Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (BEY)

How to get to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Beirut city centre is approximately 9 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 15-25 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Beirut in approximately 15-25 minutes.

By Train

The rail connection to the airport simply does not exist.

By Bus

The public bus service is limited, and the majority of visitors choose taxi.

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Tips It is strongly recommended to book a taxi in advance (through your hotel or an online service) rather than negotiate outside the terminal, where taxi drivers often ask for double fares to foreign visitors.

Average travel time to BEY

TrainNot available

Shuttle busLimited service

Taxi / Private hire15-25 minutes (18-22 USD official rate)

Parking near Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

A multi-level parking garage is located adjacent to the terminal.

Rates follow the standard pricing for the region.

How to get to Beirut from BEY

By Train

Train service is not available to reach this airport.

By Bus

Public bus connections are limited, which is why many opt for a taxi.

By Taxi

Official daytime rates (6:00 am–10:00 pm) start at 18 USD, increasing to 22 USD at night; rides to central Beirut typically cost 15–25 USD. Booking in advance avoids the inflated fares often quoted outside the terminal.

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Car rental at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching Baalbek, Byblos, and the Jeita Caves.

Required documents: driver's license, passport, credit card, and typically the International Driving Permit.

Hotels near Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Rafic Hariri Airport is just 15-20 minutes by taxi from downtown Beirut, with no regular train or urban bus service: taxis authorized with the airport's logo charge a fixed fare of about 25 dollars to the center. For stays longer than one night downtown or the Corniche are almost always the better choice, with Solidere's rebuilt Beirut Central District and the Ain el-Mreisseh seafront just minutes apart. Verdun, the shopping-mall district to the southwest, is the middle ground between the city and the airport, while anyone with a short layover or looking for a private beach can stay directly in Jnah, 10 minutes from the terminal.

City centre

Beirut Central District

About 15 minutes and 8-9 km by taxi from the airport, with no regular public-transport alternative.

Best for: Travelers who want Solidere's rebuilt downtown, the Beirut Souks and the historic center within walking distance.

Pros

Beirut Souks and the Al-Abed Clock Tower reachable on foot in a few minutes
Rebuilt, pedestrian-friendly area, among the safest and best kept in the city at night

Cons

Higher prices than Verdun or the outskirts
An area mostly of offices and luxury shops, with less neighborhood life than Mar Mikhael or Gemmayze

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Ain el-Mreisseh Corniche

About 8 minutes by taxi from the airport; the historic center and the Beirut Souks are a 10-15 minute walk along the Corniche.

Best for: Travelers who want the Corniche's seaside promenade right under the hotel, a few minutes' walk from downtown.

Pros

Direct access to the Corniche, Beirut's seaside promenade
Zaitunay Bay and downtown reachable on foot in a few minutes

Cons

One of the highest price brackets in the city
No beach here: the Corniche is a promenade, not a lido

Recommended hotels

InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut by IHG On the Corniche, a one-minute walk from the seafront and a few steps from Zaitunay Bay; one of the city's historic hotels, with Mediterranean views from the sea-facing rooms. View availability

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Neighbourhood

Verdun

About 10 minutes by taxi from the airport; the historic center is another 10-15 minutes beyond.

Best for: Travelers looking for ABC Mall Verdun shopping and a middle ground between downtown and the airport.

Pros

ABC Mall Verdun and the shopping district reachable on foot
Shorter transfer from the airport than to the historic center

Cons

Less evening life than downtown or Mar Mikhael
A taxi is still needed to reach the sea and the Corniche

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Jnah, near the airport

About 10 minutes and 6 km from the airport, along the coastal road that passes by the Camille Chamoun Stadium.

Best for: Short layovers or travelers who want a private beach without straying too far from the terminal.

Pros

The shortest transfer from the airport of any area in the city
A private beach and the property's pools, with no need to go anywhere

Cons

Reaching downtown and the Ain el-Mreisseh Corniche takes another 10-15 minutes by taxi
A residential area with little to do on foot outside the hotel

Recommended hotels

Kempinski Summerland Hotel & Resort Beirut In Jnah, right on the sea and about 10 minutes from the terminal; a resort with several pools and a private beach, built for guests who want to stay put. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Lebanon's only international hub, offering connections to Europe, the Persian Gulf and Africa.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Lebanese delicacies, handicrafts and international brands.

Lounges & relaxation

Business-class lounges are available to eligible passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

A Wi-Fi service is available in the terminal's common areas.

Families & Children

The terminal reserves basic-level assistance for families with children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as the country's sole international hub.

For international flights, allow 3 hours buffer before departure.

Map of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is it worth booking a taxi in advance in Beirut?

Yes, it's strongly recommended: taxi drivers outside the terminal often charge foreign visitors double the official fares (18-22 USD).

Q. Does an Israeli stamp in your passport prevent entry into Lebanon?

Yes, any Israeli visa or stamp results in entry being refused: check your passport carefully before travelling.

Q. Is it safe to visit Beirut?

The situation can change quickly depending on the regional context: always check your country's updated travel advisories immediately before departure.