# Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) > Beirut, LB · 9 km (6 mi) south of Beirut city centre Web: https://airport.flights/airport/bey JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/bey.json ## Facts - **IATA**: BEY - **ICAO**: OLBA - **Timezone**: Asia/Beirut - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: .null/yr - **Hub for**: Middle East Airlines - **Official site**: http://www.beirutairport.gov.lb ## Overview ## Welcome Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) stands out for its concentrated setup, contrasting the multi-terminal sprawl typical of capital airports. With its single terminal, the focus is on streamlined experiences around its duty-free shopping, streamlined lounge access, and efficient landside transport. Travelers appear more concerned with the nuances of security, queue management, and selecting the right option for transferring into Beirut city rather than juggling concourse navigation or train schedules. ## At a glance The airport is located approximately 9 km (6 mi) south of the Beirut city center. As Lebanon's only commercial airport, it serves as a hub for Middle East Airlines and facilitates connections with several major carriers like Air Arabia and British Airways. Despite the single-terminal layout, the airport’s setup has its strengths in optimizing passenger throughput efficiently. Key logistical elements revolve around handling arrival procedures and ensuring smooth transitions from the airport to the bustling city scene. ## Terminals & layout BEY has one main terminal, T1, which hosts all passenger operations. This compact design helps concentrate necessary services and amenities, including two lounges on the terminal's second level—the Sky Lounge and Cedar Jet Center-MEAG. Despite its size, the terminal is structured to accommodate necessary passenger services such as duty-free shopping right at baggage claim, ensuring that even late arrivals have the opportunity for last-minute purchases. ## Getting to and from the city Landside transport options are centered around certified airport taxis in the arrivals hall, which offer fixed-price transfers into Beirut. Identifiable by the airport logo, these taxis provide a straightforward option compared to the unofficial service taxis that require demand-based departures and potentially lengthy wait times. The airport facilitates transportation with a strategic location that enables a 10-15 minute drive to the city center under optimal conditions; however, it's wise to account for traffic delays. ## Traveller essentials While basic facilities are concentrated, BEY provides useful traveler services. BankMed offers currency exchange and ATM facilities, crucial for arriving passengers needing cash for transport. Communication is managed by the airport’s phone system, where the number 150 can be dialed for automated flight information. Though the airport Wi-Fi is free for only the first 30 minutes, extra access can be purchased—making mobile hotspots worthwhile for extensive connectivity needs. ## Dining & shopping highlights The airport has a designated arrivals duty-free section next to baggage claim, catering to passengers who might want a final shopping stop post-landing. Despite a limited scope of dining options within the terminal itself, the convenience of a compact duty-free zone is advantageous for quick grabs and last-minute gift purchases. ## Lounges On the second level of Terminal 1, passengers can access the Sky Lounge and Cedar Jet Center-MEAG, two lounges that stand out as the primary services here. These spots can prove valuable for travelers seeking some comfort and amenities away from the boarding gates. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Use the airport’s own phone service (dial 150) for quick flight updates instead of hunting through different websites. - **Money:** If you need cash upon arrival, head to the BankMed ATMs in the terminal—they're strategically placed for immediate access near transportation options. - **Transport:** For a hassle-free ride into the city, look for certified taxis with the airport logo—they offer fixed prices compared to the bargaining involved with some private taxis. - **Time:** Plan your city transfer with a 10-15 minute drive in mind, though local traffic might extend your travel time. - **Avoid:** Unofficial minibuses wait until full before departing—if you're tight on time, they might not be your best bet. - **Local:** Check out the tourist information office in the arrivals hall for guidance on exploring Beirut’s offerings. - **Quiet:** For prayer or reflection, both Christian and Muslim prayer rooms are available on the second level of the duty-free area. ## Terminals (1) - **Passenger Terminal** — Middle East Airlines, Air Arabia, British Airways, Emirates The terminal serves as the main hub for international flights. ## Lounges (2) - **Cedar Jet Center-MEAG** — General Aviation Terminal - **Sky Lounge** — T1 · General Aviation Terminal ## Ground transport (2) - **Certified airport taxis** — Arrivals hall - **Service taxis** — Arrivals hall ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Use the airport’s own phone service (dial 150) for quick flight updates instead of hunting through different websites. - _Money_: If you need cash upon arrival, head to the BankMed ATMs in the terminal—they're strategically placed for immediate access near transportation options. - _Transport_: For a hassle-free ride into the city, look for certified taxis with the airport logo—they offer fixed prices compared to the bargaining involved with some private taxis. - _Time_: Plan your city transfer with a 10-15 minute drive in mind, though local traffic might extend your travel time. - _Avoid_: Unofficial minibuses wait until full before departing—if you're tight on time, they might not be your best bet. - _Local_: Check out the tourist information office in the arrivals hall for guidance on exploring Beirut’s offerings. - _Quiet_: For prayer or reflection, both Christian and Muslim prayer rooms are available on the second level of the duty-free area.