Getting to Tunis and Around by TGM Coastal Rail and Metro

Tunis has one of the most convenient airport locations of any Mediterranean capital, alongside a historic coastal railway and a light-rail tram network that take you straight to the major museums and ruins without needing a rental car.

From Tunis-Carthage Airport (TUN) to the city and coast

Tunis-Carthage International Airport sits only 8 kilometres north-east of central Avenue Habib Bourguiba and roughly 12 to 15 kilometres from Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa:

• Official metered yellow taxis: the fastest and most practical transfer. Skip unofficial touts inside the terminal building and walk straight outside to the kerbside taxi rank. Confirm that the driver switches on the digital taximeter (an airport pick-up supplement and a small late-evening tariff increase at night are standard). If you are staying at a courtyard dar inside the pedestrian Medina, ask your host in advance which outer perimeter square (such as Place de la Kasbah, Bab Souika or Bab Bhar) is closest so the taxi can drop you at the nearest vehicle point.
• Ride-hailing apps and city buses: local taxi-hailing apps (such as Bolt) operate across Greater Tunis and let you see an estimated fare on your phone screen, while SNT city bus 635 and 35 run from the airport road toward Place Tunis Marine during daytime hours.

Riding the TGM train to La Goulette, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and La Marsa

Operating since 1872, the TGM (Tunis-Goulette-Marsa) suburban light rail departs from Tunis Marine station at the eastern foot of Avenue Habib Bourguiba. Trains cross the narrow dike dividing Lake Tunis to serve La Goulette (for fish restaurants), six consecutive stations across Carthage (including Carthage Salammbô, Carthage Byrsa and Carthage Hannibal for the Antonine Baths), Sidi Bou Said and the terminus at La Marsa Plage. Buy your paper ticket at the station window before boarding; if the causeway section is ever under engineering works, official replacement shuttle buses bridge the hop from Tunis Marine.

Metro Leger to the Bardo Museum and SNCFT intercity trains

Tunis's overground green trams are known as the Metro Leger. To reach the Bardo National Museum from the centre, board Line 4 at Place de Barcelone or République and ride west to Le Bardo station, five minutes' walk from the palace gates. Long-distance SNCFT trains to Sousse, El Jem and Monastir depart from Gare de Tunis on Place de Barcelone.