It is the fourth most used line of the Madrid system, transporting 64 million passengers a year.

Aluche is also the only station where the metro is above the Cercanías commuter train, which generally runs above ground.

On the 27 October 1999, Eugenia de Montijo was added as an infill station between Aluche and Carabanchel.

On 24 November 2006, a two stop extension from Canillejas to Alameda de Osuna was opened.

[2][1] Line 5 is to be extended through the town of Barajas and ultimately connect with Valdebebas railway station, which at the time only serves the Cercanías network.