UNESCO Phoenician port town with a Crusader castle, old souk and harbour, about 40 minutes north of Beirut.
Byblos, called Jbeil in Arabic, is a coastal town about 37 km north of Beirut and one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, listed by UNESCO for its Phoenician, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman layers. The archaeological site holds the Crusader castle, the Phoenician temples and a Roman theatre beside the sea, and the walled old souk, the harbour and the Church of St John the Baptist are within a few minutes' walk. Visitors reach it from Beirut in about 40 to 60 minutes by minibus from Charles Helou station, taxi or hired car. Sources disagree on the ticket: a travel-cost site and a birding guide give about USD 10 (EUR 10), while a guide gives 8,000 LBP for foreigners, so visitors should carry both currencies and confirm at the gate; hours were reported as roughly 09:00 to 17:00, later on weekends, and should be checked. Byblos is not named in the areas where the UK government currently advises against travel, but conditions can change. In an emergency dial 112 for the Internal Security Forces, 140 for the Red Cross or 125 for Civil Defence.
| Distance | About 37 km north of Beirut |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 40 to 60 minutes each way depending on traffic |
| Getting there | Minibus or van from Charles Helou station to Jbeil (a few USD, estimate), or taxi / hired car |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Byblos Archaeological Site, Old Souk Street, Jbeil, Lebanon |
How to get there
- Mode
- Minibus or van from Charles Helou station
- Cost
- About USD 2-4 or equivalent in LBP (estimate)
- Frequency
- Frequent, leaves when full
- Mode
- Taxi or ride-hail (one way)
- Cost
- About USD 25-40 (estimate); agree first
- Frequency
- On demand
- Mode
- Day-tour package with Jeita and Harissa
- Cost
- From about USD 27 to 120 per adult depending on operator (listings vary)
- Frequency
- Daily on request
Location
Byblos Archaeological Site, Old Souk Street, Jbeil, Lebanon
34.1197, 35.6483 View on map
Highlights
- Byblos archaeological site and Crusader castle
- Old souk and harbour with seafood restaurants
- One of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world
- Byblos Fossil Museum and Wax Museum nearby
Tips for visiting
- Carry USD cash for the ticket and lunch.
- Visit the site in the morning before the heat and coach groups.
- Allow three to four hours including lunch.
- Check the latest government advice before leaving Beirut.
- Walk the old souk after sunset when it cools.
When to visit
Morning in spring or autumn.
Accessibility
Uneven stone paths and steps around the ruins; some of the harbour and souk are flat and cobbled.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Byblos without a car?
Take a minibus or van from Charles Helou station to Jbeil, about 40 to 60 minutes.
How much is entry?
Reported at about USD 10; confirm at the gate.
Is it safe?
It is not named in the FCDO advised-against areas as of August 2026, but check advice before going.
How long is needed?
Half a day to a full day with lunch and the souk.