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How to Get to Tyre

How to Get to Tyre

Tyre Lebanon Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airport Access

Tyre lacks its own airport. All international visitors arriving by air land at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), approximately 90 kilometers north of Tyre.

Airline Connections

  • Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon's national carrier.
  • Major international airlines serve BEY (The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Emirates, etc.).
  • Direct flights from Europe, Middle East, North Africa, parts of Asia.

Flight Planning

Seasonal flight availability and price fluctuations are common. Prices increase during peak summer months (July-August) and around major holidays. Booking flights well in advance ensures lower rates.

Airport Facilities

  • Duty-free shops.
  • Restaurants and cafes.
  • Car rental agencies.

Taxi Service

Licensed airport taxis are regulated. Negotiate fare or pre-book. Approx. $50-$80 USD, 1.5-2 hours.

Shared Taxi 'Service'

Budget-friendly. Taxi to 'Cola' intersection (~$10-15 USD), then 'service' to Tyre (~$5-10 USD).

Private Transfer

Hotels or local tour operators arrange. Fixed price, driver waiting upon arrival. Least stressful option.

Transfer Tip

Shared Taxi Advice

  • From 'Cola' intersection, confirm 'service' to Tyre.
  • Option is slower as taxi waits for travelers.
  • May make multiple stops along the way.
  • A Rental car can be picked up at Beirut airport for more flexibility.

AirHelp for Delays

  • For delayed/canceled flights, AirHelp assists with compensation claims.
  • Passengers claim as much AS €600 compensation.
  • Claim service has 15-16.6% commission, 45-day cookie.
  • Check eligibility for compensation.

Land Travel Notes

Border Crossings

Border with Israel closed to tourists. Entry to Lebanon generally denied with Israeli stamps.

Train Travel

No functioning passenger train network in Lebanon.

Self-Driving

International Driving Permit (IDP) required with national license. Driving in Lebanon can be challenging.

Land Transportation

Intercity Buses & Shared Taxis

Long-distance bus options and companies are important for intercity travel. Buses and shared taxis ('service') depart frequently from Beirut's 'Cola' intersection to Tyre.

Travel Options

  • Frequent buses and shared taxis from Beirut's 'Cola' intersection.
  • Shared taxis ('service') often faster than buses.
  • Frequent shared taxis and minibuses from Sidon to Tyre.

Self-Driving

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed alongside your national license. Driving in Lebanon can be demanding due to aggressive the way locals drive and varying road quality. Parking in Tyre's Old City is often difficult.

Driving Tips

  • IDP is mandatory for car rentals.
  • Main arteries are fair, secondary roads less maintained.
  • Aggressive local driving, disregard for speed limits.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main highways connecting major metropolises are generally in fair to good condition, but potholes and uneven surfaces might be encountered. Secondary roads are less maintained. Drivers disregard speed limits, and aggressive driving is common.

Safety on Roads

  • Exercise defensive driving if renting a car.
  • Be aware of sudden lane changes and horn usage.
  • Parking in Tyre's Old City can be difficult.

Sea/River Travel

No regular passenger ferry services to Tyre. Cruise ships occasionally dock in Beirut, but Tyre does not serve as a regular cruise port. River transportation is not applicable as Tyre is coastal.

Water Travel Limitations

  • No regular passenger ferries.
  • Tyre is not a regular international cruise port.
  • No major navigable rivers for passenger transport.

Important Border Information

  • Israel Border: Rosh HaNikra/Naqoura crossing is closed for visitors.
  • Israeli Stamps: Entry to Lebanon generally denied if passport has Israeli stamps or visas.
  • Syrian Border: Land travel to Syria not advised for tourists due to security.
  • Focus travel within Lebanon's safe zones.
  • Do not attempt to cross closed borders.
  • Research current travel advisories before planning.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Procedures

Departing from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). Exit fees are typically covered by your airfare. No additional fees should be expected at the airport.

Timing & Amenities

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled international flight departure.
  • Exit fees are usually included in ticket price.
  • Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes available.

Transfer to Airport

Travel time from Tyre to Beirut Airport takes 1.5 to 2 hours, longer during peak traffic. Plan your transportation accordingly to arrive with ample time for check-in and security.

Transportation Reminders

  • Taxi or private transfer from Tyre to BEY.
  • Consider the state of the traffic, especially during peak hours.
  • Allow sufficient time for a relaxed departure.

Departure Checklist

Ensure your passport and travel documents are readily accessible. Confirm your airport transfer time from Tyre to Beirut (1.5-2 hours) to avoid rushing. All required exit fees are typically included in your airline ticket.