A Quick Guide to the Alhambra Entrances | Location, Tickets, & Other Tips
Alhambra is an important fortress that belonged to the monarchs of Granada in Spain. In Arabic, the term Alhambra is translated to red which is the actual color of the outer walls of Alhambra. Located close to the serene Darro River, Alhambra is still a proud symbol of Islamic architecture in the city.
Before you visit the palace, here’s what you need to know about the Alhambra entrances and where they are located. Find everything you need on this page.
Where is Alhambra?
Alhambra is situated in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The palace and fortress was built atop a plateau, overlooking the Albayzin quarter, an area that was a part of Granada’s Moorish time. At its base is the gorgeous Darro River, located to the north of the palace.
Address: C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain | Find on maps
Where are the Alhambra Entrances?
There are two main Alhambra entrances - the Pavilion Main Entrance and The Gate of Justice. The Pavilion Main Entrance is for guests who do not have a ticket, while The Gate of Justice entrance is for those who do. Take a look at this map to help you locate the entrances.
Alhambra Entrances Explained
The Gate of Justice and the Pavilion Main Entrance are the two main Alhambra entrances.
The Pavilion Main Entrance
This entrance is for visitors who do not have their tickets or for those who have to collect their QR codes from the ticket office. It is located on the east side of the fortress, close to the Generalife Gardens. As its name suggests, this is the main entrance to Alhambra. Close to this entrance is the ticket office at Access Pavilion. You can collect your tickets and QR code from here.
How to reach? You can get to this entrance by public transport or by car. If you’re driving down to Alhambra, you will find a spacious car park right by the main entrance.
Entrance timings: Alhambra is open from 8:30 AM to 8 PM. The ticket office opens at 8 AM.
Average wait time: It might take you between 30 minutes to an hour to enter Alhambra. This wait can be much longer during weekends and public holidays.
The Gate of Justice
The Justice Gate is located close to the Alcazaba and Nasrid Palaces. If you already have your tickets, you can enter through this gate. The queue here is generally much shorter than the main entrance so we suggest using this entrance. Simply display your e-ticket/QR code and enter from this gate.
How to reach? There is no parking space near this entrance so you will have to take a bus to reach here. Another option is to walk up to the palace, soaking in the beautiful sights along the way. Bus routes C30, C32, and C35 will get you to this entrance.
Entrance timings: The Justice Gate is open from 8:30 AM to 8 PM.
Average wait time: You might have to wait about 15 minutes to enter Alhambra from this entrance.
Which Alhambra Entrance Do I Choose?
The best thing to do before you visit Alhambra is to book your tickets online. This will save you loads of time and you can enter through the Gate of Justice, which is close to the Nasrid Palaces. All you have to do is display your QR code and head right in.
However, if you haven’t pre-purchased your tickets, you will have to head to the ticket office at Access Pavilion and then enter through the main gate. Keep in mind that the queues at the Gate of Justice are much shorter and move faster in comparison to the ones at the main entrance.
Disability Access
Although Alhambra is accessible to people with reduced mobility, this is applicable to only certain areas of the palace. Due to its age, not all areas are easy to navigate by wheelchair.
Visitors with motor disabilities can avail of a customized tour covering the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and some other areas. Wheelchairs are available at the palace. Sign language guides are also available for free in English and Spanish.
You can enquire about these tours at the ticket office once you reach Alhambra.
How Do I Enter Alhambra?
Alhambra is a popular attraction in Granada. Get yourself a guided tour or skip the line tickets to make the most of your experience and save time! Once you get to the palace, make your way either to the Gate of Justice or the Pavilion Main Entrance. The Gate of Justice is located near the Generalife Gardens, while the Pavilion entrance is on the east side of Alhambra.
If you have the time and energy, we recommend walking up to the palace. The sights along the way are simply magical!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Alhambra Entrances
A. Alhambra is situated in Granada, Andalusia.
A. The main entrance of Alhambra is on the eastern side, called the Pavilion Main Entrance.
A. There are two entrances to the Alhambra - the Pavilion Main Entrance and the Justice Gate.
A. The Gate of Justice is the best Alhambra entrance. It accepts skip the line tickets and the queue at this gate is short and moves fast.
A. The average wait time for ticket holders is around one hour during peak hours because of the rush. However, individuals who do not have tickets may need to wait an hour or two to visit the place. During non-peak hours, you can enter in just about 15 to 30 minutes.
A. If you have skip the line tickets, you should use the Gate of Justice entrance.
A. Guests who opt for guided tours usually enter through the Gate of Justice as the lines are short and move faster.
A. If you have already purchased your Alhambra tickets, you should check if there is a QR barcode or not. You can use the Gate of Justice if the ticket has a barcode. If there is no barcode, you can use the Main Pavilion Entrance.
A. If you don't have tickets, you can head to the Main Pavilion Entrance to buy them.
A. If you are traveling with a group and you have your tickets ready, you can enter through the Gate of Justice. If not, you will have to get your tickets from the ticket office and enter through the Pavilion Main Entrance.
A. The main Alhambra entrance is accessible to all visitors. However, visitors who already have a ticket can enter through the Gate of Justice.
A. Alhambra is open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, all days of the week.
A. Visit Alhambra early in the morning on a weekday to avoid waiting in line. Additionally, book your tickets online to enter from the Gate of Justice, which is faster.
