Lebanon - 2.3 Road Network
Road Network
There are over 8,000 kilometers of roads in Lebanon, and there is a highway system that connects it to Syria.
There are three important highways in the nation, all of which branch out from Beirut. The road leading to Tripoli, the second-largest city in Lebanon, is located to the north. This route also travels through important cities like Jouniyeh and Jubayl. The road to Damascus is located to the east, passing past the important town of Chtaura as it crosses the Lebanon Mountains. The route to Saida and Tyre is to the south. A second road axis connecting north and south in Lebanon follows the length of the Bekaa Valley.The large market towns of Baalbek and Zahle are connected to the main road network via roads in the northern valley, which intersect on the Beirut-Damascus highway at Chtaura. The local road system in the southern valley is centered on Chtaura, which is located at its northern end.
In times of conflict or bad weather, cross-mountain routes that connect the southern Bekaa Valley with Saida and the northern Bekaa Valley with Jouniyeh and Tripoli are crucial.
Despite the fact that 95% of the roads are paved, traffic is growing quite quickly. With one car for every three people, Lebanon now boasts one of the highest car-to-person ratios in the world.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Lebanon, the main government agency, is divided into four directorates:
1) The Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport, which is in charge of establishing, carrying out, and overseeing all regulations pertaining to land and maritime transportation
2) Directorate General of Roads and Buildings, which is in charge of creating, renovating, and maintaining public roads and official structures
3) Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which is in charge of establishing and carrying out national air transportation regulations in accordance with international regulations and managing air traffic over Lebanese territory.
4) Directorate General of Urban Planning, which is in charge of developing and implementing land use policy.
In addition, the Ministry of Public Works' Rehabilitation and Reconstruction and the Council of Development and Reconstruction (CDR) are in charge of building and maintaining Lebanon's roads.
Transport Corridors
Transport Corridors Lebanon and Syria are connected by three operational corridors. These passageways are:
1) The border crossing at Al Masnaa-Al-Jdeidah, located in eastern Lebanon, is 60 kilometers from Damascus and 110 kilometers from Beirut. The principal route between the capitals of Syria and Lebanon is this one.
2) The Al-Arida-Tartous border crossing (in Lebanon's northwest). This corridor, which is near the coast, is frequently used to transfer merchandise between Syria and Lebanon. On the Syrian side, it is 45 km away from Tartous, while on the Lebanese side, it is 170 km away from Beirut.
3) The border crossing at Al-Abboudiyeh and Al-Dabouseyah (in Lebanon's northeast). From the Syrian side, this corridor connects the Homs Governorate to Tripoli from the Lebanese side. It is frequently used for freight transportation, particularly for items going to Iraq in transit.
Heavy snowfall during the winter months has temporarily made it difficult to use the international roadway leading to the Lebanon-Syrai Al Masnaa Crossing in the Dahr al Baidar region. However, the Ministry of Public Works typically resolves this in little more than one day. The Beirut-Damascus highway has occasionally been shut down for security concerns, but overall it continues to be the most reliable route for travel between Lebanon and Syria.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Government Contact List.
Distance Matrix
Distances from Capital City to Major Towns (km) |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beirut |
Tripoli |
Sidon |
Batroun |
Tyre |
Aley |
Chtaura |
Halba(Akkar) |
|
Beirut |
84 |
46 |
56 |
88 |
14 |
40 |
114 |
|
Tripoli |
130 |
33 |
175 |
92 |
86 |
30 |
||
Sidon |
100 |
45 |
43 |
66 |
55 |
|||
Batroun |
147 |
63 |
65 |
63 |
||||
Tyre |
54 |
106 |
204 |
|||||
Aley |
28 |
116 |
||||||
Chtaura |
104 |
|||||||
Halba(Akkar) |
Travel Time from Capital City to Major Towns (KM) |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beirut |
Tripoli |
Sidon |
Batroun |
Tyre |
Aley |
Chtaura |
Halba(Akkar) |
|
Beirut |
1.5 h |
45 min |
1 h |
1.5 h |
15 min |
45 min |
2 h |
|
Tripoli |
2 h |
30 min |
2.5 h |
1.5 h |
1.5 h |
30 min |
||
Sidon |
2 h |
45 min |
1 h |
1 h |
1 h |
|||
Batroun |
2 h |
1 h |
1 h |
1 h |
||||
Tyre |
1 h |
2 h |
2.5 h |
|||||
Aley |
30 min |
2 h |
||||||
Chtaura |
1.5 h |
|||||||
Halba(Akkar) |
Road Security
Efforts to ensure the safety of motorists on the country's roads are currently met with a variety of obstacles in Lebanon. A complex security environment has developed in the nation as a result of its particular geopolitical status, occasionally affecting road safety. Armed checkpoints are common in Lebanon, and their maintenance by various security forces is a reflection of the country's larger security concerns. Although the main goal of these checkpoints is to maintain law and order, they can occasionally cause traffic jams and make other road users feel uneasy.
In addition, the state of road infrastructure and upkeep has been hampered by economic hardship and political unrest. Drivers now face additional dangers due to deteriorating roads, limited signage, and poor illumination. Road safety hazards may become worse if traffic laws and enforcement are inconsistent. Urban traffic congestion, particularly in Beirut, is a major problem that can lengthen travel times, aggravate other road users, and pose safety issues.
In response to these difficulties, attempts have been made to solve the problem of road security. Concerned people, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations have advocated for increased road safety education, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and improvements in road infrastructure. Even while there has been progress, there are still continuous economic and political uncertainties that make it difficult to put in place comprehensive road safety measures. To guarantee the safety and security of drivers across Lebanon, these challenges must be addressed.
Weighbridges and Axle Load Limits
In Lebanon, weighbridges are essential for managing and regulating vehicle loads to maintain traffic safety and safeguard road infrastructure. Vehicles operating on the nation's highways must comply with particular load constraints stipulated by current rules. To monitor and enforce these load restrictions, weighbridges are strategically positioned at numerous locations, including busy highways and border crossings.
These laws are necessary to prevent overloading, which puts the environment and road safety at risk by causing excessive wear and tear on bridges, roads, and other infrastructure. Vehicles that are discovered to be heavier than the permitted limits may be subject to fines and penalties. Relevant agencies in charge of upholding these laws and ensuring compliance keep an eye on weighbridge operations.
Weighbridges support fair competition among transport companies, ensure the effectiveness of logistics operations, and help to maintain the integrity of the road system. Lebanon wants to improve traffic safety, reduce infrastructure damage, and build a more sustainable transportation system by banning heavy vehicles off the highways.
Axle Load Limits |
Lebanon (Commercial)MT |
Lebanon (Donations/Humanitarian) MT |
---|---|---|
Truck with 2 Axles |
25 |
30 |
Truck with 3 Axles |
35 |
40 |
Truck with 4 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Semi-trailer with 3 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Semi-trailer with 4 Axles |
35 |
40 |
Semi-trailer with 6 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 4 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 5 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 6 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Truck & Drawbar Trailer with 7 Axles |
n/a |
n/a |
Road Class and Surface Conditions
From |
To |
International Road No. |
Distance in km |
Road condition & environment |
||
No of. Lanes |
Age |
Environment |
||||
Dabousseyah cross border (Syria-Lebanon) |
Aboudeyah cross border (Lebanon-Syria) |
M51 |
18 |
2 |
>20 |
Coastal |
Aboudeyah cross border (Lebanon-Syria) |
Tripoli |
M51 |
5 |
2 |
>25 |
Coastal |
Tripoli |
Beirut |
M51 |
83 |
4 (Note: 2 and 3 lanes at some points) |
>20 |
Coastal |
Beirut |
Al-Naqoora |
M51 |
104 |
3 (and 2 lanes before Tyre until Naqoura) |
>20 |
Coastal |
Jedeidah cross border (Syria-Lebanon |
Al-Massnaá cross border (Lebanon-Syria) |
M30 |
6 |
2 lanes each side |
>20 |
Mountainous |
Al-Masnaa cross border (Lebanon-Syria) |
Beirut |
M30 |
53 |
4 |
>25 |
Mountainous |
Total Lebanon International Road Distance |
269 km |
|
|
|
|
|
Road Inventory
Classification |
Width/meter |
Length/ km |
---|---|---|
International Roads |
10/14 |
269 |
Primary Roads (highways) |
10/14 |
261 |
Primary Roads |
10/8 |
1650 |
Secondary Roads |
5/8 |
1340 |
Local Roads |
4/6 |
2810 |
Total |
6,330 km |
Lebanon - 2.3.1. Land Border Crossing Al Masnaa
Border Crossing of Al Masnaa
Overview
The border crossing at Al Masnaa-Al-Jdeidah (Jdeidet Yabous), located in the eastern region of Lebanon, specifically in the Bekaa Valley. It is 55 kilometers from Damascus, 137 km from Tripoli, and 61 kilometers from Beirut. It serves as a crucial link between Lebanon and Syria as it is considered the principal route between the capitals of Syria and Lebanon.
It facilitates trade, commerce, and the movement of people between the two countries.
The border crossing is equipped with facilities for customs, immigration, and security checks. It caters to various types of traffic, including vehicles, pedestrians, and commercial transport.
Al Masnaa plays a vital role in enabling trade, tourism, and humanitarian aid to pass between Lebanon and Syria.
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Name of Border Crossing |
Lebanon: Al Masnaa Syria:Jdeidet Yabous |
Province or District |
Est,Bekaa |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Al Masnaa |
Latitude |
33.42.08 N |
Longitude |
35.55.18 E |
Managing Authority / Agency |
Custom and General Security |
Contact Person |
|
Travel Times |
|
---|---|
Nearest International Airport |
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport 60 Km Truck Travel Time: 4 h Car Travel time: 1.30/2 h |
Nearest Port |
Beirut Port 61 km Truck Travel Time: 4 h Car Travel time: 2 h |
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Zahle 21 km Truck Travel Time: 45 min/ 1 h Car Travel time: 30 min |
Other Information
|
There is a global highway along the path. |
Hours of Operation |
|
---|---|
Mondays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Tuesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Wednesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Thursdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Fridays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
Saturdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Sundays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
National Holidays
|
No operation. |
Seasonal Constraints |
Heavy snowfall during the winter months has temporarily made it difficult to access the international highway leading to the Lebanon-Syria Al Masnaa Crossing in the Dahr al Baidar region. The Ministry of Public Works and Civil Defense often resolve this within a day at most. The Beirut-Damascus highway has occasionally been shut down for security concerns, but overall it continues to be the most reliable route for travel between Lebanon and Syria. |
Daily Capacity
A separate lane is given for private vehicles,
Customs Clearance
All trucks are checked upon entry into the country by scanners, bomb detectors, and inspectors from the authorities.
Lebanon - 2.3.2 Land Border Crossing Al Arida
Border Crossing of Al Arida
Overview
Transport Corridors
The Al Arida border crossing is in the northern part of Lebanon, near the town of Arida in the Akkar Governorate. It is situated on the border with Syria.
Al Arida is one of the major land border crossings between Lebanon and Syria. It plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, commerce, and the movement of people between the two countries.
This corridor, which is near the coast, is frequently used to transfer merchandise between Syria and Lebanon. On the Syrian side, it is 32 km away from Tartous, while on the Lebanese side, it is 31 km from Tripoli, and 113 km away from Beirut.
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Name of Border Crossing |
Lebanon: Al Arida Syria:Al Arida |
Province or District |
North |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Al Arida |
Latitude |
34.37.59 N |
Longitude |
35.58.34 E |
Managing Authority / Agency |
Custom and General Security |
Contact Person |
|
Travel Times |
|
---|---|
Nearest International Airport |
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport 113 Km Truck Travel Time: 4 h Car Travel time: 3 h |
Nearest Port |
Beirut Port 65 km Truck Travel Time: 4 h Car Travel time: 2 h |
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Tripoli 30 km Truck Travel Time: 45 min/ 1 h Car Travel time: 30 min |
Other Information
|
There is a global highway along the path. |
Hours of Operation |
|
---|---|
Mondays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Tuesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Wednesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Thursdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Fridays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
Saturdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Sundays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
National Holidays
|
No operation. |
Seasonal Constraints |
N/A |
Daily Capacity
A separate lane is given for private vehicles,
Customs Clearance
All trucks are checked upon entry into the country by scanners, bomb detectors, and inspectors from the authorities.
Lebanon - 2.3.3 Land Border Crossing Aboudiyeh
Border Crossing of Aboudiyeh
Overview
Transport Corridors
The Al-Abboudieh border crossing is in the northern part of Lebanon, specifically in the Akkar Governorate. It sits on the border with Syria.
The Al-Abboudieh border crossing serves as a gateway for various activities, including trade, tourism, and humanitarian aid. It is frequently used for freight transportation, particularly for items going to Iraq in transit.
From the Syrian side, this corridor connects the Homs Governorate to Tripoli from the Lebanese side.
It is 61 km away from Homs in Syria, while on the Lebanese side, it is 37 km away from Tripoli and 120 km away from Beirut.
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Name of Border Crossing |
Lebanon: Aboudieh Syria: Addabousiah |
Province or District |
North,Akkar |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Aboudieh |
Latitude |
34.38.19 N |
Longitude |
36.07.09 E |
Managing Authority / Agency |
Customs and General Security |
Contact Person |
|
Travel Times |
|
---|---|
Nearest International Airport |
Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport 127 Km Truck Travel Time: 6 h Car Travel time: 3 / 4 h |
Nearest Port |
Tripoli Port 37 km Truck Travel Time: 3 h Car Travel time: 1.5 h |
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Tripoli area 38 km Truck Travel Time: 3 h Car Travel time: 1 / 1.30 min |
Other Information
|
There is a global highway along the path. |
Hours of Operation |
|
---|---|
Mondays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Tuesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Wednesdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Thursdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Fridays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
Saturdays |
From 8 h to 17 h |
Sundays |
No operation from Syria side-From 8 h to 17 h Lebanon Side |
National Holidays
|
No operation. |
Seasonal Constraints |
N/A |
Daily Capacity
A separate lane is given for private vehicles,
Customs Clearance
All trucks are checked upon entry into the country by scanners, bomb detectors, and inspectors from the authorities.
Lebanon - 2.3.4 Land Border Crossing of Ras Al Naqoura (Rosh HaNikra)
Border Crossing of Ras Al Naqoura (Rosh HaNikra)
Overview
At the border between Naqoura, Lebanon, and Rosh HaNikra, Israel, lies the Rosh Hanikra Crossing. This terminal is exclusively managed by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Access for ordinary tourists and visitors is strictly prohibited. Civilians cannot enter an area within 4 km (2.5 miles) of the shared border with Lebanon.
As it is not possible to enter Lebanon from the country's southern border with Israel, your only option to enter Lebanon by land is from its northeastern neighbour, Syria.
Border Crossing Location and Contact |
|
---|---|
Name of Border Crossing |
Lebanon: Ras Al Naqoura Israel: Rosh HaNikra |
Province or District |
Al Naqoura - South |
Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing |
Naqoura |
Latitude |
|
Longitude |
35°06′17″E |
Managing Authority / Agency |
IDF, UNIFIL |
Contact Person |
|
Travel Times |
|
---|---|
Nearest International Airport |
Beirut Rafik Hariri Int. Airport (108 KM) |
Nearest Port |
Beirut Port 142 km Truck Travel Time: 3-4 h Car Travel time: 2 h |
Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or production capacity |
Tyre (known as Sour) 45 km Truck Travel Time: 60 min Car Travel time: 40 min |
Other Information
|
N/A |
Hours of Operation |
|
---|---|
Mondays |
N/A |
Tuesdays |
N/A |
Wednesdays |
N/A |
Thursdays |
N/A |
Fridays |
N/A |
Saturdays |
N/A |
Sundays |
N/A |
National Holidays
|
N/A |
Seasonal Constraints |
No info as the border is not functioning for passenger crossing or cargo movement.*
*Due to escalations in Israel/Lebanon from the 7th of October 2023 attacks and the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the border will remain closed for the foreseeable future. |
Daily Capacity
No info as the border is not functioning for tourism or cargo movement.
Customs Clearance
No customs at the border as no cargo/freight can pass through this border.