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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 colored 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
vehicles), called louages, are authorized 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: Naturally, this can be very expensive. To rent a
self-drive car, the driver must be over 21 years of age. A
full driving license, which has been valid for at least one
year, is acceptable. Speed limits: 50kph (30mph) in
towns; 100kph (60mph) on major highways. Documentation:
Logbooks, valid national driving licenses 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.
Note: Do
not drive into the Sahara on the spur of the moment.
For safety reasons, it
is forbidden to drive a car in the Sahara without first
contacting the National Guard post at the nearest town, giving
the planned itinerary and the expected point of exit from the
area. Full provisions, a suitable vehicle and an experienced
guide are necessary for any travel in the Sahara.
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 Selja
Gorge can be seen from the Lezard Rouge (Red Lizard), a
restored old-fashioned train that runs daily between Metaloui
and Redeyef. It is highly advisable to book in advance, if
possible, especially for the more popular air-conditioned
routes.
URBAN: A
suburban 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 license.
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 Kerkennah Islands twice daily,
and between Jorf and Jerba Island regularly during the day.
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