Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
Beirut, Lebanon · Since 1954
Last updated:
About BEY
Rafic Hariri International Airport is the only operational commercial airport in Lebanon, located 9 km south of central Beirut. Named after the assassinated former Prime Minister, the airport serves as the gateway to Lebanon and has been extensively rebuilt after the civil war. The single terminal features four concourses handling domestic, regional, and international flights.
Hub For
Middle East Airlines (MEA)
Terminals
Main Terminal
Single terminal with four concourses (A, B, C, D) handling all flights. The terminal was rebuilt in the 1990s-2000s with modern facilities. Concourse A handles MEA flights, while other concourses serve international carriers. Extensive duty-free shopping including Lebanese goods.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at BEY
Middle East Airlines
Main Terminal Hub
Aegean Airlines
Air Algerie
Air Arabia
Air Cote DIvoire
Air France
Main Terminal
AJet
Condor
Showing 8 of 34 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxis, Uber/Bolt, LCC buses, rental cars
Taxi
$15-25
15-30 min to city center
Public Transport
$1-2
30-45 min to city center
Parking at BEY
Multi-level car park adjacent to the terminal with reasonable rates....
Multi-Level Car Park
Open Air Parking
VIP Parking
Airport Lounges
First Class Lounge
Main Terminal
Exclusive first class lounge with à la carte Lebanese dining, champagne, spa treatments, and private rest suites.
Cedar Lounge
Main Terminal
MEA's flagship lounge with Lebanese cuisine including mezze, grilled meats, and Lebanese wine. Shower suites, sleeping area, and stunning views. One of the best airline lounges in the Middle East.
Premium Lounge
Main Terminal
Independent lounge open to all travelers. Lebanese snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi in a comfortable setting.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Golden Tulip Galleria Hotel
Bir Hassan, 5 minutes from airport
Modern hotel near the airport with restaurant, gym, and day rooms. Convenient for transit passengers.
Le Royal Hotels & Resorts
Dbayeh, 25 minutes from airport
Luxury resort overlooking the Mediterranean. Pool, spa, casino, and multiple restaurants. Ideal for longer layovers.
Food & Dining
Dunkin' Donuts
Fast Food/Café
Main Terminal (Airside)
Standard Dunkin' fare with Lebanese coffee specialties added. Open 24 hours for late-night arrivals.
24 hours
Le Mezzé
Lebanese
Main Terminal (Airside)
Authentic Lebanese restaurant serving hummus, fattoush, shawarma, grilled halloumi, and kebabs. Excellent quality reflecting Lebanon's famous culinary tradition.
24 hours
Wooden Bakery
Bakery/Lebanese
Main Terminal (Landside)
Popular Lebanese bakery chain with manakish (Lebanese flatbread with za'atar), pastries, sandwiches, and fresh juices. A taste of Lebanon before you leave.
5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Car Rental
Avis Lebanon
Terminal, Arrivals Hall
Good fleet selection. Driving in Beirut is adventurous - be prepared for assertive drivers and creative parking.
Europcar Lebanon
Terminal, Arrivals Hall
Reliable vehicles. GPS highly recommended as road signs can be inconsistent.
City Car Lebanon
Airport area, pickup available
Local company with competitive rates. Good for exploring beyond Beirut to Byblos, Baalbek, and the Cedars.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Beirut National Museum
Outstanding archaeological museum spanning 5,000 years of Lebanese history from prehistoric to Ottoman times. Remarkable Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman mosaics. 15 minutes from the airport.
Pigeon Rocks & Corniche Walk
Stroll along Beirut's famous seafront Corniche to see the iconic Pigeon Rocks natural arch formations. Stop at a café for Lebanese coffee and watch the sunset.
Downtown Beirut & Souks
Explore the rebuilt Downtown area with its mix of Ottoman, French Mandate, and modern architecture. The Beirut Souks offer luxury shopping, and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is stunning.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (2 hours)
- Speed Rating: ●●●○○
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type D, Type G
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $5-8 per bag per day
- Showers: $10 (in Cedar Lounge)
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP), US Dollar widely used
- Exchange: Multiple exchange offices in arrivals and departures
- Hours: 24 hours
- Tipping: Tipping is customary. 10-15% at restaurants, tip porters and taxi drivers.
US Dollars are the de facto currency. Many services quote prices in USD. ATMs dispense both LBP and USD.
Smoking Areas
Outdoor areas. Smoking culture is prevalent but increasingly restricted indoors.
Insider Tips
MEA is the national carrier and dominates the route network. The airport is close to the city center. Always agree on taxi fare before departing as meters are rarely used. Both USD and Lebanese Pounds are used - most airport services accept USD.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants, prayer rooms, VIP lounges, pharmacy, medical services
Official Website
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how BEY compares to other major airports in the region.
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport
Beirut, Lebanon
Larnaca International Airport
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Ben Gurion Airport
Tel Aviv, Israel
Queen Alia International Airport
Amman, Jordan