Book Flights to Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut is one of the most historically layered, culturally vibrant, and endlessly fascinating cities of the Middle East — the "Paris of the East," a Mediterranean port city where Phoenician ruins, Roman temples, Ottoman architecture, and French Mandate buildings coexist in a city that has been continuously destroyed and rebuilt throughout its 5,000-year history. Lebanon's extraordinary cuisine, legendary nightlife, and proximity to world-class archaeological sites (Byblos, Baalbek, the Qadisha Valley) make Beirut a destination unlike any other in the region.
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is served by Middle East Airlines with a nonstop from New York, and by Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa, and others with European and Middle Eastern connections. FareOptic compares all fares to find you the best price to Beirut. Always check current US State Department travel advisories before booking.
Cheap Flight Deals to Beirut
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Recommended for your next trip
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
Why Visit Beirut, Lebanon?
Beirut is a city of extraordinary resilience and character — a Mediterranean metropolis with 5,000 years of history, world-class cuisine, a legendary social scene, and access to some of the Middle East's greatest archaeological treasures, all within a short drive of the city.
Downtown Beirut (Solidere)
Rebuilt Historic City CentreBeirut's downtown — rebuilt through the Solidere urban development project after the 1975–1990 civil war — is a striking blend of restored Ottoman and French Mandate-era buildings alongside modern architecture, centered on Place de l'Etoile (Nejmeh Square). The Roman Baths ruins visible through glass panels in the pavement, the restored Nejmeh Square clock tower, and the Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque are highlights of a district that symbolizes Beirut's remarkable resilience.
Key Landmark
The Roman Bath ruins beneath the downtown streets — 2,000-year-old ruins visible through glass panels in the paved plaza
National Museum of Beirut
Lebanon's Premier Archaeological CollectionThe National Museum of Beirut houses one of the finest archaeological collections in the Middle East — spanning Phoenician sarcophagi, Roman mosaics, Bronze Age artifacts, and Crusader-era treasures across three floors. The museum itself has an extraordinary story: during the civil war, curators sealed and buried the most important artifacts in concrete to protect them. The collection was painstakingly restored after 1990.
Must-See
The Phoenician Royal Tomb (7th century BC) and the collection of Phoenician glass — some of the world's oldest glass artifacts
Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael
Beirut's Vibrant Neighborhood CultureGemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael — adjacent neighborhoods east of downtown — represent Beirut's most celebrated cultural and social life: a dense patchwork of century-old buildings converted into art galleries, boutique restaurants, craft cocktail bars, vinyl record shops, and the city's most creative independent businesses. The social and culinary scene here is among the most vibrant in the Arab world.
Best Experience
An evening walk from Gemmayzeh through Mar Mikhael — galleries, street art, local restaurants, and rooftop bars
Jeita Grotto
One of the World's Greatest Natural WondersJeita Grotto — 21 km north of Beirut — is Lebanon's most spectacular natural site: a system of two limestone caves extending 9 km into the mountains, with the lower cave navigable by boat through an ethereal underground river. A 2012 finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Jeita's stalactite formations and underground lakes are genuinely extraordinary. Access requires a cable car from the lower entrance.
Practical Note
Cameras are prohibited inside the cave — purely to protect the visitor experience rather than the environment
Byblos (Jbeil)
One of the World's Oldest Continuously Inhabited CitiesByblos (Jbeil in Arabic) — 37 km north of Beirut — is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with archaeological layers reaching back 7,000 years. The site contains Phoenician, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader remains in layers. The Crusader Castle, Phoenician Royal Tombs, and Roman amphitheatre are highlights. The modern Byblos souk (market) and Old Port are delightful for an afternoon.
Day Trip Info
Day trip from Beirut by service taxi or organized tour — plan 4–5 hours including the archaeological site and old port
Beirut Food Scene
One of the World's Great Culinary CitiesBeirut has one of the world's greatest and most diverse food cultures — a Lebanese cuisine tradition that has influenced global food culture and includes dishes (hummus, kibbeh, tabbouleh, fattoush, mezze) that are now eaten worldwide. The city's restaurant scene spans traditional Lebanese mezze to ultra-modern gastronomic cuisine, with the neighborhoods of Hamra, Achrafieh, and Mar Mikhael concentrating the best dining.
Must-Eat
A full Lebanese mezze spread — dozens of small dishes from hummus and kibbeh to raw meat dishes — at a traditional Beirut restaurant
How to Find Cheap Flights to Beirut
Check US State Department Travel Advisories Before Booking
Lebanon has experienced significant political and economic instability in recent years, and the US State Department periodically issues travel advisories for Lebanon. Always check the current advisory level at travel.state.gov before booking flights to Beirut. Travel insurance that covers cancellation due to political instability is strongly recommended.
MEA Flies Nonstop from New York JFK
Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates the only nonstop US–Beirut (BEY) flight from New York JFK. This is the most direct option for US East Coast travelers and serves the large Lebanese-American community on the East Coast. Booking this route typically requires going directly to MEA or through OTA platforms.
Route via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) for Best Value
For most US cities without nonstop MEA service, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST) offers the best combination of value, availability, and connectivity. Turkish Airlines' Istanbul hub is one of the world's most efficient transit airports, and the Istanbul–Beirut leg is approximately 2 hours. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares.
US Dollars Are Widely Accepted in Beirut
Lebanon has a de facto dual-currency economy — the US Dollar is widely accepted alongside the Lebanese Pound (LBP). Given Lebanon's recent currency crisis, USD cash is often preferred by local businesses. Bring US Dollars in cash and use ATMs that dispense USD. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants.
Airlines Flying to Beirut (BEY)
Middle East Airlines (MEA)
Lebanon's National CarrierMiddle East Airlines (MEA) is Lebanon's flag carrier and one of the Middle East's oldest airlines, operating the most comprehensive route network to Beirut (BEY). MEA flies nonstop from New York JFK, London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Rome, Brussels, Madrid, Montreal, and many other cities — covering the Lebanese diaspora's primary travel routes.
Key Routes
New York JFK (nonstop), London LHR, Paris CDG, Frankfurt FRA, Rome FCO, Brussels BRU, Montreal, Madrid, and 30+ destinations
Turkish Airlines
Best Connection via IstanbulTurkish Airlines connects Beirut to Istanbul (IST) — one of the world's best-connected airports — with multiple daily flights. From Istanbul, Turkish Airlines operates one of the world's most extensive route networks covering 320+ destinations, making it the most practical option for US travelers via Istanbul hub.
Key Routes
Istanbul IST to BEY — connecting from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Boston, Washington, and 50+ US cities
Emirates
Via Dubai — Premium ConnectionEmirates connects Beirut to Dubai (DXB) with multiple daily flights, offering onward connections to the US from Dubai International — the world's busiest international airport. Emirates' premium product (Business and First class) on the DXB–BEY sector is well-regarded.
Key Routes
Dubai DXB to BEY — connecting to New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Dallas, and San Francisco
Air France
Via Paris CDGAir France operates Paris CDG–Beirut (BEY) service, connecting the large Lebanese community in France with Beirut. For US travelers routing through CDG, Air France offers a well-scheduled connection — Paris to Beirut is approximately 4 hours.
Key Routes
Paris CDG to BEY — connecting from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and more
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt HubLufthansa connects Frankfurt (FRA) to Beirut (BEY) with daily service. Frankfurt is one of Europe's most efficient transit hubs and well-suited for US travelers routing through Germany. Lufthansa's extensive Star Alliance US network makes FRA a practical connection point.
Key Routes
Frankfurt FRA to BEY — connecting from New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, and more
Things to Do in Beirut, Lebanon
Important Information Before You Fly to Beirut
Currency
Lebanese Pound (LBP) — USD widely accepted and often preferred
Language
Arabic (official) — French and English also widely spoken
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Country Code
+961 (Lebanon)
Airport Code
BEY — Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
US Visa
Visa on arrival at BEY (~$17 USD) — verify current requirements before travel
Power Plugs
Type C/D/G — 220V / 50Hz
Travel Advisory
Check US State Dept travel.state.gov before booking — advisories may apply
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Beirut
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Beirut, Lebanon
How do I find cheap flights to Beirut?
Compare Middle East Airlines (MEA), Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air France, and Lufthansa on FareOptic. MEA offers the only nonstop from New York JFK. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul typically offers the best value from most US cities. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares. Always check US State Department travel advisories before booking.
What is the airport for Beirut, Lebanon?
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (IATA: BEY) is Lebanon's only international airport, located approximately 9 km south of Beirut city centre. The airport is named after former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Terminal 1 handles all commercial flights. Taxis to central Beirut take approximately 20–30 minutes.
Which airlines fly from the US to Beirut?
Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates the only nonstop US–Beirut (BEY) flight from New York JFK. Other practical one-stop options include Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Emirates via Dubai, Air France via Paris CDG, Lufthansa via Frankfurt, and KLM via Amsterdam. Most US–Beirut routing requires a single connection in Europe or the Middle East.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Lebanon?
US citizens typically receive a visa on arrival at Beirut Airport for a stay of up to 30 days (extendable). The fee is approximately $17 USD. However, visa policies can change — always verify current entry requirements at the Lebanese Embassy or official Lebanese immigration sources before traveling. Note: Israeli passport stamps or evidence of Israel travel may cause entry complications.
Is Beirut safe to visit?
Safety conditions in Lebanon can change quickly. Always check the US State Department's current travel advisory for Lebanon (travel.state.gov) before booking. During stable periods, Beirut has been a popular destination — particularly for the Lebanese diaspora visiting family. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering evacuation before traveling to Lebanon.
What is the best time to visit Beirut?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit Beirut — mild temperatures (18–25°C / 64–77°F), low humidity, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and day trips. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid in the city but the Lebanese diaspora returns in large numbers. Winter (December–February) brings snow to the mountains — Lebanon is one of the few countries where you can ski and swim on the same day.
What currency is used in Beirut?
Lebanon officially uses the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but due to Lebanon's severe currency crisis since 2019, the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred. Many businesses price in USD. The official exchange rate and the market rate differ significantly — use physical USD cash or ATMs dispensing USD for the best practical exchange. Always verify current currency conditions before travel.
How do I get from Beirut Airport (BEY) to the city?
Official taxis from Beirut Airport to the city centre cost approximately $20–30 USD and take 20–30 minutes. Use only licensed taxis from the airport taxi stand — negotiate the fare before entering. Ride-hailing apps (InDriver, Allo Taxi) are also available. Public buses are available but are not recommended for first-time visitors with luggage.
24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance
With our 24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance, you will never have to manage travel challenges alone. Our highly trained travel experts are available day and night to support you with any changes, cancellations, or additional services you may require. From updating passenger details to securing special requests, we make the process smooth and stress-free.
Should your plans shift, we will walk you through every step of the cancellation and refund process, ensuring clarity and timely resolutions. In today's unpredictable travel environment, flexibility is essential, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions quickly. Contact us anytime and travel with confidence knowing we will handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your journey.