Many Makkah families help an elderly parent or a relative with limited mobility to pray at the Haram or perform Umrah. Knowing how wheelchairs and electric carts at Masjid al-Haram work makes that much easier. This guide sets out the options and the rules, based on the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Umrah and Visit guide.
Quick answer
Short answer: There are three options: free carts you push yourself, paid carts with an attendant, and electric carts that you reserve for a fee. Tawaf in a wheelchair or electric cart takes place on the first and second floors, not in the Mataf courtyard (Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide).
Key takeaways
- Free carts (no attendant): eastern courtyard, at the Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices, and at Ash-Shubaikah Bridge.
- Paid carts (with attendant): at several points in the main courtyards.
- Electric carts: charged, and available by reservation.
- Cart tawaf: first and second floors only.
The three kinds of cart
| Option | How it works | Where (per the ministry guide) |
|---|---|---|
| Free cart | A wheelchair with no attendant; a family member pushes | Eastern courtyard (Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices) and Ash-Shubaikah Bridge |
| Paid cart with attendant | A wheelchair pushed by an attendant, for a fee | Multiple locations in the main courtyards |
| Electric cart | A motorised cart, for a fee | Reserved in advance through the link in the guide |
The guide’s map also marks manual wheelchair distribution points and access points for people with special needs, and notes that Ajyad Bridge is designated for wheelchair access and people with special needs on the levels provided (Umrah and Visit guide, PDF).
Where tawaf by cart takes place
The ministry guide says the first and second floors are designated for tawaf with wheelchairs and electric carts, and that carts are not allowed into the Mataf courtyard. The ground floor of the Mataf is kept for people in ihram. So if you are pushing a parent, plan your route to the upper floors from the start.
Good to know
Tawaf may be performed in the Mataf courtyard or on the upper floors, the guide says.
How long it takes
According to the guide, Umrah takes two to three hours on foot and one and a half to two hours with an electric cart. At peak times such as Ramadan, waiting for a cart can add up to an extra hour. Build that into your plan, especially for an older relative who tires quickly.
A checklist for helping an elderly relative
Before you go
- Book the permit first. If they are performing Umrah, they need a permit on Nusuk. See our Nusuk permit guide.
- Choose the cart type that fits: a free cart if a strong family member can push, a paid attendant if not, or an electric cart reserved ahead.
- Plan the route to the upper floors for tawaf, and use the access points marked on the ministry map.
- Pack the basics: water, regular medicines and a phone with contacts saved.
- Agree a meeting point, such as a numbered gate, in case anyone gets separated.
Help at the Haram
The guide’s map marks first aid centers and guidance points for lost persons inside the mosque. For religious questions, it lists free numbers: 8001222100 and 8001222400. Keep our list of emergency numbers and hospitals in Makkah on your phone.
Tip
Busy nights in Ramadan need extra planning. Our guides to Taraweeh in Makkah and the last ten nights cover getting there and getting home.
FAQ
Are wheelchairs free at Masjid al-Haram?
Free carts without an attendant are available in the eastern courtyard (Arqam Bridge and As-Safa Bridge offices) and at Ash-Shubaikah Bridge. Carts with an attendant and electric carts are charged.
Can a wheelchair go into the Mataf courtyard?
No. The ministry guide says wheelchairs and electric carts use the first and second floors for tawaf and are not permitted in the Mataf courtyard.
How do I reserve an electric cart?
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guide includes an electric cart reservation link. Book ahead, especially in busy seasons.
How long does Umrah take in an electric cart?
About one and a half to two hours, according to the guide, with possible extra waiting of up to an hour at peak times such as Ramadan.
Last checked 17 October 2026. Locations and services can change in busy seasons, so check the ministry guide and staff on site.
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