Either before or after you rent a car in Lebanon, it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card for your mobile phone or device, which will allow you to access Google Maps for navigational purposes, in case your car does not have a GPS system or you prefer not to rent one. Traffic tends to be heavy in Beirut, the capital, and you should be wary of impatient drivers.
If you are staying in Beirut, try to locate some parking lots, because roadside parking with meters is normally restricted to two hours at time. Fortunately, there is no serious enforcement of parking rules; still, you should use a parking lot if possible. Rates vary from about 1.507 LBP (about 1.00 USD) per 15 min, while meters cost between 2,260 LBP (about 1.50 USD) and 3,770 LBP ( 2.50 USD) per hour in parking lots.
When driving your rental car around Lebanon, be aware that roundabouts are common in the country, and locals are not always keen on following the rules of the road. So, approach them carefully and always be aware of oncoming traffic. The same applies to intersections, especially outside of the capital, where signs to determine right of way may not exist.
Lebanon is a great place to take a couple of road trips, if you enjoy being on the road. There are plenty of sights to enjoy, from those in the mountainous part of the country (Qadisha Valley, Miziara, Tripoli) and the Chouf District to Naqoura and Tyre along the Mediterranean coast. Or, you can take the Beirut-Damascus Highway and explore many of the towns and villages along the way.
25% of our users found rental cars in Lebanon for ₪130 or less
Book your rental car in Lebanon at least 5 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Economy rental cars in Lebanon are around 77% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Lebanon
Economy (Dacia Sandero or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Lebanon.
On average a rental car in Lebanon costs ₪1,260 per week (₪180 per day).
On average a rental car in Lebanon costs ₪5,401 per month (₪180 per day).
The law requires drivers to use the right side of the road in Lebanon. Children under the age of 12 are forbidden to ride in the front passenger seat, and any young children must be properly secured in a child seat whenever on the road. Also, petrol stations are only open between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, so plan your trips accordingly.
You must be at least 23 years of age in order to rent a car in Lebanon; additionally, you must have been driving for one or two years with a valid US driver’s license in order to qualify. Most companies will also request an International Driver’s Permit, but Europcar is an exception. Also, any additional drivers will have to pay for the privilege (for example, 15.00 USD plus Value Added Tax at Europcar).
Petrololine prices in Lebanon are very comparable to those in the United States: a liter costs about 1.325 LBP (0.88 USD) and a gallon goes for about 3.33 USD. When it comes to diesel, the prices in Lebanon are better on average than in the US. A liter costs as little as 940 LBP (0.62 USD) and 2.36 USD per gallon.
Before you drive your vehicle off the lot, you should know that when you rent a car in Lebanon, the legal speed limit within city precincts is 50 km/h or about 31 mph, and in areas outside of the city, you can accelerate up to 100 km/h (about 62 mph). 100 km/h is also the speed limit that is allowed on highways. Also, seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers, front and rear.
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 24 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.