Getting around Lebanon
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
4h15 direct
Indicative round-trip price
300-600 EUR A/R
Book
6 weeks ahead, prices are volatile depending on the situation
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Vans et bus entre les villes (Beyrouth, Byblos, Baalbek, Tripoli) tres bon marche mais sans horaires fixes ni confort ; on paie en cash a bord.
Train
No railway network in service: everything is done by road.
Taxi
Taxis 'service' partages a itineraire fixe, tres economiques (quelques dollars) ; courses privees ('taxi') plus cheres, a negocier avant. Applis Bolt et Careem disponibles a Beyrouth.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport (BEY) | Downtown Beirut | Taxi / Bolt | 20-40 min | 10-20 USD |
| Beirut | Byblos (Jbeil) | Van / service | 45 min-1h15 | 2-5 USD |
| Beirut | Baalbek | Van (via Chtaura) | 2h-2h30 | 4-8 USD |
| Beirut | Tripoli | Bus / van | 1h30-2h | 3-6 USD |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
All but non-existent
Car
30-55 EUR / day
National licence + international permit
International permit : Required or strongly recommended
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Taxi without a meter
Few taxis use a meter; some quote an inflated price, especially at the airport.
Tip :Set the price before getting in or take the shared 'service'; otherwise use Bolt/Careem.
Taux de change au paiement
Un chauffeur ou commercant applique un taux LBP-USD desavantageux quand tu paies.
Tip :Pay directly in US dollars cash and agree the amount in USD in advance.
'Service' fare billed privately
Un chauffeur prend d'autres passagers mais te facture le tarif d'une course privee complete.
Tip :State 'service' from the outset and confirm the price per person.
Practical tips
- Always keep USD cash in small denominations: almost nothing is paid by card on transport.
- Rent a car for Baalbek, the Qadisha and the Bekaa, poorly served by shared transport; nervous driving and erratic signage.
- Verifie l'itineraire vers l'aeroport avant de partir : il traverse la banlieue sud, sensible en periode de tension.
Other transport guides
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