Transport in Beirut

Transport in Beirut is a daily necessity to everyone living in and outside the capital. The domestic transportation is divided into different categories as described below.

Intracity Transportation

Buses

Beirut has frequent bus connections to other cities in Lebanon and major cities in Syria. Buses for northern destinations and Syria leave from Charles Helou Station. [ [http://www.travel-to-lebanon.com/tourism/transportation-in-lebanon/public-transportation-in-beirut.html Public transportation in Beirut] , Travel-to-Lebanon.com] [ [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/beirut/transport Beirut Transport] , [http://www.lonelyplanet.com Lonely Planet] ]

The Lebanese Commuting Company (LCC) is a privately owned company, and offers one of a handful of inter-city public transport options available in Beirut. [ [http://www.lccworld.com/profile.asp Company Profile] , [http://www.lccworld.com LCC] ] There are 10 LCC bus routes that cover much of the central areas, as well as some suburban areas. Route 1 takes passengers from the airport roundabout, one kilometer from the terminal, to Rue Sadat in Hamra, whereas Route 5 takes to the Charles Helou bus station. [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/lebanon/beirut/transport?a=ga Beirut Transport (Getting Around)] , [http://www.lonelyplanet.com Lonely Planet] ] LCC also offers pre-payed cards. A yellow card is a continually rechargable card, and a red card is an unlimited monthly card.

Government owned buses are managed by le Office des Chemins de Fer et des Transports en Commun (OCFTC), or the "Railway and Public Transportation Authority" in English. [ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCFTC] ] OCFTC operates twelve bus lines throughout Beirut. Its buses number seven and ten also stop at the airport roundabout en route to central Beirut.

Ferries

Apart from the international airport, the Port of Beirut is another port of entry. As a final destination, anyone can also reach Lebanon by ferry from Cyprus or by road from Damascus. [http://www.ikamalebanon.com/info/transportation.htm Transportation & Communication] , [http://www.ikamalebanon.com Ikama] ]

Taxis and Services

Apart from buses, the latter are served by either service or taxis. Yellow taxis also pick passengers from the international airport, however they are extremely expensive and it is better to walk towards the roundabout, one kilometer from the airport, and look for a service.

Service, on the other hand, is a lot cheaper than taxis. However, to avoid misunderstanding, agreement over the pricing needs to be made before setting off.

Port Infrastructure

Airport

The main national airport is the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport and is located in the southern suburbs, or Dahieh as it is called. [http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb/historical.html History] Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport] [ [http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/beirut_expansion/ Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY/OLBA), Beirut, Lebanon] , Airport Technology] [ [http://www.wordtravels.com/Airports/Lebanon/Beirut+International+Airport Lebanon - Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY)] , [http://www.wordtravels.com worldtravels] ] Opened in 1954, the airport was renovated in 1977, and the present runways were rehabilitated between 1982 and 1984.

eaports

The Port of Beirut is the main port in Lebanon located in northern Beirut, and is one of the largest ports on the Eastern Mediterranean. [ [http://www.lebanon.com/tourism/beirut.htm Beirut] , [http://www.lebanon.com Lebanon.com] ]

Endnotes

References