Arrival & Transport

Tunisia has nine international airports. The most important for German travelers:

Tunis-Carthage (TUN) — Capital

The largest airport in the country, 8 km northeast of the city center. Direct flights from Frankfurt (2:30h), Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf. Airlines: Tunisair, Lufthansa, Condor, Nouvelair.

Transfer: Taxi to the city center (5–7€, 20 min.), Bus No. 35 (0.30€, 40 min.). No train connection directly at the terminal.

Enfidha-Hammamet (NBE) — Sahel Region

Modern airport (opened in 2009), 60 km south of Hammamet, 40 km from Sousse. Mainly charter flights and low-cost carriers. Condor, TUI fly, SunExpress from Germany.

Transfer: Shuttle to the hotel (included in package holidays), taxi to Hammamet (25–30€), to Sousse (20–25€).

Djerba-Zarzis (DJE) — Island of Djerba

Ideal for beach holidays on Djerba and excursions into the Sahara. Many charter connections from Germany, especially in summer. TUI fly, Condor, Nouvelair.

Transfer: Taxi to Houmt Souk (10€, 15 min.), to the beach hotels (15–20€, 20 min.).

Monastir (MIR) — Sahel Coast

Near Monastir and Sousse. Mainly served by charter flights.

Flight Prices (Guidelines)

A rental car is the best way to explore Tunisia on your own. The roads are mostly good, the landscape varied, and the prices low.

Prices & Booking

Providers

International: Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt — more expensive, but reliable service and insurance.

Local: Express Car, Royal Car, TopCar — often 30–50% cheaper, but check the contract carefully.

Important Tips

• International Driver's License: Officially required, in practice the EU driver's license is usually accepted. Bring it just in case.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Definitely add it. Tunisian driving style is "creative" — especially in cities.
• Gasoline: About 0.60€/liter — dirt cheap! Gas stations are frequent in the north, rarer in the south. Fill up before desert trips.
• Police Checks: Frequent, especially in the south. Keep passport and driver's license handy. Stay friendly, checks are routine.
• Tracks in the South: For routes in the Sahara (e.g., Douz–Ksar Ghilane) an SUV/4x4 is necessary. Some rental companies prohibit track driving — clarify beforehand!
• Parking: Informal parking attendants (Gardien) are everywhere. Give 0.50–1 TND, then the car is safe.

Louages — The Backbone of Land Transport

Louages (pronounced: Lu-ash) are Tunisia's most ingenious means of transport: white shared taxis (8-seater vans) with colored stripes (color = region). They operate without a schedule — when there are 8 passengers, they leave. Fixed prices, extremely cheap, faster than buses.

Louage Stations are in every city. In Tunis, the most important: Gare Routière Sud (Bab Alioua, for the south) and Gare Routière Nord (Bab Saadoun, for the north). Just go to the station, state your destination, and get in.

TGM Train (Tunis–La Goulette–La Marsa)

This suburban train line is indispensable for Tunis visitors: It connects the city center (Station Tunis Marine) with Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and La Marsa in 30–40 minutes. Runs every 15 minutes, costs only 0.50€. The route runs along the Gulf of Tunis — beautiful!

Métro Léger (Tunis Tram)

Six lines through the capital. Useful for short distances, runs frequently, extremely cheap (0.20€). Somewhat outdated, but functional.

SNCFT Trains (National Railway)

The Tunisian railway connects the main cities. Slow, but scenic and dirt cheap.

• Tunis → Sousse: 2.5h, 3–5€ (Comfort class recommended)
• Tunis → Sfax: 4h, 5–8€
• Tunis → Gabès: 6h, 8–12€
• Tunis → Tozeur: 8–9h (night train available, sleeper car 15€)

Buses (SNTRI)

Cheapest option, but slow and uncomfortable. Air-conditioned "Comfort" buses on main routes are acceptable. Okay for short distances, for long distances better to use Louage or train.