AIR: The national airline is Middle East Airlines (MEA) (website: www.mea.com.lb), which operates nine direct flights per week from London to Beirut. Further information can be obtained from the Middle East Airlines office in the UK (tel: (020) 7467 8010; reservations). British Mediterranean (a franchise partner of British Airways) operates daily non-stop services from London to Beirut. Air France also operates direct flights to Beirut.
International airports: Beirut International (BEY) (Khaldeh) is 8km (5 miles) south of the city (travel time – 20 minutes). A bus service operates to the city centre (0600-2000) leaving every 30 minutes. Taxis are also available (Allô Taxi, New Taxi or Premier Taxi). Airport facilities include a tourist information desk, duty free shops, post office, restaurants, bars, hotel reservations and bank/bureau de change. Facilities also include a VIP lounge.
Departure Tax: L£100,000 for first class; L£75,000 for business class; and L£50,000 for economy class.
SEA: Main international ports are Beirut, Jounieh, Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre. Cruise ships are available from Jounieh. Cruise lines operating to Lebanon include First European, Fred Olsen and Louis Cruise Lines. The sea connection between the Cypriot port of Larnaca and Jounieh in Lebanon may be closed and travellers considering that route are advised to check with the Ministry of Tourism or the Embassy.
RAIL: There are no passenger services operating at present..
ROAD: Best international routes are via Turkey and Aleppo–Homs and Lattakia in the Syrian Arab Republic along the north–south coastal road, and also the Beirut–Damascus trunk road. Bus services are available from Europe. For details, contact the Ministry of Tourism or the Embassy (see Contact Addresses section).
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