Taxis & Rideshare in Beirut - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxis and Rideshare in Beirut Beirut relies primarily on traditional taxis and local rideshare apps for on-demand transportation. Regular taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands near major hotels and landmarks, or called by phone. When using street taxis, it's essential to agree on the fare before starting your journey, as meters are rarely used. For a more transparent experience, international rideshare apps like Uber and Careem operate in Beirut, allowing you to book rides through their mobile apps with upfront pricing and cashless payment options. Download these apps before your trip and set up your payment method to streamline the booking process. Choose traditional taxis when you need immediate transportation and are comfortable negotiating fares, particularly useful if you're traveling without mobile data or prefer cash payments. Rideshare apps offer greater convenience for travelers who want price transparency and the ability to track their route, making them ideal for airport transfers or unfamiliar destinations where you want assurance of the correct path. Both options provide door-to-door service and work well for groups or travelers with luggage. For current rates and availability, check the booking widgets below or open your preferred rideshare app to see live prices for your specific journey.

{'tip': "Many taxis in Beirut don't use meters, so agree on the fare before starting your journey or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for transparent pricing. This helps avoid disputes and ensures you know what to expect."}

{'tip': 'Look for official taxi signs and licensed vehicles - legitimate taxis typically have red license plates in Lebanon. Avoid unmarked vehicles or drivers who approach you too aggressively at airports or tourist areas.'}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should share their ride details with someone - when using ride-hailing apps, use the share trip feature to send your route and driver information to a trusted contact for added security.'}

{'tip': 'Keep small denominations ready and confirm the currency being quoted (Lebanese Lira or USD), as payment practices can vary. Having the exact amount or close to it helps avoid confusion at the end of your ride.'}

Meter Manipulation: Some taxis may claim their meter is broken or refuse to use it entirely, then charge inflated rates at the end of the journey. To avoid: Insist on using the meter before starting your trip, or agree on a fare in advance. Consider using ride-hailing apps which provide upfront pricing.

Scenic Route Scam: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the fare, especially with tourists unfamiliar with Beirut's geography. To avoid: Use a GPS app on your phone to follow the route, or research the general route beforehand. If the driver deviates significantly, politely question the route.

Currency Confusion: Drivers may quote prices in Lebanese Pounds but then claim you agreed to US Dollars (or vice versa), resulting in a much higher fare. To avoid: Clearly confirm both the price AND the currency before starting your journey. Have the driver write it down if needed, and carry small bills in the agreed currency.