Coastal town north of Beirut known for its bay, casino, and the Our Lady of Lebanon statue at Harissa accessible by cable car.

About Jounieh / Harissa

Jounieh is a vibrant coastal city stretched along a crescent-shaped bay north of Beirut, backed by the dramatic Mount Lebanon range that rises steeply to over 2,000 meters. Once a quiet fishing village, Jounieh developed into a major commercial and nightlife center during the Lebanese civil war when it served as a port for East Beirut, and it has retained its energetic character since.

The city\'s waterfront Corniche is lined with restaurants, cafés, and clubs, while the Casino du Liban — one of the Middle East\'s most famous casinos — sits on the cliffs to the north. The Jounieh Souk (old market) offers a more traditional shopping experience. The bay itself is a popular spot for jet skiing, parasailing, and boat trips.

Above Jounieh, the Téléférique (cable car) ascends 550 meters to the hilltop town of Harissa, where the 15-ton bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon (Notre Dame du Liban) stands with outstretched arms above the bay. The panoramic views from Harissa — encompassing the bay, Jounieh, Beirut in the distance, and the Mediterranean — are among the most spectacular in Lebanon. The site is a major Christian pilgrimage destination and includes the Basilica of Our Lady of Lebanon.

Nearby Landmarks

Our Lady of Lebanon (Harissa) Téléférique Casino du Liban Jounieh Bay Jeita Grotto

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 25-45 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $18-25
Time 25-45 min

Arrivals pickup

Step-by-Step Directions

1. From Beirut Airport, take a taxi or Uber north toward Jounieh (30-50 min, USD 30-45).
2. The route follows the airport highway to Beirut, then the coastal highway (Autostrade) north.
3. Exit at Jounieh — the bay and waterfront area are clearly visible below.
4. For Harissa, continue to the Téléférique base station in Jounieh (cable car ride 10 min, USD 8-10).
5. Alternatively, take a taxi up the winding mountain road to Harissa directly (15 min).
6. Public minibuses run from Beirut to Jounieh but are slow and do not serve the airport directly.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 25-45 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $18-25 25-45 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, a taxi from Beirut Airport to Jounieh costs approximately USD 35-50 (negotiate in advance). Uber operates for this route. Jounieh's nightlife scene means the city is active late, with clubs and restaurants open past 2 AM. The Téléférique to Harissa closes at sunset, so plan the cable car visit during daytime.

Luggage Tips

Taxis and Uber vehicles handle luggage for this 25 km coastal route. If visiting Harissa, leave large bags at your hotel — the Téléférique cable car cabins are small. The Jounieh hotel zone along the bay is easily accessible by vehicle. Parking can be challenging in the old souk area.

Accessibility

The Jounieh waterfront is relatively flat and navigable. The Téléférique cable car to Harissa is not wheelchair accessible — the cabins are small with a step entry. The Basilica at Harissa has limited accessibility. Hotels along Jounieh Bay vary in accessibility. The Casino du Liban is accessible. Plan alternative transport to Harissa for wheelchair users (road access available).