Lebanon’s first scheduled ferry connection in decades is expected to launch on 9 June 2026, creating a new sea link between the country and Cyprus, with routes also extending to Syria and Turkey.
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The service will be operated by Lebanese shipping company Abou Merhi Agency through Cedar Waves and will connect the port of Jounieh with Larnaca in under four hours, significantly faster than initial estimates.
The Cedar Waves vessel will be the first to run regular international passenger services from Lebanon in decades, marking an important development for transport and tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Link to Cyprus in under four hours
The core route will connect the port of Jounieh in Lebanon with the port of Larnaca in Cyprus, with a journey time of around 3 hours and 59 minutes.
Departures from Lebanon to Cyprus will run every Wednesday and Sunday at 9 am, as well as every Friday at 10 am, arriving in Larnaca shortly before 1 pm. (Beirut time).
Beyond Cyprus, the network will also link Latakia in Syria and Mersin in Turkey, turning the new service into a broader maritime transport hub for the region.
Fares lower than first projected
Ticket prices for the Cyprus route are noticeably lower than those initially reported before the official launch of the service.
Indicative one-way fares to Larnaca are as follows:
- Standard: around €88
- Plus: around €144
- Lounge: around €163
Sailings to Turkey cost roughly €153 to €255, while fares to Syria range from about €125 to €139, depending on the travel date.
Fares to Cyprus are significantly lower than the initial estimates of €230 to €320 and could prove a competitive alternative to air travel over the summer season.
Cheaper option than flying
Flights between Beirut and Larnaca often cost between €160 and €235 one way during peak demand periods, making the new ferry route one of the most economical direct travel options between the two countries.
Although the journey takes around four hours compared with a flight of just 30 minutes, the new service is expected to appeal to travellers looking for lower prices, greater luggage flexibility and a more scenic travel experience across the Mediterranean.
The launch of the route is also expected to strengthen tourism and business ties between Cyprus and Lebanon ahead of the summer season.