Transportation in Tunis

Tunis has a clean, affordable network of metro, tram, and buses run by Transtu. The metro ( a light rail) has six lines radiating from downtown; a single ride costs 0.680 TND (about $0.22). You'll need a rechargeable RFID card sold at metro stations, cash isn't accepted on board. Buses cover areas the metro doesn't reach, but schedules can be unpredictable outside rush hours.

The Tunis metro is a modern light rail system with six lines (numbered 1-6) connecting the center to suburbs like La Marsa, Ariana, and Ben Arous. Trains run roughly every 10-15 minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight. Buy a rechargeable card at any station kiosk, load credit, and tap in and out, guards do check tickets. Line 4 is useful for tourists, running from the Medina to Carthage and Sidi Bou Said.

You can download a PDF tram map from Transtu's website (www.transtu.tn) or pick up a free paper copy at Tunis Marine or République metro stations. The map shows all six metro lines plus the newer TGM coastal train route. Google Maps also displays live routes and stops, which is often more practical for planning a specific journey.

Yes, Transtu publishes an official network map covering metro, tram, and major bus routes, available at metro station kiosks and online at transtu.tn. The map isn't always up to date with bus route changes, so locals often recommend using Google Maps or the Moovit app for real-time info. For visitors, focusing on the six metro lines is simplest since bus numbers and stops aren't always clearly marked.

A single metro ride is 0.680 TND (around $0.22 USD), regardless of distance. You'll pay a one-time fee of about 1 TND for the rechargeable RFID card itself, then load it with credit at machines or ticket windows. There are no day passes for tourists, locals just reload as needed. It's one of the cheapest metro systems you'll find anywhere.

Yes, metro Line 4 runs directly from downtown Tunis to Carthage-Hannibal station in about 25 minutes. From there, it's a 10-minute walk uphill to the Roman ruins and Antonine Baths. The same line continues north to Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa beach. Trains leave every 12-15 minutes during the day.

For short trips in the Medina or late at night, yellow taxis are faster, just insist the driver uses the meter (compteur). Uber and Bolt also operate in Tunis with upfront pricing, though wait times can be long outside peak hours. For reaching Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, or La Marsa, the metro is cheaper and more reliable than haggling with taxi drivers.

No, the metro doesn't serve Tunis-Carthage Airport. Your options are a yellow taxi (around 10-15 TND to downtown, 20 minutes), a pre-booked airport transfer, or city bus #35 from Avenue Habib Bourguiba (much slower and cramped with luggage). Most visitors just take a metered taxi and confirm the driver turns on the meter before starting.

Yes, the metro and trams are safe, well-lit, and used by families at all hours. Pickpocketing is rare but possible on crowded rush-hour trains, so keep bags in front of you. Women traveling alone report no more hassle than in any European city. Ticket inspectors wear uniforms and will fine you 20 TND on the spot if you're riding without a valid card tap.