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Currency: Lebanon Pound
Time: 16:24:59
Language: Arabic
Lebanon is a very special country where the two splendid cultures of Mediterranean and Middle East merge together with a history rooted in ancient times. Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon which is located along the Mediterranean coast on the foots of Lebanon Mountains.
It is a must-see travel destination for a unique experience in a multicultural setting and waits to be discovered! Thanks to the availability of economic and frequently scheduled flights to Beirut, it’s visited by thousands of people every year.
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is one of the most popular destinations that welcome flights from İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Transportation from the airport to the Beirut city centre is relatively complex and has limited options compared to countries in the same region.
Transportation to/from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
Transportation to/from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport can only be done by taxis or rental cars. This airport does not have public transport options such as buses or trains. More information about car rental and taxi services in the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport can be found here.
Public Transport
The public transport options in Beirut and Lebanon, in general, are rather limited. The harsh geographic conditions have limited the investments in the transportation area. The most common way to travel in Beirut is to use buses or minibuses. The buses in the city are operated by Lebanese Commuting Company, a private bus company. There are also buses owned by the state and operated by the Railway and Public Transportation Authority. However, neither the private bus company nor the state-owned bus company has a website. Therefore, the prices and schedules can't be found online.
The other option to travel around Beirut is using taxi services or renting a car. However, taxis might be costly compared to other countries. Most local people prefer commuting by car or using the buses rather than taking a taxi.
Is there a tourist travel card in Lebanon?
There is not a travel card for tourists in Lebanon. Travellers who want to use the buses must purchase a ticket before taking the bus. The ticket for the private bus company and the state-owned bus company is different. For this reason, it is important to have both the tickets to use the public transport in Lebanon. Taxis accept payment in cash, so travellers who plan to take a taxi from the airport to Beirut city centre should have the money to pay for their journey.
Transportation Between Cities in Lebanon
The cities in Lebanon are connected by bus lines that travel to different cities. There are express bus options in Lebanon that operate between Harrisburg and Old Forge Road in Jonestown, and more information about these lines can be found here. One of the most popular types of transport to travel between Lebanese cities is using car-sharing apps. Careem is the most popular car-sharing app that is used across Lebanon. The major cities such as Beirut, Tripoli, Baalbek, Sidon, and Tyre are connected by bus lines. Still, the bus lines operating across Lebanon might not be highly comfortable, and some of these buses are too old. For this reason, renting a car or sharing a car might be a more convenient option, especially on hot summer days.
Where to Stay in Lebanon?
Downtown Beirut is very compact which enables to visit the major highlights of the city on foot. Also, most of the accommodation selections including various hotels, hostels and rental apartments are located in the city center, within easy access. Some of the popular lodging opportunities are concentrated around Hamra Leon and Australia Streets as well as the neighborhoods of Achrafieh, Badaro and Gemmayzeh. If you wish to have our assistance while organizing your time in Beirut, you can book your hotel through Pegasus Airlines.
Top things to do in Lebanon
Beirut offers an unforgettable travel experience with its rich cultural diversity, international cuisine marked by some of the most delicious food and unique historical background. There are many amazing places to discover in Beirut and you can find some of them listed below:
- Go up to Harissa Hill: Harissa Hill is a must-see attraction points in order to get the best view in Beirut. It can be easily accessed by cable car from Beirut city center. Statue of Virgin Mary and the Maronite Cathedral are located right on the hill as famous monuments listed on top of each tourist itinerary.
- Visit National Museum of Beirut: National Museum of Beirut was opened in 1942 and continues to attract many visitors until today. It is home to one of the most prominent archaeological collections of artifacts, which encompasses a period that goes back to Phoenicians as well as the First World. It is an important cultural site that must be visited to in order to develop a better understanding of the local heritage of the region.
- Visit Roman ruins in Baalbek: Located about 85 km away from Beirut, Baalbek is a small city which hosts the most spectacular Roman ruins in the country. There are a number of buses that provide frequent service to the area within 2-3 hours. The Baalbek ruins left from the Roman era are very well preserved up until this day and is worth considering a short trip to the Bekaa Valley.
- See Al-Omari Mosque: Al-Omari Mosque is a magnificent religious structure which dates back to the 12th century. It is also renowned to be one of the oldest mosques in Lebanon, constructed by the initiative of Mamluks. The architectural layout of Al-Omari Mosque also has reflections of the Romanesque style.
- Shop at Burj Hammud Souqs: There are so many authentic places to shop for local goods and products at Downtown Beirut. You can buy handmade souvenirs and organic goods such as spices, soaps or local flavors including hummus, pickled veggies and olive oil from Burj Hammud souks for your loved ones. Lebanese dried fruits and nuts are also commonly sold at the Souk el Tayeb food market. Burj Hammud Neighborhood is particularly popular with shops selling jewelry, clothing, crafts and antiquities.
- Explore the Hamra Neighborhood: Hamra Neighbourhood is a famous tourist destination which is established in the Western Beirut. Also, available with many accommodation opportunities, Hamra region offers a lively atmosphere for visitors. You can do shopping and taste some of the most delicious flavors of Beirut in its restaurants and cafes. Hamra coast is a perfect place to enjoy the warm temperatures breath in the Mediterranean breeze as well.
Do not forget to check our Beirut Travel Guide to have more suggestions.
You shouldn’t forget to read through our Lebanon Travel Guide and explore all the hidden gems of this amazing country.
Below you can find some practical information that will help you organize your journey to Lebanon.
Things to Know Before Visiting Lebanon
One of the questions that comes to mind about Lebanon is probably about the security situation in the country. As much as it is strongly advised to get well informed about the most recent developments in places you’ll visit, it’s important to mention that today’s Beirut is pretty much safe. Also, as a result of the tight security controls there are regular checks applied at various points as well as the airport. Yet, you should always stay vigilant.
Essential Numbers
Here find below some important contacts and information that might be useful throughout your stay in Lebanon.
Country code: +961
Beirut area code: 1
Beirut Airport: +961 1 628 000
Police: 112
Ambulance & Emergency: 140
Fire Department: 175
Tourist Police (Mon-Fri): 1735
Airports in Lebanon
Pegasus Airlines provides many flights to Beirut Airport:
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport is situated 7 km away from Beirut city center. It can be comfortably accessed by private minibus services, taxis and car rental options. Private minibus services provide services on designated timetables from 7.00 am to 8.00pm.
The journey from the airport to the city center to takes approximately 20-25 minutes. The minibuses take off from the second departure area which can be found next to the exit gate of the airport terminal.
Car Rental in Lebanon
You can also rent a car with Pegasus privileges if you want to consider a more comfortable option for city transportation when you arrive in Lebanon for business or leisure.
FAQ
You can follow up with the special seasonal offers and benefit from reduced prices.
Despite its conflictual background, Lebanon keeps impressing the visitors with its rapid development and reconstruction phase. The modernized capital city of Beirut opens its doors to tourists from all over the world with its cosmopolitan culture and liberal way of life. Moreover, due to increasing efforts in infrastructural development, the country continues to replenish its economic sectors.
Lebanon endures very hot summers which makes spring and autumn months the best period to visit the country. The weather is usually pleasant throughout the year. The city of Beirut attracts many tourists both through its sea and winter tourism. Depending on the main purpose of your visit, you can decide the ideal season for the timing of your journey.
Lebanon is considered in the Eastern European Time Zone (UTC/GMT+ 2). Daylight saving time is also observed in the country.
Visa and passport requirements regulated by Lebanese authorities include a passport which is valid for three months starting from the date of arrival to the country as well as an entry visa. However, there are different categories for nationals of different countries. For instance, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council namely Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates plus Jordan are exempted from visa rules.
Some other countries can obtain an entry visa for free upon arrival at the airport including citizens of the EU countries, the USA, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. On the other hand, Turkish citizens who will travel to Lebanon are entitled visa free entry for 90 days within 180 days. As per the Boycott Act, persons with an entry-exit stamp from Israel on their passports are not permitted to enter the country.
