Alhambra Entrances
Which Gate Should You Use?
The Alhambra has two main ticketed entrances: the Access Pavilion (main entrance near the car park, best for visitors arriving by car or needing accessibility services) and the Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia, best for visitors with online tickets arriving by bus or on foot). If you have pre-booked tickets online, use the Gate of Justice for faster entry. The queue here is typically 10–15 minutes versus up to an hour at the Access Pavilion.
Choosing the right entrance to the Alhambra is more important than it might seem. The two main entry points serve different types of visitor, and arriving at the wrong gate — particularly if you have pre-booked tickets and show up at the ticket counter queue — can cost you 30–60 minutes of valuable visit time.
This guide explains each entrance in detail, tells you exactly which one to use based on your ticket type and how you’re arriving, and covers accessibility information. For directions on how to reach the Alhambra by bus, taxi, car, or foot, see our how to get to the Alhambra guide.
Alhambra Top Tickets
Overview: Alhambra’s Two Main Entrances
| Entrance | Best For | Ticket Counter? | Arriving By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access Pavilion (Main Entrance) | Walk-ups, car visitors, wheelchair users | Yes | Car, C35 bus |
| Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia) | Pre-booked online tickets | No | C30, C32 bus, walking, taxi |
The Access Pavilion — Main Entrance
The Access Pavilion (also called the Entrance Pavilion) is the Alhambra’s main entrance, located on the east side of the complex near the Generalife Gardens and the Parkia car park. It has on-site ticket collection counters, Left Luggage storage, wheelchair rentals, and accessibility services. Queue times here can reach 30–60 minutes during peak season. Visitors with pre-booked tickets can use the fast-track lane.
The Access Pavilion is the larger and more comprehensively equipped of the two entrances. It serves as the main visitor services hub, with the following facilities:
- Ticket collection counters — for last-minute ticket purchases or collecting pre-booked tickets. Queue times: 30–60 minutes in peak season.
- Fast-track lane for online bookings — if you have pre-booked online, use the dedicated fast-track lane to bypass the ticket counter queue entirely.
- Left Luggage Office (consigna) — bags larger than 40×40 cm must be stored here. Free of charge.
- Wheelchair rentals — free of charge on request, subject to availability.
- Tourist information point — maps, accessibility information, and general visitor assistance.
- Nearby parking — the Parkia Alhambra car park is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from this entrance.
The Access Pavilion is the correct entrance for visitors arriving by car, visitors who need accessibility services, and the C35 bus stop (Paseo de la Sabica 38) drops off within 2 minutes’ walk of this entrance.
The Gate of Justice — Puerta de la Justicia
The Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia) is a 14th-century Nasrid gateway on the south side of the Alhambra, also known as the Gate of the Esplanade. It is the fastest entry point for visitors with pre-booked online tickets — queue times are typically just 10–15 minutes for security screening. The C30 and C32 buses stop directly beside it. No ticket purchase is possible here. Get directions
Built by Sultan Yusuf I in 1348, the Gate of Justice is not just a functional entrance — it’s one of the most impressive architectural features of the Alhambra itself. Its horseshoe arch is decorated with a carved hand on the outer keystone (symbolising the five pillars of Islam) and a key on the inner keystone (symbolising paradise). Walking through this gate is the most dramatic way to enter the Alhambra complex.
- No ticket counter — this entrance is exclusively for visitors with pre-booked tickets. No same-day purchases are possible here.
- Fastest entry for online ticket holders — typical wait: 10–15 minutes for security screening only.
- Closest to the Nasrid Palaces and Alcazaba — the Gate of Justice is positioned on the western side of the complex, closer to the Alcazaba than the Generalife.
- Bus access — the C30 and C32 buses stop at the ‘Gate of Justice’ stop directly outside this entrance.
- Ideal for walking visitors — those walking up via Cuesta de Gómerez pass through the Alhambra Forest and arrive naturally at this gate.
Which Entrance Should You Use? — Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Use This Entrance |
|---|---|
| Pre-booked tickets online, arriving by bus (C30/C32) | Gate of Justice — fastest entry |
| Pre-booked tickets online, arriving on foot via Cuesta de Gómerez | Gate of Justice — natural arrival point |
| Pre-booked tickets online, arriving by car | Access Pavilion — closer to car park |
| Pre-booked tickets online, arriving by taxi | Gate of Justice — drop-off right outside |
| No tickets yet / buying on arrival | Access Pavilion — ticket counters here |
| Wheelchair user / mobility requirements | Access Pavilion — full accessibility services |
| Night visit ticket | Check your ticket — night visits use specific entrances |
Other Gates & Access Points
Gate of Pomegranates (Puerta de las Granadas)
The Gate of Pomegranates is the grand ceremonial entrance at the foot of the Cuesta de Gómerez, the main walking route from Plaza Nueva. Built under Charles V in the 16th century, it marks the beginning of the Alhambra hill and the entrance to the Alhambra Forest (Bosque de la Alhambra). This gate does not provide ticketed entry to the complex — it is a public area accessed freely by all.
Gate of Wine (Puerta del Vino)
The Gate of Wine is a 14th-century Nasrid gateway located inside the Alhambra complex, between the Alcazaba and the Nasrid Palaces. It is accessible without a ticket and forms part of the free areas of the Alhambra. It is not an entry point for ticketed areas.
Accessibility at Alhambra Entrances
The Access Pavilion is the recommended entrance for visitors with mobility requirements. Free wheelchair rentals are available at the ticket office on request (subject to availability). Approximately 50% of the Alhambra can be explored independently by wheelchair users, rising to 70% with assistance. Ramps and accessible routes are available throughout most of the complex. Free sign language guides are available in English and Spanish.
The Alhambra has made significant accessibility improvements in recent years, though the site’s historic stone paths and multi-level terrain mean full wheelchair access across all areas is not possible:
- ~50% independently accessible — by wheelchair without assistance, via accessible routes.
- ~70% accessible with assistance — staff can provide guidance to additional areas of the Generalife Gardens and parts of the Nasrid Palaces.
- ~10–20% permanently inaccessible — certain sections of the Alcazaba and Nasrid Palaces involve stairs and narrow passages with no accessible alternative.
- Free wheelchair rental — available at the Access Pavilion ticket office, subject to availability. Arrive early to secure one.
- Free sign language guides — available in English and Spanish. Request in advance through the Patronato de la Alhambra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many entrances does the Alhambra have?
The Alhambra has two main ticketed entrances: the Access Pavilion (main entrance) and the Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia). There are additional free-access gates — including the Gate of Pomegranates and the Gate of Wine — but these do not provide entry to the ticketed areas of the complex.
Can I buy tickets at the Alhambra entrance?
Ticket purchases are only possible at the Access Pavilion (main entrance), where ticket counters operate during opening hours. Since 2020, on-site sales have been extremely limited and primarily serve visitors who have lost their QR code or need to resolve booking issues. General entry tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Do I need to show ID at the entrance?
Yes. A valid photo ID (passport, national ID card, or driving licence) is required at the entrance for all visitors. This is particularly important for discounted child tickets, where the age of the child must be verifiable. Have your ID ready alongside your mobile ticket.
Is the Gate of Justice open for all visitors?
The Gate of Justice is open for visitors with pre-booked online tickets only. It has no ticket purchase facility. If you do not have a pre-booked ticket, you must use the Access Pavilion (main entrance) where ticket counters are located.
Can I leave large bags at the entrance?
Yes — the Left Luggage Office (consigna) is located at the Access Pavilion. Bags larger than 40×40 cm are not permitted inside the Alhambra and must be stored here before entering. Storage is free of charge. Small backpacks (under 40×40 cm) are permitted inside but must be worn on the front.
Which entrance is closest to the Nasrid Palaces?
The Gate of Justice is the closest entrance to the Nasrid Palaces and Alcazaba, as it is positioned on the western side of the complex. The Access Pavilion is located on the eastern side, closer to the Generalife Gardens — visitors who enter here walk through the complex to reach the Nasrid Palaces.
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