How to get to Lebanon

By | May 4, 2022

Overview

Lebanon is a country in Asia according to a2zgov. Lebanon is a kaleidoscope of Mediterranean coastline, rugged mountain peaks and fertile valleys in an area no more than 225 km long and 46 km wide. Once called the Paris of the Middle East, Beirut juts far out into the Mediterranean Sea. High mountains tower behind the city and become visible when the smog subsides. Beaches, theaters and a variety of shops and restaurants invite you to linger on the Corniche. Beirut was badly damaged in the 16-year Lebanese civil war, but thanks to impressive reconstruction it was well on the way to to become a worthwhile travel destination for tourists and business travelers in the Middle East – until the 2006 military attack by Israel during the Lebanon War. Outside of Beirut, in the cities and ruins of Baalbek, Byblos and Tyre, visitors will find several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await the visitor, including Phoenician tombs, Roman temples, Crusader fortresses and Mamluk mosques. In the mountainous hinterland of the Kadisha Valley there are ancient monasteries and churches as well as a chapel carved into the rock.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national airline, offers from Frankfurt/M. and Geneva offer non-stop flights to Beirut. Lufthansa (LH) flies from Frankfurt/M. non-stop to Beirut, with feeder flights from Vienna and Zurich. Swiss (LX) flies from Zurich to Beirut. In cooperation with Egypt Air (MS), Austrian Airlines (OS) connects Vienna with Beirut via Cairo. Chair Airlines (GM) flies non-stop from Zurich to Beirut. Sundair (SR) flies to Beirut from Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf and Hanover.

Flight times

Frankfurt/M. – Beirut: 3 hours 50 minutes (non-stop); Vienna – Beirut: 5 hrs 15 mins (with stopover); Zurich – Beirut: 3 hours 50 minutes (non-stop).

Departure fee

A departure tax of around €93 (L£150,000) for First Class passengers, around €68 (L£110,000) for Business Class passengers and around €37 (L£60,000) for Economy Class -Passengers will be charged.

Arrival by car

Lebanon can be reached by land from Turkey either in a north-south direction along the Syrian coast or via Damascus (Syria). However, entry by land is currently strongly discouraged. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Lebanon. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.

Arrival by train

There is currently no rail service in Lebanon.

Arrival by ship

The largest international ports are Beirut, Tripoli, Jounieh, Tire and Sidon. Beirut in particular is also served by cruise ships.

Cruise ships

The cruise operator Ponant offers trips from European ports with a stopover in Lebanon.

Transportation

Traveling by plane

There are no domestic flights.

Traveling by car/bus

The country’s main connecting roads are the coastal road between the borders with Syria and Israel, a road running inland from the Syrian border via Baalbek to Beirut, and the Syrian border’s eastbound connection to Damascus from Beirut. Traffic signs and signposts are – if available – in Arabic. Traffic lights and speed limits are not always observed by locals. Driving at night is generally not recommended. Tolls: There are no toll roads in Lebanon. Petrol stations: There is currently a shortage of petrol; Gas stations are rationing the sale of gasoline.

Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic

Right

Condition of the roads

The main connecting roads are asphalted, most of the other roads are poorly developed and maintained. Many pass and mountain roads are practically impassable in winter.

Road classification

Expressways connect the country’s main cities, such as Beirut and Tripoli.

Car rental

Rental cars are available in Beirut at the airport and in larger cities. Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have held their driving license for at least 2 years. However, it is advisable to rent a car with a driver.

Taxi

Taxis and shared taxis are available in the cities and are also used for cross-country travel and can be hired on a full-day basis. Official taxis have red number plates and fixed fares. After 10pm there is a surcharge. There are always robberies in shared taxis; Tourists should therefore avoid them.

Bicycle

In Beirut, bicycles can be rented from various bicycle rental companies and bicycle tours around the city are offered. However, there are only cycle paths in the country’s nature reserves; not in town.

Coach

Private company intercity buses are cheap and efficient. Hotels often offer their guests minibus services or similar.

Regulations

Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: There is no fixed value. If you are involved in an accident while under the influence of alcohol, your driver’s license will be revoked. – Seat belts are compulsory. – Telephoning while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system. Speed ​​limits: – urban: 40 km/h; – country roads: 60 km/h; – Expressways: 80 km/h.

Roadside Assistance

Most car rental companies offer roadside assistance. The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; for vehicle damage: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, for illnesses: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. The ADAC partner club in Lebanon is the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) in Jounieh, Tel. +961 9 640 220.

Documentation

In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.

Traveling in the city

Regular buses operate in Beirut; however, the timetables and routes are difficult for travelers to decipher. Taxis are the most common means of transport.

Locally on the way by train

There is currently no rail service in Lebanon.

Traveling by ship

On the coast, ferries operate between the port cities; more information on site.

How to get to Lebanon