged to check the TMB app or website for the latest service updates.