Beirut–Rafic Hariri Layover Guide (BEY)

What are you looking for in BEY?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Beirut Airport (BEY) is an international airport located in Khalde, south of Beirut, Lebanon. It’s located about 9 km (5.6 miles) from downtown Beirut. The airport first opened officially in 1954. Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and Mediterranean charm. It’s also famous for its culinary scene, nightlife, and proximity to both beaches and mountains, offering a unique mix of leisure activities.

Can you leave Beirut Airport (BEY) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers boarding a connecting flight at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) may exit the terminal during layovers exceeding four hours, provided they possess a valid Lebanese entry visa or qualify for visa-on-arrival at BEY, offered to eligible nationalities for stays up to one month. Additionally, transit visa holders also. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Pigeon Rocks at Raouché Marvel at the iconic Pigeon Rocks, natural sandstone formations rising from the Mediterranean Sea, set against a stunning skyline backdrop, while enjoying a leisurely stroll along the seaside Corniche promenade. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus Line 16 to Corniche.)
• National Museum of Beirut Explore Lebanon’s National Museum of Beirut, housing an extensive collection of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman artifacts. Wander through curated galleries showcasing ancient sculptures, mosaics, and cultural treasures spanning millennia. (Time required: 1 ½ hours. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus Line 16 to Cola + short walk.)
• Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque Visit the majestic Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, a vibrant blue-domed landmark in downtown Beirut. Admire intricate Ottoman-style architecture, elegant minarets, and serene interior spaces enriched by intricate mosaics and sparkling chandeliers. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus Service 5 to Dora + short taxi.)
• Beirut Souks Stroll through the Beirut Souks, a modern open-air shopping district blending historic souk ruins with contemporary boutiques. Discover luxury brands, artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and lively cafés amidst pedestrian streets. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus Line 6.)
• Zaitunay Bay Relax at Zaitunay Bay, Beirut’s upscale waterfront promenade lined with sleek yachts, restaurants, and lush terraces. Enjoy panoramic sea views, mint lemonade, and vibrant sunset hues over the Mediterranean horizon. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or bus Line 16 to Riviera + short walk.)
• Nicolas Sursock Museum Discover modern and contemporary art at the Nicolas Sursock Museum, housed in a stunning Ottoman-Venetian villa. Browse rotating exhibitions, sculptures, and installations set within lush gardens and elegant period rooms. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus Line 5 to Achrafieh.)
• Hamra Street Explore vibrant Hamra Street, Beirut’s bustling commercial thoroughfare known for eclectic bookshops, chic cafés, street art murals, and lively nightlife. Experience authentic local flavours amid iconic landmarks and historic façades. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or bus Line 6 to Weil.)
• Martyrs’ Square Visit Martyrs’ Square, the symbolic heart of Beirut, framed by historic buildings and pedestrian plazas. Learn about Lebanon’s rich history through informational plaques, monuments, and the nearby underground Roman baths. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or bus Line 14 to Beirut City Center.)

Things to Do in Beirut Airport (BEY)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Beirut Airport features four pay-per-use and membership lounges—LAT, Beirut Lounge, Cedar Lounge and Ahlein Premium—located airside on Levels 1 and 2. All operate 24/7 and offer complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Informal rest spots with padded benches and sparse announcements can be found landside in arrivals. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are no on-site airport hotels. Nearby options include Assaha Hotel, Coral Beach Resort and La Siesta Beach Resort, all offering paid airport transfers. Most international chains such as Hilton Metropolitan and Kempinski Summerland provide shuttle services for a fee. Pre-booking via hotel websites or third-party platforms is recommended for arrivals and departures. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Beirut Airport lacks dedicated rest zones or sleeping rooms. Travellers favour padded benches near landside bathrooms and a quiet, empty corridor by upper-level restrooms. No cots are provided. Seating areas in both East and West wings offer occasional charging points. For privacy and comfort on longer layovers, nearby airport hotels are advised.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (“BRHIA-Free”) is available for 30 minutes per 24 hours throughout the terminal. Additional access can be purchased in the duty-free zone: $5 for 30 minutes or $10 for 75 minutes. Internet kiosks and hotspots are located airside near gates and lounges, with basic speeds suitable for email and messaging.

SIM/eSIM Card: A telecom kiosk in the landside Arrivals hall sells local SIM cards from Alfa and Touch—registration with passport required. Prepaid plans include data, calls and texts; top-ups available at airport convenience stores. International travellers can also arrange eSIM activation online before arrival to ensure immediate connectivity upon landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Certified airport taxis line up at the Arrivals exit, identifiable by the BEY logo. Fares to central Beirut run a regulated rate (around 35,000–50,000 LBP); negotiate in advance if the meter is unavailable. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem also operate from the terminal, offering cashless payments and app-based booking.

Train: There is no rail link to Beirut Airport; Lebanon’s rail network is currently non-operational. Ground transport relies on road options such as buses, taxis and shuttles. (more info)

Bus: Intercity buses stop at the airport roundabout, 1 km from the terminal. LCC Route 1 serves Hamra (Rue Sadat) and Route 5 reaches Charles Helou station. OCFTC buses 7 and 10 also call here. Tickets cost around 10,000 LBP and are purchased onboard. A short walk or taxi ride connects you landside to the stop. (more info)

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels—including Hilton, Kempinski and Assaha—operate paid airport shuttle services. Schedules vary by property and usually require advance reservation. No free public shuttle is provided by the airport authority. Passengers should confirm pickup locations and times with their hotel concierge prior to arrival.

Car rentals: On-site car rental desks for Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt are located landside on Level 1 of the Arrivals hall. Most operate 24 hours. Drivers must present a valid licence, credit card and passport. Cars are collected and returned in the terminal’s car park complex. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Beirut Airport offers a three-level parking garage with 2,350 spaces and an adjacent open-air lot. Short- and long-term parking is available, along with valet service and on-site car wash. A pedestrian tunnel links the garage directly to the main terminal. Rates start from approximately $1 per hour.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There is no official luggage storage or locker service inside Beirut Airport. Travellers seeking left-luggage options must use external solutions such as nearby hotel concierge or private storage services in the city. Porter services are available for handling checked baggage only. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Beirut Airport (BEY) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks