Airport location, terminals and transportation
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (Beirut International Airport) is 10 kilometres away from the capital of Lebanon. The airport was named after a Lebanese prime minister who was killed during a terrorist attack. The aerodrome was built in 1954. There are three runways suitable for all kinds of heavy aircrafts. The passenger terminal has been significantly renovated and expanded several times.
The airport is situated near Beirut, but there are no direct bus routes between the places. It’s only possible to catch a passing bus at a bus stop located a kilometre away from the airport. You can take an official airport taxi near the terminal, in front of the exit from the arrivals lounge. The taxis have an airport logo and charge a fixed price for a ride. The prices set by other taxi companies and private drivers are negotiable. Routed taxis depart from the airport as soon as all seats are occupied.
Rental offices, how to find them, where to return car
There are several international companies and local operators such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Europcar, City Car, Dealers offering car rental at BEY airport. All operators’ stalls are concentrated in one area.
The companies provide a great choice of modern vehicles for any purposes to satisfy even the pickiest customers’ needs. Visitors to International Airport can book car rental. Booking makes paperwork faster and lets you quickly get the car model you chose beforehand. The contact info of the agencies can be found on the airport official website (phone numbers, email addresses). You can also rent a car online on any of the company websites. Having booked a vehicle in advance, a customer needs to come to the operator’s stall, once they arrive, and show a printed voucher, an identity card, and a driver’s licence.
There are special lots for rental cars before the terminal, where cars are taken and returned. Europcar provides free transfer from the main terminal bringing a customer to the place where a car can be rented. As for Sixt, one of the company representatives meets a customer at the airport and brings them to the place where they can get a car.
Long-term and short-term parking, hotels nearby
The airport parking lots are connected with the terminal by the underpass which was made to make it easier for passengers to walk with luggage. In total, there are about 2,400 roofed and open-air parking spaces. Hourly and day rates are used here.
The following hotels are about 6 minutes away from the airport: Assaha Hotel, Coral Beach Hotel and Resert. The hotels don’t provide transfer, so you should take a cab. There are also hotels such as Park Tower Suites, Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, Hotel Albergo, Al Bustan Hotel, Crowne Plaza Beirut, Holiday Inn, Hilton Beirut near the airport.