Cheap Flights to Beirut

Beirut overview

Despite its troubled, violent past, the Lebanese capital of Beirut is an eclectic, mesmerising cultural haven. Book a flight to Beirut, and you’ll be swept away by the interwoven tapestry of Middle Eastern and European culture filled with nightlife, cafes, beaches, and delicious cuisine that earned the city the reputation of “The Paris of the Middle East.”

Pigeon Rocks is a majestic natural arch that rises out of the Mediterranean and makes an excellent place to watch the sun set from the comfort of a roadside café.

Each Sunday, the Beirut Hippodrome (officially the Hippodrome Du Parc De Beyrouth) brings together an eclectic crowd of locals to bet on thoroughbreds. Don’t miss the chance to participate in this charmingly old school scene (and bring a passport or ID as you’ll need it to get in).

How long is the flight to Beirut?

Flights to Beirut, Lebanon from the United Kingdom range from about 5h-12h. The length of your flight will depend on factors including your city of departure, as well as the length and number of stopovers you experience. If you’re departing from the north, such as an airport out of northern England or Scotland, your flight time will likely be on the longer end of the range due to distance and the increased likelihood of stopovers. The opposite can be said from those flying out of major airports in the south, especially out of London.

Where can you get direct flights to Beirut from?

You can choose from daily direct flights to Beirut from the London’s Heathrow Airport, with flights serviced by British Airways and MEA. If you’re making your initial departure from any other city, you’ll have at least one stopover along the way. To decrease the number of stopovers you make, be sure to depart from your nearest major airport and book flights serviced by the airlines that regularly fly into Beirut, such as Aegean Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air France. This can help reduce the number of stopovers you make to just one. London, Paris, Athens, and Istanbul are cities in which common stopovers for this route occur.

How do you get from Beirut airport to the city centre?

If you’re destination is Beirut and you’re flying in from the UK, you’ll alight at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is about 7.5 km south of the city centre. To reach Beirut city centre from the airport, you can take a taxi, which will only take a few minutes’ drive and cost about £15-£19. For the same amount of time but less money, opt to order an Uber, which reduce the price to about £5.50-£6.50. If you prefer to do the driving yourself, there are rental agencies on the premises so you can hire a car for your holiday. There are no public transportation options at the airport. Be sure to check with your accommodations to see if they provide shuttle service to and from the airport.

What are some things to do in Beirut?

Beirut is a popular holiday destination due to its rapidly growing urban centres and beautiful beaches overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. While here, visit its Corniche, the city’s promontory stretching from St. George’s Bay to Ramlet al-Bayda, where you can enjoy lux cafés and shops, as well as scenic views of the coast and Mount Lebanon. In the city’s Central District, you can explore Nejmeh Square, the Roman Baths, Martyr’s Square, and so much more. Peruse artworks, sculptures, and manuscripts from several empires and time periods at Robert Mouawad Private Museum.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Beirut?

United Kingdom citizens travelling to Beirut, Lebanon need both a passport with three months of validity remaining from the date of your arrival, as well as a single-entry tourist or family-visit visa.

Beirut climate

Beirut has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate and rarely gets really cold. However, the winter months, December through March, can be quite rainy.

Getting around Beirut

Don’t try to navigate the crazy traffic in a rental car, instead opt for taxis or ‘service’ taxis, which are shared taxis; they aren’t quite as convenient as getting your own but they’re a bit cheaper. Be aware that Lebanese taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging by two to three times the real value of a ride.

Getting from the Airport to the City

There is no public transportation from Beirut–Rafic Hariri international airport (BEY) to the city, so once your flight lands take either an airport-certified taxi or a regular taxi. Bargain for the price.

Beirut airport overview

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is located in Lebanon in the southern suburbs of Beirut, 9km (6 miles)  from the city centre. The airport has one terminal with four floors. The terminal has two wings that branch off from the main building. They are known as the East Wing and the West Wing.

Beirut International Airport is the only airport in Lebanon and the shopping facilities are second to none with a total retail space at the airport of more than 4,500 square metres encompassing five distinct shopping zones.

Middle Eastern Airways is the main carrier offering flights to Beirut International Airport. The airport is also a regional hub for charter carriers Wings of Lebanon and Med Airways. Travellers can fly to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport from London Heathrow, Paris, Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Zurich and Istanbul as well as other cities across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Beirut International Airport is a world-class airport and the perfect entry point for a laid-back holiday on Lebanon’s magnificent beaches or exploring ancient ruins.