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Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport (BEY) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport (BEY) in Beirut, Lebanon. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

Top Lounges

Airports/BEY/Guide

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at BEY

Official website

Lounges at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport

5 lounges · 4 terminals

5 lounges found

Ahlein Comfy Lounge

Ahlein Comfy Lounge

Terminal Beirut - Rafic Hariri (BEY), After passport control, upper floor, right of Qatar Airways Lounge
Priority Pass
MEA Beirut Lounge

MEA Beirut Lounge

Terminal Beirut - Rafic Hariri (BEY), After immigration, upper floor
Priority Pass
Ahlein Premium Lounge

Ahlein Premium Lounge

Terminal Beirut - Rafic Hariri (BEY), After immigration, upper floor
Priority Pass
Middle East Airlines Cedar Lounge

Middle East Airlines Cedar Lounge

Terminal Beirut - Rafic Hariri (BEY)
Priority Pass
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge

Qatar Airways Premium Lounge

Terminal Beirut - Rafic Hariri (BEY), After passport control
All lounges at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport

Food & Drink

6 dining options

Cafes

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Airport Coffee

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Airport Coffee

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Airside Cafe

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Costa Airport

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Costa Airport

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Starbucks Airport

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Terminal Cafe

Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport Terminal Cafe

Dunkin’ Donuts

cafe
All cafes

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

Beirut: Small, crowded, aging infrastructure. Economic crisis has impacted services.

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport

4h: With 4 hours at BEY, stay close to the airport. After immigration (if you choose to exit), factor at least 60–90 minutes each way for formalities and traffic, so a landside dash into the city is risky. Instead, relax at airport lounges, grab a Lebanese coffee and manousheh from airport cafés, and enjoy runway views. If you have lounge access, use the time to shower, eat, and rest. Keep an eye on boarding times, as gates can change and security queues may be slow.
8h: With about 8 hours, you can get a quick taste of Beirut. After clearing immigration, take a taxi or ride-hailing service (30–45 minutes to central Beirut, longer in rush hour). Head to Downtown Beirut to stroll around Nejmeh Square and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, then walk to the nearby Beirut Souks for a coffee and light shopping. If time allows, continue to the Corniche for a seaside walk and views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a leisurely mezze lunch in Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael, then return to the airport at least 3 hours before your next flight to account for traffic and security.
24h: With 24 hours, you can experience several sides of Beirut. After checking into a hotel in Downtown, Hamra, or Achrafieh, start with a walk around Downtown Beirut: visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, St. George Maronite Cathedral, and Nejmeh Square. Explore the National Museum of Beirut to understand the country’s history and archaeology. In the afternoon, head to the Corniche and Pigeon Rocks in Raouché for sunset views. In the evening, dine in Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael, known for their restaurants and nightlife. The next morning, enjoy a traditional Lebanese breakfast in Hamra and browse its bookstores and cafés before heading back to BEY at least 3 hours before departure, allowing extra time for traffic and security checks.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours at BEY, stay close to the airport. After immigration (if you choose to exit), factor at least 60–90 minutes each way for formalities and traffic, so a landside dash into the city is risky. Instead, relax at airport lounges, grab a Lebanese coffee and manousheh from airport cafés, and enjoy runway views. If you have lounge access, use the time to shower, eat, and rest. Keep an eye on boarding times, as gates can change and security queues may be slow.

8-Hour Layover

With about 8 hours, you can get a quick taste of Beirut. After clearing immigration, take a taxi or ride-hailing service (30–45 minutes to central Beirut, longer in rush hour). Head to Downtown Beirut to stroll around Nejmeh Square and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, then walk to the nearby Beirut Souks for a coffee and light shopping. If time allows, continue to the Corniche for a seaside walk and views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a leisurely mezze lunch in Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael, then return to the airport at least 3 hours before your next flight to account for traffic and security.

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can experience several sides of Beirut. After checking into a hotel in Downtown, Hamra, or Achrafieh, start with a walk around Downtown Beirut: visit the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, St. George Maronite Cathedral, and Nejmeh Square. Explore the National Museum of Beirut to understand the country’s history and archaeology. In the afternoon, head to the Corniche and Pigeon Rocks in Raouché for sunset views. In the evening, dine in Gemmayzeh or Mar Mikhael, known for their restaurants and nightlife. The next morning, enjoy a traditional Lebanese breakfast in Hamra and browse its bookstores and cafés before heading back to BEY at least 3 hours before departure, allowing extra time for traffic and security checks.

Full layover guide for Beirut

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Allow extra time for airport security and city traffic, especially during peak hours. Always confirm taxi fares in advance or insist on using the meter. Carry some cash in Lebanese pounds, as smaller shops and drivers may not accept cards. Street names and numbers are not always used; destinations are often given by landmarks or neighborhood names. At night, stick to licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Check current safety and entry requirements before traveling, as conditions can change.
from_airport: Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is about 8–10 km from central Beirut. There is no formal public bus terminal inside the airport, so most travelers use taxis or ride-hailing apps. Official airport taxis are available outside arrivals; agree on the fare before departing or ensure the meter is used. Many hotels can arrange private transfers. Travel time to Downtown, Hamra, or Achrafieh is typically 20–40 minutes, but can be longer during rush hours or security checks.
public_transit: Beirut does not have a metro system. Public transport consists mainly of shared taxis (service cars) and minibuses that run along main roads such as the airport road, Corniche, and Hamra. These are inexpensive but can be confusing for visitors due to a lack of clear routes and timetables. Most visitors rely on regular taxis or ride-hailing services to move between neighborhoods like Downtown, Hamra, Gemmayzeh, and Mar Mikhael.
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Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

Gemmayzeh (Gouraud Street)

Packed with Lebanese and international restaurants, cafés, and bars, ideal for mezze dinners and late-night drinks.

Mar Mikhael

Trendy area with creative bistros, street food, and cocktail bars, offering both traditional and modern takes on Lebanese cuisine.

Hamra

Lively neighborhood with a mix of casual eateries, bakeries, and cafés, popular with students and locals for affordable meals.

Downtown Beirut

Around Beirut Souks and Nejmeh Square you’ll find upscale restaurants, cafés, and dessert spots with outdoor seating.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Em Sherif

Upscale Lebanese restaurant offering an elaborate set menu of traditional dishes in an elegant, ornate setting.

Em Sherif Café

More casual offshoot of Em Sherif, serving Lebanese classics, mezze, and desserts in a relaxed café-style atmosphere.

Tawlet Mar Mikhael

Farm-to-table Lebanese restaurant with a changing home-style buffet, highlighting regional recipes and local producers.

Le Chef

Simple, long-standing eatery in Gemmayzeh known for hearty, affordable Lebanese home cooking and a friendly atmosphere.

Abu Hassan

Popular spot for traditional Lebanese breakfast items like foul, hummus, and fatteh, often busy with locals in the morning.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Yes, Beirut Rafic Hariri Airport offers shower facilities for travelers. These are typically available in airport lounges and some terminals. A refreshing shower can help reset your body clock after a long flight.

Flying through BEY?

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Beirut City Guide

Explore flights, hotels, attractions, and layover tips for Beirut.

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BEY Airport (BEY) Guide — Lounges, Food, Sleep… | Aerobase