TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL

AIR: The national airline is Tunis Air (TU) (www.tunisair.com). There are regular direct flights to Tunisia from all over Europe, but no direct flights from the USA, Asia, South America and Australasia. Tuninter also runs services to Malta and Hassi Messaoud in Algeria (see Travel – Internal section).
 

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: Tunis (TUN) (Carthage International) is 8km northeast of the city (travel time – 15-30 minutes). There is a duty-free shop open both to incoming and outgoing passengers. Banks are open all day for currency exchange, and at least one remains open for night flights. An airport–city coach and buses are available. Return is from Hotel Africa Meridien (city air terminal). Taxis are available; a surcharge is levied at night.
Monastir (MIR) (Skanes) is 8km west of the city. Buses are available to the city centre.
Djerba (DJE) (Melita) is 8km from the city.
Sfax (SFA) is 15km from the city.
Tozeur (TOE) (Nefta) is 10km from the city.
Tabarka (TBJ) is 2km from the city.
All the above airports have bars, restaurants and both incoming and outgoing duty-free shops. Taxis are available at all the airports.

Note: Tunisian currency is not valid in duty-free shops.

DEPARTURE TAX: None for visitors. TD45 for residents and nationals only.

SEA: SNCM (Ferry Terranée) runs ferry services from France and Italy to Tunisia. For more informtion contact their main office in France (Tel: (08) 9170 1801; Fax: (04) 9156 3586; E-mail: confo@sncm.fr; website: www.sncm.fr). The major routes are Marseilles–Tunis (travel time – 21-24 hours) and Genoa–Tunis (travel time – 21-24 hours). A hydrofoil service is available from Sicily between May and September. Costa Cruises offer summer cruises from Genoa to Tunisia.

ROAD: Theoretically, there are several points of entry by road from Algeria, normally served by buses and long-distance taxis: Annaba (in Algeria) to Tabarka (following the coast road); Souk Ahras (in Algeria) to Ghardimaou and El Oued (Algeria) to Gafsa. Entry by road from Libya is via the coast road at Gabès, via Ben Gardane and Ras Ajdir.
 

NATIONAL

AIR: Tuninter runs regular services seven to eight times a day between Tunis and Djerba airports (flight time – approximately 1 hour). There is a daily flight to Sfax from Tunis Tuesday to Friday, with two flights on Monday. There are flights to Tozeur on most weekdays. Tuninter is represented internationally by Tunis Air (Tel: (020) 7734 7644). Prices are reasonable and services are normally heavily subscribed, so it is advisable to book ahead.

SEA: Ferries operate between Sfax and the Kerkenah Islands twice daily, and between Jorf and Jerba Island regularly during the day.

RAIL: Regular trains (run by SNCFT) connect Tunis with major towns. The main route is between Tunis and Gabès, via Sousse, Sfax and Gafsa. It is essential to purchase a ticket before boarding the train or double the fare may be charged. Several daily trains run on each route, many with air-conditioned accommodation and a buffet. The superb views of the Sebja Gorge can be seen from the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard), a restored old-fashioned train that runs daily between Metalouis and Redeyef. It is highly advisable to book in advance, if possible, especially for the more popular air-conditioned routes.

ROAD: Tunisia has an extensive road network. In case of breakdown, the Garde Nationale (National Guard) will assist free of charge (they usually contact the nearest garage). Traffic drives on the right. Bus: The green and yellow coloured national buses, run by SNTRI, are air conditioned and travel daily to most towns across the country. Other services include the intercity buses which are cheap and reasonably comfortable. The destination is written in French and Arabic on the front of the bus. Passengers are allowed 10kg of luggage without additional charge. Each piece of luggage must, however, be registered. Taxi: Long-distance taxis (usually large Mercedes or similar), called louages, are authorised to carry five passengers. They have no fixed schedule and leave their respective 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: This can be very expensive. To rent a self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 years of age. A full driving licence, which has been valid for at least one year, is acceptable. Speed limits: 50kph (30mph) in towns; 100kph (60mph) on major highways. Documentation: Log books, valid national driving licences and insurance are essential. Both the RAC and AA are affiliated to the National Automobile Club (NACT) based in Tunis. Insurance valid for up to 21 days can be purchased at the border.

URBAN: A surburban train line (TGM) 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 per cent surcharge on night fares. Bicycle: Bicycles and motorcycles are available for hire in most major towns and do not require a licence.

TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Tunis to other major cities/towns in Tunisia.

 

Travellers to Port el Kantaoui are advised to take the train to Sousse, and travel the remaining 7km (4 miles) by taxi. For Monastir they should change in Sousse for the Metro Leger. For Jerba, they should take the train to Gabès and then the shuttle-bus.