Tunisia is easy to explore thanks to reasonable distances and a wide choice of transport. Trains and louages link the main towns, buses serve the whole country and a car gives you great freedom to explore the interior and the south. In Tunis, the TGM and the light metro complete the options. Here is how to choose the means of transport best suited to your itinerary.
Domestic flights and trains
Domestic flights connect Tunis with distant cities such as Djerba and Tozeur, saving time over long distances. The national rail network serves in particular the coastal route from Tunis to Sousse, Sfax and Gabès, as well as the north of the country. In the Sahel, the Métro du Sahel links Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia. As timetables are subject to change, check them before each journey.
Louages and buses
The louage is a shared taxi, usually a minibus, that connects towns on fixed routes. It leaves from dedicated stations as soon as all seats are taken, with no set timetable. It is a very popular means of transport among Tunisians. Intercity and regional buses complete this network and also serve smaller towns and villages.
Car hire
Hiring a car is ideal for exploring Cap Bon, the interior or the south at your own pace. Traffic drives on the right, and motorways link Tunis with the Sahel, Sfax and Bizerte. Respect the speed limits signposted on the roads, and take care at night and when approaching built-up areas. For the desert, some routes require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and an experienced guide.
Taxis
In towns, yellow individual taxis are plentiful and handy for short trips. They run on a meter: make sure it is switched on when you set off. For longer journeys, for example from an airport to a beach resort, it is best to agree on the terms before leaving. In the larger cities, ride-booking apps are also available.
In Tunis: TGM and light metro
The TGM is a suburban railway linking central Tunis with La Goulette, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa. It is a simple and pleasant way to visit the sites of the northern suburbs without a car. The Tunis light metro, a tram network, serves the city and several outlying districts. If possible, avoid rush hours, which are often very crowded.