Lebanon is a small country -- you can drive from Beirut to Tripoli in the north in under two hours, or to Tyre in the south in about the same time. But getting around takes some adjustment, because there is no railway and public transport is limited.
Shared taxis (service) are the backbone of Lebanese transport. These are regular cars with red licence plates that follow set routes. You flag one down, say "service," and the driver picks up other passengers going the same direction. The fare within Beirut is around 200,000 LBP (roughly $2). It is cheap and efficient once you learn the system.
Buses have improved recently. A new public bus network launched in 2024 with 11 routes covering greater Beirut and connections to Tripoli, Sidon and other cities. Fares are 70,000 LBP within Beirut and up to 150,000 LBP for longer routes like Tripoli. You can buy single tickets or rechargeable cards.
Taxis are everywhere. For a private ride, say "taxi" rather than "service." Agree on a fare before you get in, or use Uber or Careem, which are both widely available in Beirut and work reasonably well.
Rental cars are available at the airport and in Beirut. Driving in Lebanon is not for the faint-hearted -- traffic rules are treated as suggestions, lane discipline barely exists, and Beirut traffic can be chaotic. That said, a car gives you the most flexibility for reaching mountain villages, the Bekaa Valley and the cedars. Roads are generally in decent condition on main routes.
For day trips from Beirut to places like Baalbek, Byblos, the Cedars or Beiteddine, you can hire a taxi for the day (negotiate a price in advance) or join an organised tour. Many tour operators run day trips from Beirut.