Tansportation to Beirut

Hi All
I will be in Syria around the middle of October. I have a double entry Syrian visa. I would like to go to Beirut for a full day. I only have a day. I will be travelling from Damascus. Questions: Should I take public transportation if it is available? If I take a shared taxi, how much will it cost? And how long is the trip? Your help on this matter is greatly appreciated......regards......Boston Bobby

Last week I took a shared taxi from Beirut to Damascus ..... $17 and it took about 3 hours. Bus is cheaper, but longer.

From Damascus take a local yellow taxi to Somaria garage Terminal for bus and shared taxi to Beirut.Cost syp 800 shared taxi journey takes 3 hours service 24/7
Bus almost every 2 hours cost about half that of shared taxi.

Thank you very much for the information. I was a bit surprised of how long it would take(3 hours).....I guess I need to work a little more on my map skills.............Thanks again.......Boston Bobby