Getting Around Tyre
Tyre is a compact Mediterranean city, and the good news for visitors is that most of what you will want to see sits within a short stroll of the seafront and the main roads. Longer hops, and the trip out to the archaeological zone, are best handled by taxi or shared "service" car.
On Foot
Walking is without a doubt the best way to get around Tyre. The beachfront and the main roads are all within a five- to ten-minute walk of each other, so you can base yourself in one spot and reach the restaurants, shops and waterfront on foot.
The one notable exception is the Al Bass Archaeological site, which sits a little further out. A taxi is the easiest way to get there rather than walking.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Tyre has no rail, metro or tram network, and there is no light rail or suburban train service to rely on. Plan your movements around walking, buses, minibuses and taxis instead.
Buses and Minibuses
Public transport in and around Tyre is built on buses and privately run minibuses rather than a formal city network.
- Private buses: Large, air-conditioned buses run from Cola Junction in Beirut throughout the day. This is the cheapest way of getting into Tyre, and the journey takes roughly two and a half hours.
- Minibuses: Privately run minibuses also leave frequently throughout the day and late into the evening, both from Cola Junction in Beirut and from the bus station in Sidon. They take a variety of routes and will often stop and start along the way to let passengers on and off.
- Route matters: Minibuses that follow the coastal roads are much slower, while some take the motorway route and are considerably quicker. If you are coming from Sidon, the trip is short either way.
- Fares: Minibus fares are low and paid in Lebanese lira. Do check the price when you get on board, as tourists are often charged more than locals. If you are unsure what the fare should be, ask someone on the bus — many people speak English and you will very likely find someone happy to help.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are pretty cheap in Tyre, and some are even comfortable to travel in. You will see two broad categories:
- Registered yellow taxis that operate throughout the country. These are private hires and therefore more expensive.
- Private cars acting as taxis, often in varying states of repair — from virtually new to over forty years old.
- "Service" or shared taxis, which stop to pick up other passengers along the way and are much cheaper than a private taxi.
Always agree the price before you get in, and always confirm whether you are hiring a taxi (private, more expensive) or a service (shared, cheaper). As a rough rule of thumb, a short ride in a service costs a small amount in lira, with longer journeys costing somewhat more — but confirm the figure up front rather than assuming.
Traffic in Tyre is typical Lebanese traffic: if you want to go, you must go, regardless of the "Western" way of thinking about right of way. Drivers frequently will not give way unless they absolutely have to, and lanes and road signage are frequently ignored. If you do not feel safe, do ask your driver to slow down.
Getting In from Beirut and Sidon
Tyre has no commercial airport of its own, so most visitors arrive overland from Beirut or Sidon. There are three practical options:
- Private bus from Beirut: Large air-conditioned buses leave Cola Junction throughout the day and take about two and a half hours. This is the cheapest option.
- Minibus from Beirut or Sidon: Frequent departures throughout the day and late into the evening from Cola Junction in Beirut and from the bus station in Sidon. Motorway routes are quick; coastal routes are much slower. Fares are low and paid in lira — check the price on boarding.
- Taxi from Beirut: Either a private hire for the whole car, or the cheaper "service" option where you share with others travelling in a similar direction. The journey takes roughly two and a half hours depending on stops.
Checkpoints Along the Way
A number of military checkpoints operate on the roads between Beirut, Sidon and Tyre, and there are occasionally other checkpoints run by Hezbollah soldiers. If your bus or taxi is asked to stop:
- Keep your passport to hand.
- Take off any sunglasses or hats so you can be properly identified.
- Do not be alarmed if you are asked why you are travelling.
Generally you will be waved through without any further problems.