Louages

How does it work?

Every town has one or more louage stations, often grouped by destination. You go to the station, look for the vehicle showing your destination, then buy your seat at the counter or directly from the driver. The louage leaves once it is full, usually with eight passengers. During the day, the wait is often short on major routes, and longer in the evening or to smaller towns.

Louage colours

Louages are white with a coloured stripe indicating their area of operation. A red stripe generally indicates routes between governorates, meaning long intercity journeys. A blue stripe usually corresponds to journeys within the same governorate, while a yellow stripe often relates to rural routes. The destination is usually displayed on the roof or the windscreen.

Comfort and safety

Comfort is basic: tight seating, luggage on the roof or at the back, and air conditioning that varies from vehicle to vehicle. Journeys are fast, sometimes a little too fast for some travellers' taste. Fares are regulated per route, which limits unpleasant surprises. For a long journey, choose a morning departure, when stations are busy and departures frequent.

When to choose a louage?

The louage is particularly useful for reaching towns not served by train, such as Kairouan, Tataouine or Tabarka, or for saving time on medium-distance trips. It suits travellers with little luggage and a flexible schedule. For families with children or large suitcases, a rental car or the train is often more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions