The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Tunisia
Tunisia's rail network (operated by SNCFT) spans 2,170 km across 23 lines, offering an affordable way to explore from Mediterranean coasts to desert gateways. Here's everything you need to know:
Train Network Overview
1. Intercity Lines
Connect major destinations. According to the SNCFT official website, there are 10 intercity lines:
- Tunis – Ghardimaou (via Béja, Bou-Salem et Jendouba).
- Tunis – Bizerte (via Mateur) – 2h 30m
- Tunis – Gabes (via Bir Bouregba, Enfidha, Kalâa Sghira, El Jem et Sfax) – 6h
- Tunis – Sfax (via Bir Bouregba, Enfidha, Kalâa Sghira et El Jem) – 4h
- Tunis – Kalâa Khasba (via Gâafour et Dahmani)
- Tunis – Tozeur (via Sfax, Gafsa et Métlaoui) – 9h
- Tunis – Sousse (via Bir Bouregba et Enfidha) – 2h 30m
- Tunis – Nabeul (via Bir Bouregba et Hammamet) – 1h 30m
- Tunis – Mahdia (via Monastir) – 3h
- Tunis – Le Kef (via Gâafour et Dahmani).
Refreshments On Boards
A refreshment cart serves drinks, sandwiches, and snacks on long-distance trains.
Important notes:
- During Ramadan, bring your own food as onboard services may be closed.
- Train stops are too brief to purchase food at stations.
2. Tunis Suburban Lines
- Line A: Tunis ↔ Borj Cedria (18 stations) – every 30 minutes or so – Tickets: less than 1.500 TND
- Line E: Tunis ↔ Sidi Hassine (7 stations)
- TGM Line (TRANSTU-operated):
- Connects Tunis ↔ La Marsa
- 18 stops including La Goulette & Sidi Bou Said
- Historic coastal route (1872 - Tunisia's oldest!)
- Every 30 minutes or so
- Cheap tickets (less than 2 TND)
3. Sahel Suburban Line
- Sousse ↔ Mahdia (31 stops via Monastir) – every 30 minutes or so – cheap tickets
4. International Train: Tunis (Tunisia) - Annaba (Algeria)
- From Tunis to Annaba:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 8:25 AM (Tunis Station).
- From Annaba to Tunis:
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays at 9:00 AM (Annaba Station).
- Stops: Béja, Jendouba, Ghardimaou, Souk Ahras (Algeria).
- Duration: Approximately 9 hours
- Ticket Prices
- One-Way Ticket
- First Class: 44 TND
- Second Class: 38 TND
- Round-Trip Ticket
- First Class: 81 TND
- Second Class: 71 TND
- Children: Free (under 4) | Discounted fares (4–12 years)
-
Important Travel Information
- Algerian visa requirements: Tunisian citizens don't need a visa. Other nationalities should check for entry requirements.
- Passport control: in Ghardimaou (Tunisia) and Souk Ahras (Algeria)
- Onboard services: A coffee shop is available on the train, serving water, coffee, and snacks.
- Currency: Algeria’s official currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD), so be sure to exchange money upon arrival.
Tunisia Rail Network Map © By L0wside
5. Train Services in Tunisia
Tunisia's 2,165 km rail network offers different service types:
- Express Trains: Faster, with limited stops (recommended for intercity travel where available)
- Regular Trains: Stop at most stations (slower but cheaper)
- Electrified Services: In Tunis and Sahel suburbans – modern trains
Travel Classes:
- First Class: More space and cleaner compared to Second Class
- Second Class: Most economical, often crowded and may lack maintenance
6. VIP Coach Service
Available on select intercity trains:
✔ Private, air-conditioned cabins
✔ Convertible meeting spaces (removable tables)
✔ Onboard catering & dedicated staff
✔ Ideal for business travel/small groups
→ Book in advance at major stations
Money-Saving Options
1. Discount Cards
- Student Card:
- Unlimited travel
- Semester or annual pass
- Pricing varies by route distance
- Require some documents such as proof of enrollment, ID, recent ID photo
- Registration during specific annual enrollment periods
- Submit documents at major SNCFT stations
2. Child Fares
- 0-3 years: Free
- 4-9 years: 75% of adult fare
- 10+: Full fare
Essential Travel Tips
✔ Prefer express trains - Faster, cleaner, and generally better maintained than standard trains (Example: Tunis - Sousse)
✔ Opt for suburban (Banlieue) lines - These are typically in better condition with working AC, cleaner facilities, more punctual schedules, and more modern trains compared to regular intercity trains.
✔ Check AC functionality - Especially in summer for long distances; ask at stations (express trains more likely to have working AC)
✔ Delays common on intercity lines - (10-30 mins) - suburban lines are usually punctual
✔ Bring snacks/water - Dining cars aren’t always available
✔ Always carry small cash - Cards rarely accepted
✔ Request schedules - Free printed timetables available at stations
✔ Station connections - Main train stations are typically located near bus/louage stations for easy transfers
✔ Watch train doors - Some may remain open. Stay alert when boarding/moving between cars.
✔ Return Tickets - Available for suburban lines.
Special Tourist Trains
For train enthusiasts and travelers seeking unforgettable journeys, the SNCFT offers unique heritage trains that combine breathtaking scenery—mountains, gorges, and gorgeous small towns. Below are three exclusive experiences.
1. Red Lizard (Lézard Rouge)
Step aboard a 19th-century royal train for a unforgettable ride through the Selja Gorges
- Route: Metlaoui → Redeyef (1h45 through Selja Gorge)
- History: A French gift to the Bey of Tunis, restored for tourism
Red Lizard Train © By Jerzy Strzelecki
2. Presidential Train
Travel in vintage luxury through western Tunisia’s rugged landscapes and ancient ruins
- Route: Tunis-Beja, Tunis-Sousse, Tunis-Sfax.
- Legacy: 1960s German gift to President Bourguiba
Presidential Train © By SNCFT
3. Private Train Rentals
SNCFT offers complete train charters for:
- Eco-cultural tours through scenic routes
- School/university educational trips
- Corporate/association events
- Adventure tourism (randonneurs)
→ Ideal for groups wanting exclusive rail experiences
Note: We recommend verifying train availability directly with SNCFT beforehand, as services may occasionally be canceled for maintenance. For travelers who prefer to avoid contacting SNCFT and want a hassle-free experience, we suggest purchasing tickets through a specialized travel agency. These agencies can provide up-to-date information and handle arrangements on your behalf.
Final Thoughts: Why Travel by Train in Tunisia?
For adventurous travelers, Tunisia's railways offer an unparalleled way to discover the country.
While some trains may lack modern comforts like reliable AC or pristine conditions, the rewards are exceptional:
✔ Scenic Routes – From coastal vistas to mountain gorges
✔ Unbeatable Value – affordable Tickets
✔ Cultural Immersion – Engage with locals and experience historic rail heritage
Helpful Resource
Special Thanks
For additional updates and local insights, we highly recommend visiting the Facebook page:
While their content is primarily in Tunisian Arabic, the community members and moderators are incredibly knowledgeable and willing to help travelers in English or French when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them!