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Tunisia's eastern Mediterranean coast

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Getting Around Tunisia

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. It operates services to Djerba, Sfax, Tozeur, Gafsa, Gabes, Tabarka and Monastir. Prices are reasonable and services are normally heavily subscribed, so it is advisable to book ahead. However, the compact size of the country (Tunisia is the smallest in North Africa) means flying from A to B is rarely essential other than to save a few hours.

Side of road: 
Right
Road quality: 

Tunisia has an extensive road network; all but the smallest roads are tar-sealed.

Car hire: 

Major international and local companies are plentiful, but hire is relatively expensive; the charge usually includes insurance (which is compulsory, and can otherwise be obtained at La Goulette near Tunis) and breakdown cover. To hire a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21.

Taxi: 

Long-distance shared taxis are called louages. They leave their departure points when full and serve the whole of Tunisia. This is the quickest form of public road transport, although it can sometimes be a lengthy process waiting for the vehicle to fill. There are many louage stations and prices are similar to those of buses and trains. Within cities and resorts, standard taxis are readily available and reasonably priced.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

Speed limits are 50kph (30mph) in built-up areas, 90kpm (55mph) on the open road and 110kph (70mph) on freeways. Seatbelts are compulsory in the front seats. Vehicles drive on the right, and road signs in Arabic have translations.

Breakdown service: 

Touring Club de Tunisie (tel: 71 323 114 / 323 182; www.touringclubtunisie.org), based in Tunis, can be of assistance in case of emergency breakdown.

Documentation: 

Visitors must hold a full EU or international driving licence that has been valid for at least one year.

Getting around towns and cities: 

Tunisian cities and resorts are generally safe and easy to get around by taxi, with the capital also offering local electric train services and a tram network. Care should be taken if driving, as pedestrians have a tendency to walk on the roads.

Rail: 

Regular trains are run by SNCFT (tel: 71 345 511; www.sncft.com.tn) and connect Tunis with major towns. The main route is north-south between Tunis and Gabès, via Sousse and Sfax, with a branch line to Monastir and Mahdia. Other lines out of Tunis link the capital with Bizerte and other northern spots. There are three classes: first, second and confort. It is a good idea to book in advance for popular routes, especially for first class and particularly over the summer months. 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.

Rail passes: 

Visitors who will be making regular use of the rail network should buy a 7-, 15- or 21-day carte bleue (blue card), allowing unlimited travel on all routes as well as entry to museums. See the SNCFT (www.sncft.com.tn) website for further details.

By water: 

Ferries operate between Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands, and between El Jorf and Jerba Island.

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