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If you’re planning to move around Beirut or travel to other cities in Lebanon, understanding how transportation fares work in 2025 is more important than ever.
From shared vans to private taxis, what you pay depends a lot on the method you choose—and who’s setting the price.
A Quick Overview: New Taxi Lebanon Price List
On March 6, 2024, Lebanon’s former Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamiyeh, introduced a new official fare structure for transportation services including taxis, service rides (shared taxis), minivans, and buses. This came after several years of economic chaos and a slight recovery in currency stability.
During a meeting with union representatives, including Bassam Tleiss, president of the Syndicates of Drivers and Land Transport Workers, the following fares were agreed upon for Beirut:
- LL600,000 for a private taxi ride
- LL150,000 for a shared “service” ride
- LL75,000 for buses and minivans
These rates are now officially recognized. However, most of them had already become the informal standard on the ground.
The adjustments are also tied to higher NSSF contributions, and while fares are approaching pre-crisis levels, they still fall short.
Before 2019, a typical short ride in Beirut cost $7–$8. The new LL600,000 fare translates to about $6.75, based on today’s exchange rate of LL89,500/USD.
🟨 New Taxi Lebanon Price List (Beirut Area)
| Transport Type | New Official Fare | Approx. USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi Ride | LL600,000 | ~$6.75 | Standard city fare; previously around $7–$8 before 2019 |
| Shared “Service” Taxi | LL150,000 | ~$1.68 | Shared ride with others going in same direction |
| Bus / Minivan Ride | LL75,000 | ~$0.84 | Applies to public minivans and buses operating within Beirut |
💡 Exchange rate used: LL89,500 = 1 USD (as of March 2024)
⚠️ While officially recognized, many of these rates had already become common informally prior to regulation.
🚌 Government-Set Van Fares from Beirut to Other Cities
The following official rates apply to shared vans and buses, not private cars. These are part of the Ministry’s effort to regulate public transport fares across Lebanon:
| Route | Fare (LL) |
|---|---|
| Beirut to Saida | LL150,000 |
| Beirut to Sour (Tyre) | LL270,000 |
| Beirut to Zahle | LL195,000 |
| Beirut to Baalbek | LL285,000 |
| Beirut to Tripoli | LL240,000 |
| Beirut to Batroun | LL180,000 |
| Beirut to Jbeil (Byblos) | LL150,000 |
| Beirut to Aley | LL90,000 |
| Beirut to Faraya | LL210,000 |
⚠️ Note: These fares apply only to shared public transport and are regulated by the Ministry. Private car services may charge differently.
Real Taxi Lebanon Price List
Private taxi fares in Lebanon—whether local or intercity—are not regulated like vans or buses. While the base fare within Beirut is LL600,000 for the first 5 km, longer rides vary widely depending on:
- Distance
- Car type (standard vs. premium)
- Time of day
- Traffic conditions
- Driver or service provider
A ride from Beirut to Byblos, for example, could cost $38–$40 with a reputable provider like CTaxi, while other drivers might charge up to $50 or more, depending on the car and whether a fare was agreed upon in advance.
| Fare Type / Route | Estimated Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare (within Beirut) | LL600,000 (first 5 km) | Applies to short city rides; rates increase after 5 km |
| Beirut to Byblos (Jbeil) | $38–$40 (with CTaxi) | With a reputable provider |
| Up to $50+ (with others) | May vary based on car type, time, and whether fare was pre-negotiated |
⚠️ Note: Private taxi fares are not officially regulated. Actual costs depend on distance, vehicle type, time of day, traffic, and the service provider.
About App-Based Taxi Services in Lebanon
In recent years, ride-hailing apps have lost reliability in Lebanon. Although they promote GPS-based pricing, many now include negotiation options, where drivers contact the rider to “agree” on the price before confirming the ride.
This has created a situation where fares are unpredictable and often inflated—especially for tourists or during peak times.
We’ve covered this issue in detail in a previous blog post about how fare manipulation in ride apps is hurting Lebanon’s transport sector.
This kind of setup undermines the professionalism of the industry. It puts unnecessary pressure on passengers and pushes legitimate drivers—who follow the rules—into unfair competition.
At CTaxi, we operate differently. We believe in:
- Transparent pricing
- Predefined fare logic
- No last-minute negotiations
Our mission is to rebuild trust in Lebanon’s taxi sector, with a focus on professionalism, consistency, and dignity for both riders and drivers.
Final Thoughts
Lebanon’s public transport sector is gradually regaining structure, especially with fixed fares now published for buses and vans. But when it comes to private taxis, the landscape remains mixed.
To avoid surprises:
- Know your options
- Use vetted services like CTaxi for transparent and reliable pricing
- Avoid negotiation-based apps that leave pricing to chance
Whether you’re heading to the airport, commuting to work, or exploring the country, CTaxi is here to help you move confidently across Lebanon, without guesswork or last-minute price hikes.
