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Getting Around by Air
Tuninter runs around four flights daily in summer between Tunis and Djerba (one hour), and about two flights a week between Tunis and Tozeur, Sfax (45 minutes), and Gafsa. Sevenair (tel: 71 94 26 26; website: www.sevenair.com.tn), formerly Tuninter, is owned by the Tunis Air group. Prices are reasonable and services are normally heavily subscribed, so it is advisable to book ahead.
Getting Around by Water
Ferries operate between Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands, and between El Jorf and Jerba Island.
Getting Around by Rail
Regular trains are run by SNCFT (tel: 71 345 511; website: www.sncft.com) and connect Tunis with major towns. The main route is north-south between Tunis and Gabès, via Sousse and Sfax, one train per day branches at Mahres, south of Sfax, to Gafsa and Metaloui. There are also branch lines to Bizerte, Nabeul (in the Cap Bon), and the Metro de Sahel links Sousse to Monastir and Mahdia. There are three classes (first, second and confort). It is a good idea to book in advance for popular routes, especially in summer. Superb views of the Selja Gorge can be seen from the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard), a restored train dating from 1910, which runs daily between Metlaoui and Redeyef.
Travellers to Port el Kantaoui are advised to take the train to Sousse and travel the remaining 7km (4 miles) by taxi. For Jerba, travellers can take the train to Gabès and then a bus (three daily).
Travellers to Port el Kantaoui are advised to take the train to Sousse and travel the remaining 7km (4 miles) by taxi. For Jerba, travellers can take the train to Gabès and then a bus (three daily).
Getting Around by Road
Tunisia has an extensive road network; all but the smallest roads are tar-sealed. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus: National buses, run by SNTRI (tel: 71 784 433, website: www.sntri.com.tn) are air-conditioned, fast, comfortable and cheap, and travel daily to most towns across the country.
Taxi: Long-distance shared taxis are called louages. They leave their departure points when full. They serve the whole of Tunisia. This is the quickest form of public road transport. There are many louage stations and prices are similar to those of buses and trains.
Car hire: Major international and local companies are plentiful, but hire is relatively expensive; the charge usually includes insurance and breakdown cover. To hire a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 and hold a full driving licence that has been valid for at least one year.
Regulations: Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kpm (55mph) on the open road and 110kph (70mph) on the A1 toll road between Tunis and Msaken, south of Sousse. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats. The legal driving age is 18.
Emergency breakdown service: Touring Club de Tunisie (www.touringclubtunisie.org), based in Tunis, can be of assistance in case of emergency breakdown.
Documentation: Log books, valid national driving licences and insurance are essential.
Bus: National buses, run by SNTRI (tel: 71 784 433, website: www.sntri.com.tn) are air-conditioned, fast, comfortable and cheap, and travel daily to most towns across the country.
Taxi: Long-distance shared taxis are called louages. They leave their departure points when full. They serve the whole of Tunisia. This is the quickest form of public road transport. There are many louage stations and prices are similar to those of buses and trains.
Car hire: Major international and local companies are plentiful, but hire is relatively expensive; the charge usually includes insurance and breakdown cover. To hire a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 and hold a full driving licence that has been valid for at least one year.
Regulations: Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kpm (55mph) on the open road and 110kph (70mph) on the A1 toll road between Tunis and Msaken, south of Sousse. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats. The legal driving age is 18.
Emergency breakdown service: Touring Club de Tunisie (www.touringclubtunisie.org), based in Tunis, can be of assistance in case of emergency breakdown.
Documentation: Log books, valid national driving licences and insurance are essential.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
A suburban train line, Tunis-Goullete-Marsa (TGM) (website: www.snt.com.tn), links Tunis with the northern suburbs. Tunis and Sousse also have a modern and convenient tram system (métro léger).
Taxi: Within Tunis and other cities, city taxis are numbered and have meters. The price on the meter is what you should pay. There is a 50% surcharge on night fares.
Bicycle: Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a licence.
Taxi: Within Tunis and other cities, city taxis are numbered and have meters. The price on the meter is what you should pay. There is a 50% surcharge on night fares.
Bicycle: Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a licence.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Tunis to other major cities/towns in Tunisia.
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Monastir | 0.35 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Sfax | 0.50 | 4.00 | 3.30 |
| Djerba | 1.00 | 7.00 | - |
| Tozeur | 1.15 | 6.00 | - |