Turkish Airlines offers four direct flights in average every day from Istanbul to Beirut. Flights take off from Istanbul Airport (IST) and land at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) within nearly two hours. Ongoing all year round on regular basis, number of flights remains the same all year round; however there may be slight differences on the hours of departure from time to time.
Owning a history of more than 2500 years, Istanbul is a popular destination which has successfully preserved its popularity as being a cradle of many civilizations throughout the history. Hagia Sophia in the Historical Peninsula which represents the city’s background today serves as a museum, whereas the Galata Tower remaining from the Genoese contributes to the entertainment and culture tourism of the historical district. Many palaces like the Topkapı Palace, as a home to the royals in Ottoman and Dolmabahçe Palace today rank among top valuable museums with their amazing collections. Süleymaniye Mosque captivating every visitor by its dome of 53 meters, and Büyükçekmece Bridge consisting of 28 aqueducts are the historic icons of the city built by Sinan the Architect. The wooden mansions along the Bosporus, the historic funicular connecting Pera and Galata and the bridges merging the city are other must-see spots in this enchanting metropolis.
As the largest metropolis in Türkiye, Istanbul hosts two airports to meet the high demand in the air traffic: Istanbul Airport (IST) in the European side and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in the Anatolian side. Both airports serve for Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul; however only Istanbul Airport (IST) serves as a point of departure for the direct flights to Beirut.
Are you wondering how to get from Istanbul city center to Istanbul Airport (IST)? Firstly, you can reach Istanbul Airport (IST) which is located on the D20 road and connects to both TEM and E5 by private vehicle. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport from the city center by taxi and costs around 100-110 TL. When it comes to public transport, you can use Havaist, which sets off from 60 different spots or benefit from IETT bus services. For more detailed information check our transport information page.
Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut is the capital of Lebanon in the Middle East. Serving also as the most significant port countrywide, this adorable city rapidly renews itself since the chaotic and sorrowful process and is now ready to get back to its old shiny days. The new districts full of splendid buildings, perfectly illuminated streets and luxurious restaurants, and the Old Town district managing to stand still despite all, divide the city into two different identities creating an interesting contrast.
Solidere district, is a historic spot offering extremely large number of alternatives for tourists. Hosting the city’s remarkable icons of Roman Ruins, Al-Omari Mosque and many lovely cafés and restaurants, this district shines out as one of the favorite spots of the visitors. St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a valuable artifact built on the ruins of the city’s oldest church. Pigeons rock, two rocks rising within the sea is regarded as the city’s icon, where you can join the boat tours organized around the rocks. Jeita Caves, on the other hand, together with the small lake within, serve as another noteworthy attraction.
The sole airport serving in Beirut, Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) is 7 kilometers to the center. Passengers booking their flights to Beirut with Turkish Airlines land at this airport.
There are very limited alternatives for reaching the center from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is close to the center. As there is no official public transport service in this route, the sole alternative other than cabs and renting a car, are the firms offering transfer service.
You may consult your place of accommodation prior to your journey to get information about the private firm for handling the transfer service.
Private minibuses operate on the way out the airport building. Since there is no certain stop in this route, you may get on and get off the vehicle by waving your hand.