A pedestrian emergency exit is a doorway or escape point from a building which is intended primarily for persons inside to exit in case of an emergency. Emergency exits are usually closed and/or alarmed, and are generally inaccessible from outside. In addition to doorways, the bottom of a fire escape can be listed as an emergency exit.

The usual closure or alarm reflects the emergency egress purpose. Ordinary entry from outside is generally unavailable; closures and alarms are usual operating features rather than requirements shared by every emergency exit.

The escape point can be the bottom of a fire escape rather than a conventional doorway. It marks the place where people leave the structure by the emergency route.