Lebanon offers a unique blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant culture. From Roman ruins at Baalbek to the bustling streets of Beirut, cedar forests, and mountain villages, this small country packs incredible diversity. Experience world-class cuisine, historic sites, and warm hospitality in one of the Middle East's most fascinating destinations.
- Public
- Public buses are cheap but unreliable, overcrowded, and have no fixed schedule. Not recommended for tourists. Shared service taxis (service) on fixed routes are the practical local option at $1-2/ride
- Taxi
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, Allo Taxi) work well in Beirut and give transparent pricing. Traditional taxis require price negotiation — always agree before entering
- Rental
- Car rental recommended for reaching mountain villages, Baalbek, and South Lebanon where public transport is limited. Lebanese driving style is aggressive — confidence required
- Walking
- Beirut center, Gemmayze, Mar Mikhael, and Hamra are all walkable but uneven pavements and heavy traffic require care. Most attractions outside Beirut require transport
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Official taxi - $20-25 fixed rate to central Beirut (15-20 minutes)
- Shuttle
- Pre-booked private transfer - $22-30 via Welcome Pickups
- Bus
- Shared taxi - $10-15 per person if sharing
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Public buses exist but are unreliable and not recommended for tourists. Privately operated minibuses (service) run on set routes for around $0.50-1 but require local knowledge.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- White service taxis operate on shared routes for approximately $1-2 per ride. Private taxis (yellow or red plates) negotiate fares - base fare around $5-10 within Beirut, expect to pay more for longer distances. Always agree on price before starting journey.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Intercity buses connect major cities. Companies like OCFTC, Connexion, and LCC operate routes. Beirut to Tripoli costs around $3-5 (1.5 hours), Beirut to Baalbek $5-7 (2 hours). Minibuses (service) also run intercity routes at similar or slightly lower prices.
Flights
No domestic flights - Lebanon is small enough that all destinations are accessible by road within a few hours
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
From centre: 9 km south of Beirut
Options: Official taxi - $20-25 fixed rate to central Beirut (15-20 minutes); Pre-booked private transfer - $22-30 via Welcome Pickups; Shared taxi - $10-15 per person if sharing; Ride-hailing apps - $15-25 depending on destination
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Uber
Most reliable ride-hailing in Beirut with transparent pricing and GPS tracking. Works throughout Greater Beirut and to airport
Bolt
Growing competitor to Uber with competitive pricing. Good coverage in central Beirut and northern suburbs
Allo Taxi
Lebanese ride-hailing app with local drivers. Useful alternative when international apps are busy or surge pricing applies
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download Uber and Bolt before arriving — ride-hailing is the most reliable and transparent way to get around Beirut without price negotiation
For day trips to Baalbek, Byblos, and Tyre use shared minibuses from Cola transport hub (south) or Charles Helou station (north) — $2-5 each way
Agree on price before entering any taxi not ordered through an app — ask locals for approximate fares to avoid tourist overcharging
Lebanon has no passenger train service — all intercity travel is by road. Consider how long you'll spend in traffic during Beirut rush hours (7-9AM, 4-7PM)
Car rental requires IDP plus home country licence; minimum age 21; comprehensive insurance strongly recommended on $15-25/day extra