How to Find the Qibla While Traveling, on a Plane or in a Car

Finding the qibla while traveling can be difficult, especially on a plane or in an unfamiliar city. Fortunately, both technology and Islamic law offer real conveniences here.

Prayer and qibla on a plane

On a plane, begin the prayer facing the qibla if possible; as the aircraft changes course, the direction may not hold — according to jurists, facing the qibla at the start is sufficient. If standing is not possible, one may pray seated with gestures (ima) for bowing and prostration; this is a recognised concession for necessity.

In a car or train

It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ prayed voluntary prayers on his mount, continuing in whatever direction it faced; based on this, the qibla condition is waived for voluntary prayers in vehicles. For obligatory prayers, stop the vehicle and face the qibla if possible; if truly impossible, pray seated.

Practical tips

1) Before departure, note your destination city's qibla angle from our site — with the angle, an ordinary compass works even without internet. 2) On arrival, open the map view and pick a landmark (street, building) along the dashed line as a reference. 3) Use the sun: east in the morning, west in the evening. 4) When in doubt, a mosque's mihrab is the most reliable local reference.