Train travel in Tunisia is a good choice if you want to travel by train in the northern and central part of the country. There are no railway lines in the south of Tunisia. Tunisia inherited much of its rail network from the French. There are two different rail gauge systems in the country: 1435 mm in the northern and a 1 1000 mm in the central and southern part of the country. 8 km are dual track. Both passenger and freight trains are operated by Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT).
Last updated: 02.03.2024
The first railway line in Tunisia from Tunis to La Marsa was put into operation on 2 August 1872. Currently it is TGM line.
The railway line from Tunis to Ghardimaou was opened in stages in 1878-1880.
The railway link with Algeria was completed by 29 September 1884.
On 27 December 1956 the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens company was founded.
Train travel in Tunisia – domestic trains
Trains in Tunisia are relatively inexpensive and are considered affordable and generally run on time. Trains links major cities of Tunisia and are popular among tourists and locals. There are long-distance trains and suburban trains in Tunis and Sahel areas. Suburban trains are sometimes overcrowded and considered as unsafe.
The best starting point for one-day trips is Sousse. The town itself is very pretty, perfect for long, calm walks. It is worth book a place in a local hotel and making one-day trips to other Tunisian cities. There are two train stations in Sousse: from the main station on Blv Hassouna Ayachi (trains to Tunis and south) from Sousse Metro station on Bab Jedid, Blv Mohamer V, local trains depart to the airport and Monastir.
Useful websites:
SNCFT – official website. Timetable, prices, additional information.
SNCFT – train schedules.
There was an excellent Carte Bleue railpass for 7, 15 or 21 days for unlimited travel in Tunisian trains but I have not found any current information about this offer.
Long-distance trains run on the following routes:
Tunis – Ghardimaou (via Bou-Salem and Jendouba).
Tunis – Bizerte (via Mateur).
Tunis – Gabes (via Bir Bouregba, Enfidha, Kalâa Sghira, El Jem and Sfax).
Tunis – Sfax (via Bir Bouregba, Enfidha, Kalâa Sghira and El Jem).
Tunis – Kalâa Khasba (via Gaafour and Dahmani).
Tunis – Tozeur (via Sfax, Gafsa and Métlaoui).
Tunis – Sousse (via Bir Bouregba and Enfidha).
Tunis – Nabeul (via Hammamet via Bir Bouregba).
Sousse – Mahdia (via Monastir).
Tunis – Le Kef (via Gaafour and Dahmani).
There are 3 classes available on Tunisian trains:
second class – cheapest and usually overcrowded 2+2 seat arrangement
first class – some trains are comprised of first class carriages only. Reclined seats.
comfort class – most expensive, 2+1 seat arrangement.
Lond-distance carriages are usually comprised of carriages without compartments. It’s not true that all carriages are equipped with air-conditioning. Most of them have only roller blinds and high temperature inside the carriages is burdensome during heatwave. One express train from Tunis to Mahdia is served by railcar.
Overnight trains have no couchettes and sleeping carriages.
Train travel in Tunisia – suburban trains
There are two suburban lines in Tunis:
Line A from Tunis to Erriadh was opened in 1882. In 1986 the line was extended to Borj Cédria. The further extension was completed in April 2012 – the line reached Erriadh. Total length of the line is 25 km (17 km of triple track between Tunis and Hamman-Lif; 8 km is double-tracked.). Trains stop at 18 stations. 88 trains run on the route every day, carrying 100,000 passengers.
Most important stations: Tunis, Djebel-Jelloud, Megrine, Rades, Ezzahra, Hammam-Lif, Hammam-Echatt, Borj-Cedria and Erriadh.
Line E from Tunis to Bougatfa was put into operation in 2023. The line is 9 km long, double-tracked and has 7 stations. Every day 78 trains serve the route. The line connects the downtown of the Tunis to the south-western districts of the capital. The main railway attraction is a280-metre long tunnel (Tunnel de Saida Manoubia). Trains run at an average speed of 35 km/h.
Most important stations: Tunis, Saida Manoubia, Ezzouhour and Bougatfa-Sidi Hassine.
In the future Line E would be extended to 18.4 km with 13 stations connecting Tunis, Ezzouhour, Zahrouni and Séjoumi.
The authorities plan to build 5 suburban lines in the Tunis area with total length of the network 85 km.
There is also suburban line in Sousse. The railway line connects Sousse Bab Jedid to Mahdia and has 31 stations and stops. Every day between 05:00 in the morning until 22:00 run 44 trains on the route. Trains are served by modern air-conditioned electric multple units put into service in August 2010 and 2014.
Trains in Tunisia – TGM Line
The Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) is the commuter line in Tunisia links Tunis, with the town of La Marsa via La Goulette. The line was inaugurated in 1872 – it was the first railway line in Tunisia. Since 1905 it has been known as the TGM. The TGM line is managed by Société des transports de Tunis (Transtu). The company also manages the light rail in Tunis. The TGM line is double track and electrified. The total length of the line is 18.7 km.
There are plans to acquire new trains and equipment for the line in the nearest future.
Trains depart from Turis Marine station (opposite to the port). The first stretch of the line is picturesque. Trains passes along lake and dam. It is worth to visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said cities.
Tickets are very cheap but trains are overcrowded. The ticket price depends on the travel distance. Passengers can buy tickets at all stations and stops along the route.
Train travel in Tunisia – international trains
Tunisia has a railway connection with Algeria but situation on the border is unclear. According to various timetables there is passenger train from Souk Ahras to Sidi el Hémissi. Passengers have to make their own way between the stations of Sidi el Hémissi, Algeria and Ghardimaou Heure de Tunis in Tunisia. From Ghardimaou Heure de Tunis run passengers trains to Tunis, but I can’t confirm it.
There were plans to start a direct passenger train from Tunis to Annaba, but plan failed.
Construction of the railway link with Libya is underway.
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