Masjid al-Haram: a practical guide
How to get to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, which gate and floor to use, where to get a wheelchair or golf cart, and who to call, from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide.
The main gates
The five main gates of Masjid al-Haram and their official numbers. Gates show entry and exit signs, and some have traffic lights that show how crowded they are: follow them.
| Number | Gate |
|---|---|
| 1 | King Abdulaziz Gate (Gate 1) |
| 45 | Al-Fath Gate (Gate 45) |
| 62 | Umrah Gate (Gate 62) |
| 79 | King Fahd Gate (Gate 79) |
| 100 | King Abdullah Gate (Gate 100) |
Tawaf: the Mataf and its upper levels
- Tawaf starts at the corner of the Kaaba with the Black Stone; a green light marks the starting point.
- When the ground-level Mataf is crowded, there are upper levels for Tawaf, reached through specific gates and stairways.
- On the upper floors the two rak‘ahs after Tawaf can be prayed anywhere in the Mataf facing the Kaaba, and there are dedicated prayer spaces.
Sa’i: the Mas‘a floors
- Signs inside the mosque lead from the Mataf to the Sa’i area and mark Safa and Marwah.
- There are four Sa’i levels: basement, ground floor, second floor, and a mezzanine floor for electric wheelchairs.
- The ministry recommends the upper floors to avoid crowding; security staff can direct you there.
- Parts of the rock of Safa are still visible on the ground floor; on the upper floors, signs show where Safa is.
The Sa’i path is 394 m long; the seven trips total 2,761 m and take 45–60 minutes on average.
Wheelchairs and golf carts
Manual wheelchairs, and golf carts for Tawaf and Sa’i, are available for anyone who cannot walk them. Ask any staff member inside the Haram, or go to a booking office:
- Eastern courtyard: Mass Transit entrance
- Southern courtyard: King Abdulaziz Endowment
- Western courtyard: Al-Shubaika entrance
Wheelchair entrances
- Al-Shubaika entrance
- Ajyad Bridge
- Marwah Bridge entrance
- Al-Arqam stairs
Someone to push or drive the wheelchair
Request it in the app or at:
- Second-floor Sa’i area
- Ground-floor Sa’i area, Door 14
- Al-Arqam stairs
- Ground-level Mataf
- King Abdulaziz Endowment
Golf carts are free for elderly people and those with special needs in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque. Umrah for elderly pilgrims: wheelchairs and carts in detail
Escalator safety
- Do not sit on the escalator; stand firmly and hold the handrail.
- Step off straight away at the end so you do not block those behind you.
- Do not take a wheelchair on an escalator unless a trained person helps.
- Carry a heavy backpack in your hand rather than on your back.
- Keep long clothing clear of the end of the escalator, and keep your feet off the side brushes.
Inquiries and phone numbers
Special telephones answer questions in seven languages at 10 points inside the Grand Mosque. Inquiry numbers: 8001222100 and 8001222400.
Getting there by car or bus
Private and rented cars cannot enter Makkah’s central neighbourhoods. Park in one of the official car parks; buses for pilgrims run from all of them straight to the Haram:
- Haramain train station car park
- Al-Zaher car park
- Kudai car park
- Al-Jamarat car park
- Al-Rasifah car park
- Daqm Al-Wabr car park
- Prince Mut‘ib Road car park (Al-Masafi tunnels)
If you arrive by tour bus, note where it is parked and agree a meeting point for after Umrah.
Haramain train: the Makkah station and buses to the Haram
Facilities and routes change during peak seasons: follow the signs and the instructions of staff on the day.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How many main gates does Masjid al-Haram have?
The mosque has five main gates with official numbers: King Abdulaziz Gate (1), Al-Fath Gate (45), Umrah Gate (62), King Fahd Gate (79) and King Abdullah Gate (100), plus many other doors.
What can I do if the Mataf is too crowded?
Use the upper levels for Tawaf, reached through specific gates and stairways. On the upper floors the two rak‘ahs can be prayed anywhere in the Mataf facing the Kaaba.
Which floors can I use for Sa’i?
The basement, the ground floor and the second floor; the mezzanine floor is for electric wheelchairs. The ministry recommends the upper floors to avoid crowding.
Where can I get a wheelchair in Masjid al-Haram?
Ask any staff member, or go to the booking offices in the eastern courtyard (Mass Transit entrance), the southern courtyard (King Abdulaziz Endowment) or the western courtyard (Al-Shubaika entrance). Golf carts in the courtyards are free for elderly people and those with special needs.
Can I drive to the Haram?
No. Cars cannot enter Makkah’s central neighbourhoods; park in an official car park such as Kudai or Al-Rasifah and take the pilgrim bus to the Haram.
Is Masjid al-Haram the Kaaba?
No. Masjid al-Haram is the Grand Mosque of Makkah; the Kaaba stands inside it, in the Mataf, where Tawaf is performed around it starting from the corner with the Black Stone. The mosque also holds the Sa’i area between Safa and Marwah.