Major Highways & Driving Tips in Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon
1. Corniche Mazraa Highway
A scenic coastal road connecting downtown Beirut to the south, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean. It's a busy route during peak hours but worth the drive for its beauty.
- Coastal Scenery: Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea
- Peak Hour Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Scenic Route: A popular spot for jogging, cycling, and picnicking
2. Rafic Hariri International Airport Highway
The main access road to Beirut's airport, linking the city center with the international airport. Be aware of heavy traffic during flight arrival and departure times.
- Airport Access: Direct route to Rafic Hariri International Airport
- Flight Peak Hours: Heavy traffic during flight arrival and departure times
- City Center Connection: Links the city center with Beirut's airport
3. Beirut Ring Road (Cedar Freeway)
A major circular highway surrounding central Beirut, facilitating travel around the city. Be cautious of heavy traffic and unpredictable driving patterns.
- Circular Route: Facilitates travel around Beirut
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- City Circumference: Surrounds central Beirut
4. Solidere Avenue
The main thoroughfare of downtown Beirut, featuring iconic buildings such as the Sofil Center and the Solidere Plaza. Watch out for pedestrians and traffic congestion.
- Iconic Buildings: Home to notable buildings like Sofil Center and Solidere Plaza
- Pedestrian Traffic: High pedestrian traffic, especially during the day
- Downtown Connection: Connects key downtown destinations
5. Harris Rafic Street
A central road linking downtown Beirut with the coastal neighborhood of Raouche. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, but it's a great route for exploring the city.
- City Exploration: Allows easy exploration of Beirut's downtown and Raouche
- Peak Hour Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Iconic Pigeon Rocks: Passes by the famous Pigeon Rocks in Raouche
6. Mohammad El Hamze Street
A busy road connecting downtown Beirut with the upscale neighborhoods of Verdun and Ain Mreisseh. Traffic can be heavy, but it offers a glimpse into the city's vibrant life.
- Upscale Neighborhood Connection: Links downtown Beirut with upscale neighborhoods of Verdun and Ain Mreisseh
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Vibrant Life: Offers a glimpse into Beirut's vibrant life and culture
7. Bliss Street (Street of the Flowers)
A charming road lined with flower shops and cafes in Beirut's Hamra district. It can be crowded, but it's a great spot to unwind and people-watch.
- Flower Shops: Famous for its flower shops and cafes
- Crowded: Can be crowded, especially during the evening
- People-Watching: Ideal for people-watching and relaxing
8. Charbel El Khoury Avenue
A bustling road connecting Hamra with the industrial neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud. It can be busy, but it's a key route for exploring Beirut's diverse communities.
- Diverse Communities: Key route for exploring Beirut's diverse communities
- Busy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Industrial Neighborhood Connection: Links Hamra with the industrial neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud
9. Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Avenue
A major road connecting Beirut's eastern suburbs with the city center. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, but it offers a glimpse into the city's residential areas.
- Residential Areas: Provides a glimpse into Beirut's residential areas
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- Suburb Connection: Connects eastern suburbs with the city center
10. Rue Gouraud
A lively street in Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighborhood, known for its bars and restaurants. It can be crowded and noisy, but it's a great spot for nightlife and socializing.
- Nightlife: Famous for its bars and restaurants
- Crowded: Can be crowded, especially during the night
- Socializing: Ideal for socializing and enjoying Beirut's nightlife
11. Government Street (Al-Mouwassat Street)
A major road linking downtown Beirut with the administrative and diplomatic district. Expect heavy traffic during working hours.
- Administrative District Connection: Links downtown Beirut with the administrative and diplomatic district
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during working hours
- Government Buildings: Home to many government buildings and embassies
12. Jean Oriegem Avenue
A busy road connecting downtown Beirut with the upscale neighborhood of Ashrafieh. It can be heavy during rush hours, but it's a key route for exploring the city.
- Upscale Neighborhood Connection: Links downtown Beirut with upscale neighborhood of Ashrafieh
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours
- City Exploration: Key route for exploring Beirut's diverse communities
13. Damascus Road (Jdeideh Highway)
A major north-south highway connecting Beirut with the northern cities of Lebanon. Traffic can be heavy, but it's crucial for long-distance travel.
- Long-Distance Travel: Crucial route for long-distance travel to northern Lebanon
- Heavy Traffic: Heavy traffic during rush hours and on weekends
- Northern Cities Connection: Connects Beirut with northern cities of Lebanon
14. Beirut-Tripoli Coastal Road
A scenic coastal route connecting Beirut with the city of Tripoli in the north. It offers stunning views but can be hazardous due to poor road conditions.
- Scenic Coastal Route: Offers breathtaking coastal views
- Poor Road Conditions: Road conditions can be poor and hazardous
- Northbound Travel: Ideal for travel to the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon
15. Beirut-Sidon Expressway
A modern highway connecting Beirut with the coastal city of Sidon in the south. It facilitates travel and bypasses many towns along the way.
- Express Travel: Allows express travel between Beirut and Sidon
- Modern Infrastructure: Features modern highway infrastructure
- By-Pass Towns: Bypasses many towns along the route