Tunisia (TN)
North Africa's most Mediterranean country, Tunisia blends Carthaginian ruins, Saharan Desert, and French-influenced cafés with a warm, hospitable culture.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Tunisia.
Public Transport Overview
Tunis has a metro léger (light rail), suburban TGM train to northern suburbs, and an extensive TRANSTU bus network. Other major cities (Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte) are served by regional bus companies (SRTG) and louages (shared long-distance taxis). Public transit is very affordable but can be crowded and infrequent. Tunis Metro lines 1–5 cover the main arteries of the capital. Ride-hailing (Bolt, InDriver) has transformed urban mobility since 2022.
🎫 Transit Passes
Unlimited travel on TRANSTU metro léger lines 1–5, TGM train (Tunis–La Marsa), and TRANSTU bus routes within the Tunis metropolitan area.
Tunis Marine station to La Marsa (16 stops) via Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. One of the most scenic urban rail journeys in Africa — expat commuter favourite.
Lines 1–5 covering central Tunis, Bardo, Ariana, Ben Arous. Transfer between lines requires a new ticket.
Tunis–Sousse (2h), Tunis–Sfax (3.5h), Tunis–Gabès (5h), Tunis–Bizerte (1.5h). 1st and 2nd class available.
Taxi & Rideshare
Yellow taxis (Taxi Jaune) are metered. Day rate: flagfall DT 0.50 + DT 0.80/km. Night rate (8pm–6am) is approximately 50% higher. Drivers often resist meter use for tourists — insist on the meter or agree price upfront. Taxi apps: Bolt and InDriver offer fixed-price rides and are now preferred by most expats in Tunis, Sousse, and Sfax. Airport taxis from Tunis-Carthage International: DT 20–40 to central Tunis (negotiate or use Bolt).
Rideshare (Long-distance)
Bolt (formerly Taxify) is the dominant ride-hailing app in Tunisia — operates in Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, and Monastir. InDriver allows price negotiation between driver and passenger. Both apps require a Tunisian or international phone number and accept card or cash. Significantly cheaper than European equivalents — a typical Tunis cross-city ride is DT 5–12.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure is minimal and not recommended for daily commuting in major Tunisian cities due to traffic, heat, and lack of bike lanes. The coastal TGM corridor and medina areas of Tunis are more cycle-friendly. Bike-sharing schemes exist experimentally in some tourist areas but are not reliable. E-scooters (trottinettes) are increasingly visible in central Tunis but unregulated.
Intercity Trains
SNCFT operates the national rail network from Tunis to Sfax, Sousse, Gabes, Bizerte, and Beja. The Tunis–Sousse route (TGR express, 2h) is popular and comfortable. Intercity trains are affordable but slower than louages for most routes. The louage (shared long-distance taxi) network is faster, more frequent, and the preferred mode for most Tunisian intercity travel — departs when full from Gare Routière stations.
Driving
Drives on the right. Speed limits: motorways (autoroutes) 110 km/h; open roads 90 km/h; urban 50 km/h. BAC limit: 0.50 g/l. Tunisia has a motorway network connecting Tunis to Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Medjez el-Bab — tolled (péage). Roads in the south and rural areas can be poor quality. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended alongside home licence. After residency, convert to Tunisian permis de conduire via DTSR. Driving in Tunis city centre is challenging — parking is scarce; Bolt is often more practical.
Airports
Main international airport: Tunis-Carthage International (TUN) — 8km from central Tunis. Metro Line 4 (TGM) does not reach the airport; options are taxi (DT 20–40) or Bolt. Regional airports: Monastir Habib Bourguiba (MIR), Djerba-Zarzis (DJE), Sfax-Thyna (SFA), Tabarka (TBJ), Tozeur (TOE). Direct routes from major European cities (Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome, Marseille) on Tunisair, TunisAir Express, Nouvelair, and Transavia.