Beirut to Faqra: Routes, Drive Time and Where to Stop
6 MinBeirut to Faraya and Faqra by car or taxi: about 45 minutes, from the airport too. The Kesrouan climb, when to leave, Em Bachir Saj, fuel and winter tyres.
Written by the host of The Nest, a one-bedroom chalet in Faqra at RedRock, 8 minutes from the Mzaar lifts. Rates and dates.
What to Know
- About 45 minutes from Beirut or from BEY, in normal conditions.
- Winter weekends: leave before 8am or after 11am.
- Fill fuel before the climb. Em Bachir Saj is the breakfast stop (closes 15:00).
- Snow tyres December–March. First visit is easier in daylight.
The drive is the trip. You leave humidity at the coast and arrive at 1,600 metres about 45 minutes later, if you time the traffic.
The route
From Beirut, north along the coast, then inland and up through the Kesrouan mountains toward Faraya. You climb from sea level to about 1,600m over the last stretch, and the change is dramatic, you leave humidity behind somewhere around the halfway point.
Through Faraya, past the roundabout, then up toward Faqra and Faqra Club. RedRock sits above.
Timing
Leave Beirut before 8am on a winter weekend, or after 11am. The middle is the worst of it.
Coming down, avoid 3–4pm on a ski day. The Mzaar lifts close at 15:15 on weekdays and 15:45 at weekends, and everyone leaves at once.
Airport to Faqra is about 45 minutes.
Worth stopping for
Em Bachir Saj, on the road up, open 07:00 to 15:00. Zaatar and keshk straight off the saj. If you're driving up in the morning, this is the stop.
Fuel, fill before the climb. Mema Market in Faraya has a station and is open around the clock, but don't count on sorting everything at the top.
Groceries, Pick n Pay and Mema Market in Faraya, or Grab'n Go in Kfardebian. All deliver, which is useful if you'd rather not shop on arrival.
In winter
Snow tires December to March. 4x4 after heavy snowfall. Black ice on the shaded bends in late afternoon. Fog can drop visibility fast.
Arrive in daylight your first time.
Without a car
Taxis and rideshare run from Beirut and the airport, about 45 minutes, longer in traffic or snow. Message us before you book one; we can usually recommend a driver who knows the road, which in winter matters.
There's no practical public transport to Faqra.
Common questions
How long is the drive?
About 45 minutes from Beirut or from the airport.
What's the best time to leave?
Before 8am or after 11am on winter weekends.
Where should I stop?
Em Bachir Saj on the way up, before 3pm.
Can I get there without a car?
By taxi or rideshare. No practical public transport.
Is fuel available up there?
Yes, Mema Market in Faraya, but fill before the climb.
