Lebanon’s historic railway network was once the artery of regional travel, connecting Beirut to Damascus, Haifa, Tripoli, Rayak, and beyond. Established under Ottoman rule in the late 19th century, it remained operational until the mid‑1970s, when the civil war and rising car ownership brought its decline.
Beirut – Mar Mikhael Station
- History & architecture: Opened in 1895, this French-designed station featured high ceilings, a mechanical clock, three platforms, repair facilities, and a rail yard. Services ceased in 1975/76.
- Post-war revival:
- In 2014, it was transformed into a popular outdoor bar and events venue. A rusting steam locomotive serves as a DJ booth, blending nostalgia with contemporary urban culture.
- In 2023, UNESCO and Italy pledged €2 million for its restoration.
Tripoli Station (El‑Mina)
- Landmark origins: Built in 1911, this station linked Lebanon with Homs and served as the terminus for the Orient Express during the 1920s–40s.
- Current state:
- A war-scarred but hauntingly beautiful site, housing vintage German G7 and G8 locomotives (1895–1906), decaying platforms, and graffiti-adorned walls.
- It briefly reopened in 2011 for public visits but remains largely neglected.
Rayak Station – Bekaa Valley
- The railway hub: Opened in 1895, Rayak was Lebanon’s largest station—featuring repair shops, workshops, a hotel, telecom offices, lounge areas, and even a post office and military center.
- Decline & proposals:
- During WWII, it served the French Air Force; during the Lebanese Civil War it was seized by Syrian forces, with some buildings used as detention centers.
- A proposal in 2010 to convert it into a railway museum failed due to lack of political support.
Other Stations Along the Coast & Mountains
- Jamhour & Araya: Jamhour station now serves as a private home; Araya station is draped in greenery and occasionally used as a film location.
- Aley & Sofar:
- Aley’s station has been converted into an office for railway authorities.
- Sofar station which is located near the Grand Sofar Hotel.
- Bhamdoun Station:
- Built in 1898, it was central to local development and tourism. It closed in 1983, and bullet-marked ruins remain beside a new highway.
Suggested Itinerary for Railway Explorers
- Beirut Mar Mikhael – start with urban history, nightlife, and architecture.
- Drive out the Damascus Highway – passing through Jamhour, Araya, Sofar, Aley, and Bhamdoun for contrasting ruins and hidden stories.
- Rayak Station – finish in Bekaa, where the magnitude and tragic industrial heritage linger most visibly.
- Tripoli Station – if heading north from Beirut, explore El‑Mina’s overgrown platforms and Orient Express relics.
