London to Beirut flights

Flights from London to Beirut take around 5 hours direct, with Middle East Airlines, the national carrier, flying from Heathrow.

Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly with a connection in Istanbul instead, Pegasus through Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). A stop in Istanbul or Athens can stretch the trip to 8 hours or more.

Over the last few days, the cheapest London to Beirut flight found on Opodo was £108. Fares change with your dates, so comparing a few days around your trip can find you a lower price.

London Heathrow (LHR) is the London base of Middle East Airlines and the departure point for direct flights to Beirut. It is reached by the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station or the Piccadilly line on the Underground.

London Gatwick (LGW) and London Stansted (STN) are options for connecting flights. Gatwick has Turkish Airlines services with connections through Istanbul. The Stansted Express runs frequently to Stansted from Liverpool Street.

Flights land at Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport (BEY), about 5 miles south of the city centre.

Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and take 10 to 20 minutes to the central districts. Private hire vehicles can be booked through mobile apps, with marked pick-up points at the terminal.

There is no rail link or large-scale public bus from the terminal. Local minibuses are a budget alternative, leaving once they have enough passengers. The airport has currency exchange, car hire desks and internet access.

Entry requirements for Beirut

British citizens travelling to Lebanon need a visa. UK passport holders are typically granted a free one-month tourist visa on arrival at Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport, extendable for up to three months. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Make sure your passport shows no evidence of previous travel to Israel, such as entry or exit stamps. Lebanese immigration strictly enforces this rule and refuses entry to anyone with such markings, whatever their nationality or visa.

Beirut, the Lebanese capital, mixes a long history with Mediterranean coastal scenery.

Stroll along the Corniche, which takes in Paris Avenue and Charles de Gaulle Avenue, to reach the landmark Pigeon Rocks.

The Mar Mikhael district is the centre of the city's social life, with local eateries serving falafel and taouk.

North of the city, the caves of Jeita Grotto make a natural excursion. Along the coast, beach clubs offer swimming and scuba lessons.