Means of transport recommended in town

Recommendation

The two means of transport most used in Beirut are buses and taxis.
Buses are cheap and can be recognized by their colors: white and red. However, they are not regular and there are few of them. There is no map of their routes and destinations are written on a sign stuck to the rear window of the bus.
Taxis can be recognized by their red number plates and the yellow light on their roof. Drivers understand French better than English but you had better have the address of the place you are going to written down in Arabic before you get in. They do not have meters, so you must negotiate the fare before you get in. There are also shared taxis, called "Services" by the Lebanese, which can take 5 passengers.

Maps of urban networks

Maporama
Mapblast
UT Library on line

Transportation from Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car rental
Beirut - Rafic Hariri Intl (BEY)	8 km / 5 miles	LBP 30 000 - USD 20	USD 1		Available

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

Recommendation

Lebanon is a small country; three hours are enough to cross it from end to end. To get around, there are bus lines, from the bus station in Beirut (Charles Helou stop). The most comfortable bus line is the Adhab. From the Cola traffic circle, you can take a bus to Saida, Chtaura, Masna or Damas.
There are also shared taxis which serve all the cities in the country. To go south, you must take one from the Cola traffic circle. For the northern cities, you must go to the Dora traffic circle.

Rail companies

There are no trains in service in Lebanon.

Airlines

You can consult the list of airlines banned within the EU. Look also the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling by yourself

Recommendation

Roads are globally in good condition. To find gas stations is not a problem. In the event of an accident, it is advised to stay on the spot and to call an expert of the company that insured the vehicle. If the car comes from a foreign country, it is recommended to ask the insurance company for the address of its local correspondent in order to get the contact details of its experts' office.

Road maps

Road map of Lebanon
Lebanon Tourism Office

Find an itinerary

Itineraries in Lebanon

Different forms of tourism

Historical

        - Baalbeck's temples are fascinating. They dominate the Bekaaa. By their huge size they illustrate Roman power.
        - In the capital Beirut modernism and tradition meet. The group of 5 columns, discovered in 1963, is located on the left of the Maronite Cathedral of St George.
        - The port of Sidon (Saida) located 48 km south of Beirut is a notable site as it was already an attractive trading center in Phoenician times.
        - Byblos is among the most ancient cities in the world.

Cultural

There are three international festivals at Byblos, Baalbeck and Beiteddine with famous artists to promote Lebanon in its diversity.

Nature

Lebanon's diversity and topography give it a unique ecosystem. For 10 years, particular attention has been paid to the protection of endangered species and Lebanon has 20 natural reserves. We can also mention the Al Shouf cedar reserve, which has 6 magnificent cedar groves.

Religious

This type of tourism is not developed very much.

Thermal

This type of tourism is not developed very much.

Beach

The country has 225 km of Mediterranean coast. The beaches are sandy or rocky. You can explore the fauna and flora of this coast in the Palm Islands Park. You can also explore ancient Roman remains at Tyr. Diving and other underwater sports are widespread.

Winter sports

Lebanon has 6 ski resorts where you can practise skiing, cross country skiing and showshoes.

Outdoor activities

You can go diving, snorkeling and do other water sports. Lebanon's mountainous relief  is  good for hiking, trekking and mountain bike. Finally, you can go paragliding.

Shopping

Lebanon has many luxury boutiques concentrated in the regions of Achrafieh, Hamra, Kaslik, Verdun and the City Center. A crafts department store is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture at the end of the coast road in Beirut. Beirut has a large carpet market.

Tourism organizations

Ministry of Tourism
Lebanon Tourism Board

Health and safety

Health precautions

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers coming from affected areas. To protect yourself against traveler’s diarrhea, you are advised to avoid  seafood, meats, and fish which are under- or  poorly cooked,  raw  vegetables,  unpeeled fruits and tap water.

For further information on sanitary conditions

WHO web page about Lebanon.

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference

It is %T:%M %A in Beirut (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)

Summer time period

Summer time from March to October