Guide to Electric Cart Locations and Points at the Grand Mosque of Makkah and How to Book
Electric cart points at the Grand Mosque of Makkah are distributed across three main locations: the first-floor mezzanine, the roof of the Grand Mosque of Makkah, and the bridges leading to the Mas'a and the Mataf via Shubeikah, Ajyad, and Marwah. These centers offer two options for pilgrims and visitors: either the shared golf carts with a driver, or the single and dual self-drive scooters to facilitate Tawaf and Sa'i for those who find walking difficult.
Electric Cart Locations and Points at the Grand Mosque of Makkah in Detail
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has designated independent tracks for electric carts to avoid overlapping with pedestrian movement in the Mataf courtyard and on the ground floor. This engineering distribution ensures smooth movement and provides boarding points close to the main gates of the Grand Mosque.
When you arrive at the Grand Mosque's courtyards, the nearest entrance determines the type of cart you will reach. The bridges are directly connected to the elevated levels, sparing you the trouble of searching within the crowded inner corridors during peak times.
Golf Cart Stations Designated for Tawaf and Sa'i on the Roof and the Mezzanine
The departure station for golf carts designated for Tawaf is located mainly on the roof of the Grand Mosque of Makkah. You reach this station via the escalators and dedicated elevators adjacent to King Abdulaziz Gate and Umrah Gate, as well as via the Al-Arqam stairs elevators and the Ajyad Gate elevators.
As for the golf cart service designated for Sa'i, it operates within the mezzanine floor of the Mas'a. The mezzanine track extends along the entire distance between Safa and Marwah on a route completely isolated from pedestrians, and you reach it by ascending from the outer Marwah courtyard or via the inner entrances from the King Fahd expansion.
Pickup Points for Scooters and Single Electric Carts
The shuttle scooters that the pilgrim drives personally (whether single or dual for two persons) depart from three strategic entry points surrounding the Grand Mosque:
- Shubeikah bridge point: the nearest entrance for those arriving from the Jabal Omar hotels and Ibrahim Al Khalil Street, taking you directly to the first mezzanine floor designated for carts.
- Ajyad bridge point: serves those arriving from the King Abdulaziz endowment side (Al-Bayt Towers) and the southern areas of the Grand Mosque, and allows direct access to the Mataf level designated for carts.
- Marwah bridge point: located on the northeastern side, it is the ideal point for starting Sa'i directly or descending from it after completing the rite.
How to Book Grand Mosque Carts via the Nusuk App and the Tanaqqol Platform
Cart booking is organized entirely through the digital channels to avoid congestion and waiting on site. Follow these steps to book your appointment before heading to the electric cart points at the Grand Mosque of Makkah:
- Download the Nusuk app and sign in using your verified Absher account, or create a visitor account if you are coming from outside the Kingdom.
- Go to the Makkah Grand Mosque services section and choose the cart booking service; you will be transferred directly to the approved Tanaqqol platform.
- Specify the rite type: Tawaf only, Sa'i only, or a full Umrah (Tawaf and Sa'i).
- Choose the required cart size: a single seat, a dual self-drive cart, or a seat in a shared golf cart.
- Set the estimated date and arrival time, and choose your preferred departure point (Shubeikah, Ajyad, or Marwah).
- Complete the electronic payment via mada cards, credit cards, or Apple Pay.
- Save the electronic booking ticket containing the Quick Response code (QR Code) on your phone to show it to the organizers at the entrance gate.
Prices and Categories of Electric Carts at the Grand Mosque of Makkah
Cart prices are subject to a specific, officially announced regulation, and are paid in Saudi riyals including value-added tax. Do not pay any cash amounts to any person on the ground; payment is electronic only via the official platform or the approved self-payment devices next to the departure stations.
| Cart and Service Type | Service Scope | Approximate Price (in Saudi riyals) |
|---|---|---|
| Single scooter (self-drive) | Tawaf only or Sa'i only | 57.5 riyals |
| Single scooter (self-drive) | Tawaf and Sa'i (full Umrah) | 115 riyals |
| Dual scooter (two riders) | Tawaf only or Sa'i only | 115 riyals |
| Dual scooter (two riders) | Tawaf and Sa'i (full Umrah) | 230 riyals |
| Golf cart (with individual seats and a driver) | Per individual for Tawaf or Sa'i | 25 riyals per rite |
The Essential Differences Between Free Carts, Paid Carts, and Golf Carts
Many pilgrims are at a loss when choosing the most suitable means for their health condition and their mobility. The options differ radically in the method of operation, the cost, and the effort required:
Free manual carts: provided by the courtyard administration at points such as the Shubeikah entrance and Ajyad square, free of charge and without any payment. These carts need a companion to push them personally throughout the circuits, and collecting them requires depositing the national ID or proof of identity, then returning them to the designated storage immediately after finishing.
Manual carts with an official mutawwif: operated by cart pushers holding official permits and wearing distinctive vests with a serial number. This service suits those who do not have a physically strong companion, and its fare is set in advance through the field offices to ensure that individuals do not inflate the prices.
The self-drive electric scooter: a light vehicle with three or four wheels, controlled by the rider through a bicycle-like hand throttle, with its maximum speed limited by software to protect the other pilgrims. An excellent option for a person mentally and physically capable of driving, but it does not suit elderly pilgrims who suffer from slow reflexes or weak eyesight.
Large golf carts: the most comfortable solution for elderly pilgrims and the sick. They are driven by a trained official employee and accommodate between 6 and 12 riders depending on the size of the cart. Their greatest advantage is complete safety and the absence of any physical or mental effort from the pilgrim while performing Tawaf or Sa'i.
Field Guidelines and the Cancellation and Refund Policy
Plan to arrive at the pickup station at least about 20 minutes before your booking time, especially on Friday and Monday nights and during the holiday seasons. If you encounter heavy crowds at Shubeikah bridge, head immediately to Ajyad bridge as an alternative option to avoid delay.
If you need to cancel the booking due to an emergency circumstance, the Tanaqqol platform allows cancelling the ticket and refunding the paid amount according to the following controls:
- The cancellation request must be submitted through the platform at least one hour before the ride time for the full amount to be returned to the bank card.
- Depositing the refunded amount into your bank account takes a period ranging from 3 to 14 business days depending on the policy of the bank that issued your card.
- If the electric cart breaks down while performing Tawaf or Sa'i, go directly to the nearest field supervisor belonging to the Authority within the track; the cart will be replaced immediately without paying any additional fees, or you will be transferred to an alternative route to complete your rites without disruption.
Before leaving your hotel, make sure your mobile phone is charged and keep a copy of the booking code as a static image in your gallery; the internet connection inside some mezzanine corridors may occasionally weaken under the strain of the crowds, and saving the code in advance guarantees your immediate entry without interruption.
