Asia > 🇱🇧 Lebanon
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Lebanon can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Lebanon; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Lebanon?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Lebanon?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Lebanon
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Beirut | BEY |
🚘 Car or No Car in Lebanon — Should You Rent One?
Lebanon is a compact country, famous for its Mediterranean coastline, Cedars of God forests, vibrant nightlife, and ancient ruins like Baalbek. Although it’s smaller than Yorkshire, its geography and infrastructure make the question worth asking:
Should you rent a car in Lebanon?
Here’s what to consider:
✅ When Renting a Car Makes Sense
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Flexibility Across Short Distances 🚗
Lebanon is geographically compact. In under three hours, you can drive from Beirut to the cedar forests in the mountains, explore coastal gems like Byblos or Tyre, or reach the Bekaa Valley. A car lets you stop at mountain viewpoints, roadside snack stalls, or historic ruins that feel off-the-map. -
Public Transport Has Its Limits 🚌
Although shared “service” taxis and minibuses connect major cities, they’re informal and often crowded. They don’t always serve rural areas well — especially places like the Qadisha Valley, the Jeita Grotto, or wine estates in the Bekaa. -
Scenic Road Trips Are Part of the Experience 🌄
Driving the coastal highway, climbing up the switchbacks into the Chouf mountains, or cruising across snowy highlands near Faraya can be unforgettable.
❌ When You Might Skip the Car
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Driving Culture & Traffic in Beirut 🚦
Beirut traffic is intense and parking can be tricky. If you’re only staying in Beirut or planning to use private drivers for day trips, a car might be more of a burden. -
Fuel Costs & Economic Instability ⛽
Due to Lebanon’s ongoing economic challenges, fuel availability and prices have become unpredictable. Rental costs may vary widely. -
Security Situations Can Be Fluid 🔍
Border areas near Syria and certain parts of southern Lebanon may not be safe to drive. Check current travel advisories and avoid depending solely on navigation apps.
🚟 What About Public Transport?
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Shared taxis (service cars) run fixed routes between cities cheaply, but they’re informal and not always tourist-friendly.
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No passenger rail system currently.
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Buses and minibuses work in and between cities, but schedules may not be reliable.
✈️ Airport Tip
Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) has several car rental desks. If renting, choose a major provider with solid reviews. Most rentals are manual gearbox — request automatic if required.
🧭 Recommended Strategy
🔹 Rent a car if you’re exploring outside Beirut — especially to reach:
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Baalbek and the Bekaa Valley wine trail 🍷
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Cedars of God near Bsharri 🌲
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Chouf Biosphere Reserve
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Qadisha Valley monasteries 🕍
🔹 Skip the car if you’re spending only 2–3 days in Beirut and joining scheduled tours for longer trips.
🧳 Car or No Car Rating:
🚗🏔️ Mostly Yes — Rent a car if you’re aiming to blend Beirut city life with mountain, wine, and heritage sites across Lebanon.
