Driving in Lebanon lets you link Beirut, Byblos, and Tripoli in a single coastal journey, with the Mediterranean on one side and mountains on the other. Stop at seaside cafes, Roman ruins, and lively souks whenever you wish.
Head inland on mountain roads to Faraya, Bsharri and the Cedars, or down to the Bekaa Valley vineyards around Zahle. A hire car turns short distances into flexible day trips, from sunlit beaches to cool highland villages in just a couple of hours.
At a glance
Drives onRight
Motorway tollCheck locally
CurrencyLebanese Pound (LBP)
Min. rental age21 years
Good to know before you drive
The essentials for a smooth, ticket-free trip.
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Speed limits
Town50 km/h
Open road90 km/h
Motorway130 km/h
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Parking
Paid short-stay zones in city centres — buy a ticket and display it.
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Alcohol limit
Typically 0.05% blood-alcohol limit; lower for new drivers.
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Vignette / tolls
Check whether a motorway vignette or tolls apply — many rentals include one.
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What drivers say about Lebanon
★★★★★★4.5
★★★★★5
"I travelled with a friend and booked online with brand:bookingcar. The confirmation came through instantly and we could easily review all terms before paying. At the desk, staff were friendly, didn’t push extras, and upgraded us to a slightly larger car at no cost."
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Olivia Chen
Lebanon
★★★★★5
"Our family booked via brand:Bookingcar and got a clean, spacious car, quick pickup, and an easy return. Kids were comfy, and we felt the price was very fair."
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Nathan Rodriguez
Lebanon
★★★★★5
"We used brand:booking car for a friends’ road trip and it worked brilliantly. Booking was transparent, insurance options were clear, and we got a nearly new car with plenty of space. Long drives were comfortable and the fuel economy surprised us. Return was quick with no unexpected charges."
In Lebanon it is wise to reserve a car at least 2–4 weeks before your trip, especially for July–September, public holidays and ski season in the mountains. For Beirut Airport, booking even earlier often gives more choice and better rates. Last‑minute cars may be available, but selection of automatic vehicles and SUVs can be limited.
Most Lebanese rental companies place a pre-authorisation on your card at pick-up. It is usually released within 3–10 working days after you return the car without new damage or fines. Some banks can take longer to show the amount as available. A few offers advertise no deposit, no credit card, but these are less common.
The excess is the maximum amount you must pay if the rental car is damaged or stolen. In Lebanon it typically ranges from about LBP 7,500,000 to 45,000,000, depending on car class and supplier. If repair costs are lower, you pay only that amount. You can often buy extra cover to reduce the excess or bring it down to zero.
Many suppliers in Lebanon still require a major credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit. However, some local firms and specific online offers allow debit cards or advertise no-deposit, no-credit-card deals, usually with stricter conditions and higher rates. Always check payment rules in advance and read the rental terms carefully.
Prices vary by season, location and vehicle type. As a broad guide, a small car from Beirut might cost around LBP 1,200,000–2,400,000 per day, including standard insurance but excluding fuel and extras. Larger cars, SUVs and automatics are more expensive, particularly in peak summer. Booking early and comparing several offers usually secures better daily rates.
Bookingcar lets you compare prices from many car rental companies in Lebanon in one place, helping you find lower rates and suitable conditions quickly. You can see different offers, inclusions and payment options side by side, then choose the deal that best fits your budget and travel plans without contacting each provider separately.
Returning the car late in Lebanon usually triggers extra charges. Most companies allow a brief grace period, then bill an additional hourly or extra-day rate, sometimes at a higher price than your original booking. Failing to inform the rental office can also lead to insurance restrictions. If delayed, contact the branch early to agree any extension.
Speed limits in Lebanon are signposted but may vary by area. Typical limits are:
Urban / city streets: about 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated
Main interurban roads: around 70–80 km/h
Highways / expressways (for example coastal highway): generally 100 km/h, sometimes lower if marked
Always follow posted signs, as local restrictions override general rules.
Penalties depend on the offence and can include on-the-spot fines, camera tickets and licence points. Typical issues are speeding, red-light violations, not wearing seat belts and illegal parking. Fines often range from roughly LBP 300,000 upwards, increasing for serious or repeated offences. Unpaid fines may be charged via your rental company with added administrative fees.
Lebanon has drink-driving laws, and enforcement is increasing. The commonly applied legal limit is around 0.5 g/l (0.05%) blood alcohol concentration, but police may act at lower levels if driving is unsafe. Penalties include fines and possible criminal charges. Because checks can be strict and driving conditions demanding, it is safest not to drink at all before driving.
Fuel prices in Lebanon are adjusted frequently and displayed in Lebanese pounds at service stations. As a recent indication, petrol has often been in the region of about LBP 80,000–120,000 per litre, depending on international markets and local regulations. Use the latest government fuel table or ask locally, as prices can change weekly or even more often.
Lebanon currently has no toll motorways or vignettes for private cars. You can use the main highways, including the busy coastal route, without paying a road toll. However, parking charges are common in Beirut and around popular areas, and some private mountain or resort roads may request a small entrance or parking fee separate from general road use.
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