Plan Your Trip — Into Lebanon

Getting to Lebanon

By Air

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is the only commercial airport. Direct flights operate from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo, and many other hubs. Flight time from London is around 5 hours.

By Land

Lebanon shares land borders with Syria. Land crossings are currently not recommended for most travellers — check your government's latest travel advisory. The Masnaa crossing to Damascus was historically the main route.

Visas

Citizens of most Western countries receive a free visa on arrival, valid for one month and extendable. Check the Lebanese General Security website or your nearest Lebanese embassy for the current list of eligible nationalities before travel.

Best Time to Fly

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. Summer is peak season for the coast and nightlife. Winter is ideal for skiing combined with city exploration.

Getting around

Lebanon is a small country — you can drive end to end in under 3 hours. But local transport is informal and requires some knowledge to navigate.

Rental Car

The most flexible option for exploring outside Beirut. Roads are generally good, though Lebanese driving style requires alertness. An international driving licence is recommended. Book in advance in summer.

Private Driver

Hiring a driver for day trips or the full visit is very common and relatively affordable. Your hotel can arrange this. A good driver doubles as a guide — ask for recommendations.

Uber / Careem

Both apps operate in Beirut and are the easiest way to navigate the city. Fares are low by Western standards. Not available outside Beirut.

Shared Taxis (Service)

Lebanon's informal shared taxi network runs on fixed routes between cities. Very cheap, slightly unpredictable. Tell the driver your destination before getting in — they'll confirm if they're going that way.

Sample itineraries

3 Days

The Beirut Essentials

Day 1

Arrive Beirut. Explore Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael. Dinner at a rooftop mezze restaurant.

Day 2

National Museum in the morning. Hamra for lunch. Corniche walk at sunset. Dinner in Achrafieh.

Day 3

Day trip to Byblos — old harbour, Crusader castle, seafood lunch. Return to Beirut for the evening.

7 Days

The Full Lebanon

Days 1–2

Beirut — neighbourhoods, food, nightlife, National Museum.

Day 3

Byblos and Tripoli — ancient harbour, Mamluk souks, knafeh.

Day 4–5

Beqaa Valley — Baalbek in the morning, wine tasting in the afternoon.

Days 6–7

Chouf Mountains and Tyre — cedars, Beiteddine, Roman ruins, beach.

Essential tips

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