Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

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.

Beirut Central District

City centre · 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 in this area

Hilton Beirut Downtown: On Mir Majid Arslan Street, a few minutes' walk from the Beirut Souks and the Clock Tower; the rooftop infinity pool is one of the most mentioned features in reviews.
Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel: On Avenue de l'Indépendance, in the capital's financial district; a heated indoor pool and French style across the 75 rooms, with breakfast among the most praised features.

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Ain el-Mreisseh Corniche

Neighbourhood · 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 in this area

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.

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Verdun

Neighbourhood · 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 in this area

Four Points By Sheraton Le Verdun: A few steps from the ABC Mall Verdun, with sea views from three restaurants and an outdoor pool; about 10 minutes from the airport.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun: In the Dunes Shopping Center, across from the ABC Mall Verdun; an indoor pool, sauna and bowling alley are among the most mentioned amenities in reviews.

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Jnah, near the airport

Airport area · 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 in this area

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.

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