ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
The domestic flight network is operated by Sevenair (UG) (Internet: http://www.sevenair.com.tn/), which is represented abroad by Tunis Air (TU) (Internet: www.tunisair.com.tn). There are scheduled flights from Tunis to Sfax, Djerba, Tozeur (Sahara), Gafsa, Tabarka and Gabes. The prices are quite cheap and the flights are often fully booked, advance booking is recommended.
On the way by car / bus
According to youremailverifier, Tunisia has a well-developed road network in the north. Fuel is cheap, but unleaded petrol is not available at all petrol stations.
The Garde Nationale (National Guard) will help free of charge in the event of a breakdown – the nearest workshop is usually notified. Long-
distance bus: The Société Nationale du Transport Interurbain (SNTRI) (Internet: www.sntri.com.tn) and other bus lines connect the cities (including from Tunis to Ghardimaou, Bizerte, Sfax, Kalâa Khasba, Métlaoui and from Sousse to Monastir and Mahdia). They are inexpensive and relatively convenient. Passengers can take 10 kg of luggage with them at no extra charge every piece of luggage must be registered.
Long-distance taxis are Louages called and which up to 5 passengers transported. They are white with red stripes. When the taxi is fully occupied, they drive to any desired destination in Tunisia. The Louages have fixed prices per person. There are many louage stops; they are the fastest means of public transport, and prices are similar to bus and train prices. Important: The signs on the car indicate the home of the taxi, not the destination. This is called out loud by the driver.
Rental cars are available in all touristic places. Information is available from the tourist offices, for example. Mediation through most hotels is also possible, but more expensive than contacting the company directly. In addition to the international agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Budget and Europcar, which are also represented at all airports, there are national car rental companies that are cheaper in most cases. The driver must be at least 21 years old and the driver’s license at least 12 months old.
Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented in most major cities.
Maximum speeds:
in cities: 50 km / h,
on country roads 90 km / h,
on expressways: 110 km / h.
Documents: registration, valid driver’s license and green insurance card. You can take out insurance for 21 days at the border.
Note on traveling by road
For safety reasons, it is forbidden to drive to the Sahara without informing the National Guard post of the nearest city of the exact route, planned duration and final destination. Full food, enough water, a suitably equipped, absolutely roadworthy vehicle and an experienced guide are necessary.
Traveling in the city
Public transport companies (SNT) (Internet: www.snt.com.tn) supply all cities, the means of transport are numerous but overcrowded.
In Tunis, monthly and tens cards are available in post offices.
Tunis and Sousse have a tram network (Métro Léger), in Tunis there are also local trains to the outskirts of Goulette and La Marsa.
Taxi:There are numerous city taxis within Tunis and other cities, all of which are metered. The small taxis in the cities are very cheap. The journey is calculated per kilometer, plus a basic fee. You should only pay the indicated fare (plus tip). 50% night surcharge between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The transport of several pieces of luggage costs extra. A maximum of three passengers are taken.
On the go by train
The railway network of Tunisia is laid to a smaller extent in standard gauge (1435 mm) and for the most part in meter gauge. The SNCFT operates all long-distance trains and the suburban railways from Tunis / Hammam Lif / Borj Dedria and Sousse / Monastir / Mahdia within Tunisia. A bypass from Sousse begins at Kalaa Séghira station, passes Sousse and rejoins the main Tunis-Sfax line at M’Saken station, a good 10 km south of Sousse. Almost all long-distance trains of the SNCFT are air-conditioned and also run a drinks service.
All air-conditioned trains are subject to a surcharge. As a rule, long-distance trains run with Grand Comfort class, 1st and 2nd class cars. The world’s fastest meter-gauge trains operate on the Tunis-Sfax line. The fastest trains on the Tunis-Sousse-Sfax route have individual seat service.
Numerous holiday resorts in Tunisia can be reached directly by train, including Hammamet, Nabeul, Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Moknine and Gabès. The SNCFT long-distance trains take you to the following cities and important centers from Tunis: Mateur, Bizerte, Béjà, Jendouba, Ghardimaou, Pont du Fahs, Gaafour, Kalaa Khasba, Grombalia, Hammamet, Nabeul, Enfidha, Sousse, Monastir, usually several times a day, Moknine, Mahdia, El Jem, Sfax, Mahres, Gabès, Gafsa and Metlaoui. Gabès is served four times a day. The night train continues to operate between Tunis and Metlaoui.
Tickets and rail passes must be purchased before departure. Current SNCF timetables are available online at www.fahrplancenter.com. Advance booking is necessary.
The Lézard Rouge offers a particularly breathtaking ridethrough the Selja Gorge in the Atlas Mountains. The train, pulled by a diesel locomotive, is made up of historical and faithfully restored wagons and runs several times a week between Metlaoui and Tabeditt and back during the tourist season. Special tickets are required for the Lézard Rouge.
Note on rail travel
Discounts: Round trip tickets such as the Carte Bleue are cheaper, children under 4 travel for free.
The Carte Bleue is not valid for the Lézard Rouge, nor in the tram system of Tunis (SMLT) nor in the electric suburban train (TGM) of Tunis.
On the way by ship
The largest ports in the country include La Goulette, Tunis, Biserta, Sousse, Sfax and Gabès.
Ferries connect Sfax and the Kerkennah Islands twice a day, Djorf and the island of Djerba regularly during the day.