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Blue Mosque Entrances | A journey into its architectural splendor, priority access, visitor tips, & more

Where is Blue Mosque located?

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul is situated in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which is home to several significant historical and cultural landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and more.

It is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including tram and bus services. The mosque's entrances are well-marked, with the main entrance facing the Hippodrome and others accessible from different sides of the courtyard.

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.

How to access the Blue Mosque’s entrances?

  • Tram: Take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet or Cemberlitas tram stations. The mosque is a 4-minute walk from there.
  • Bus: Take bus number 38B, BN1, or 77A and alight at Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet bus stop. The mosque is a short walk from both stops.
  • Train: Take the B1 train to Sirkeci train station. The mosque is a 12-minute walk from there.
  • Metro: Take an M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci station. The mosque is a 12-minute walk from there.

Blue Mosque entrances

The Blue Mosque has three entrances, the main entrance in the north facing the Hippodrome, an entrance on the right or southern side, and a third one on the western side of the mosque opposite Hagia Sophia.

Blue Mosque entrance location and getting there

Main entrance of the Blue Mosque

Main entrance of the Blue Mosque

Where is it? on the north side, facing the Hippodrome.
This is the main entrance to the mosque that is reserved only for worshippers. However, the staff might make exceptions for the disabled.
How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas station. The Blue Mosque entrance is a short walk from there.
Timings: The Blue Mosque is open every day throughout the year.
Average wait time: 30 minutes
Facilities: Free entry, disabled access, designated area for shoes, free wheelchairs, head scarves if needed
Accessibility: Yes

Gate on the south side of the Blue Mosque

Gate on the south side of the Blue Mosque

Where is it? You have to take a right from the main entrance of the mosque and head to the south door to access the place of worship.
This gate is one of the two entrances that tourists and non-worshippers can use to enter the mosque. Please keep in mind that it remains shut for 90 minutes during prayer time. No one except worshippers is allowed inside the mosque during that period.
How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station. The entrance to the Blue Mosque entrance is a short walk from there.
Timings: The Blue Mosque is open every day throughout the year.
Average wait time: almost an hour
Facilities: Free entry, disabled access, designated area for shoes, free wheelchairs, appropriate head scarves if needed
Accessibility: Yes

Gate on the western side of the Blue Mosque

Gate on the western side of the Blue Mosque

Where is it? opposite to the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia is located just across from the Blue Mosque, making the latter easily accessible for visitors. The Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia.
How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station. The Blue Mosque entrance is a short walk from there.
Timings: The Blue Mosque is open every day throughout the year.
Average wait time: anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour
Facilities: Free entry, disabled access, designated area for shoes, free wheelchairs, appropriate head scarves if needed
Accessibility: Yes

Disabled access

The Blue Mosque is committed to providing access to visitors with disabilities. While the historic architecture poses challenges, the courtyard entrances on the south side and the western side facilitate wheelchair access. Elevators are available on the northwest side, near the Hippodrome and Obelisks, aiding those with mobility concerns.

The mosque's staff is accommodating, offering assistance when needed. Though navigating the entire mosque may have limitations, efforts are made to enhance accessibility, allowing disabled visitors to appreciate the cultural and architectural richness of the Blue Mosque.

Queue at Blue Mosque entrance

The Blue Mosque has three entrances, out of which the main entrance by the Hippodrome is reserved for worshippers. Visitors must use the entrance on the southern side of the mosque or the Hagia Sophia entrance on the opposite side to access the attraction. You can follow the signs to reach the south door. All entrances have wheelchair access for those with reduced mobility.

Frequently asked questions about Blue Mosque entrances

How many entrances does the Blue Mosque have?

The Blue Mosque has three entrances, including the main entrance facing the Hippodrome and entrances on the west and south sides.

What is the main entrance to the Blue Mosque?

The main entrance to the Blue Mosque faces the Hippodrome on the north side.

Is there a separate entrance for Blue Mosque ticket holders?

The Blue Mosque does not require an entrance fee, therefore, there isn't a separate entrance for ticket holders.

Where is the main entrance located?

The main entrance is located on the north side, facing the Hippodrome. It is reserved for worshippers only.

Where is the southern entrance located?

You must follow the signs, take a right from the main entrance of the mosque, and head to the south door to access the Blue Mosque.

Where is the entrance on the western side of the Blue Mosque located?

The western entrance is located opposite Hagia Sophia and is just a 2-minute walk from the church-turned-mosque.

Which entrance at Blue Mosque usually has the shortest wait time?

Wait times at the Blue Mosque can vary depending on the season and the hour of the day, but the entrance on the south side often has shorter queues.

Which Blue Mosque entrance do skip-the-line ticket holders use?

Entry to the Blue Mosque is free. You do not have to buy tickets. If you’re a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

Which Blue Mosque entrance should visitors with disabilities use?

Visitors with disabilities may use any entrance, including the main entrance and the mosque administration is often accommodating to ensure a smooth entry.

Which Blue Mosque entrance to use if I don’t have entry tickets?

The Blue Mosque offers free entry to all visitors. If you’re a worshipper, you can use the main entrance on the north side facing the Hippodrome. If you’re a non-worshipper, you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

Which entrance to use if I am traveling to Blue Mosque as a group?

If you’re a group of worshippers traveling to the Blue Mosque, you can use the main entrance. If you are a group of non-worshippers, then you can use the entrance on the south side of the mosque or the one opposite Hagia Sophia.

What is the average wait time at the main entrance of the Blue Mosque?

It can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour to enter the mosque. Note that the mosque is closed to non-worshippers for around 90 minutes during prayer hours in the day.

What is the average wait time at the entrance on the southern side of the Blue Mosque?

The average wait time at the entrance on the southern side of the Blue Mosque can be anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour.

What is the average wait time at the Blue Mosque entrance opposite Hagia Sophia?

The average wait time at the Blue Mosque entrance opposite Hagia Sophia is usually 30 minutes to an hour.

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