Getting Around Sousse. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation in Sousse

A comprehensive overview of public transit systems reveals two main components: Métro du Sahel and Local Buses. The Métro du Sahel is a regional light rail system. It connects Sousse, starting from the Sousse Bab Jedid station, with other significant coastal towns like Monastir to the south and Mahdia further south. This system is useful for inter-city travel within the Sahel region, offering a comfortable and scenic journey.

Local buses, operated by the Société Régionale de Transport du Sahel (SRT Sousse), cover various routes within Sousse itself and connect to nearby towns and suburbs. They present an economical way to travel shorter distances around the city.

Ticketing & Accessibility

Métro du Sahel: Purchase tickets at station counters before boarding. Fares are fixed based on distance.
Local Buses: Buy tickets on board directly from the conductor. Fares are inexpensive (1-2 TND).
Hours of Operation: Métro runs early morning to late evening. Local buses run throughout the day; frequency reduces in evenings/weekends.
Accessibility: Local buses and older Métro trains may not be fully accessible. Taxis generally provide more flexibility for mobility needs.

Métro du Sahel Hub

Sousse Bab Jedid station is the main hub, connecting to Monastir and Mahdia.

Local Bus Station

The main bus station (Gare Routière) handles long-distance routes, smaller stops serve intra-city routes.

Navigating Public Transit

Do not hesitate to ask locals for directions or bus numbers. Carry small TND denominations for fares.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Hailing & Fares

Licensed taxis in Sousse are yellow and usually have a meter inside. Hail them on the street or at designated stands.
Insist on the meter being used to pay the correct fare. Fares increase after 9:00 PM.
Cash in Tunisian Dinars is the only accepted payment method for taxis.

Ride-Sharing & Safety

Bolt (formerly Taxify) is available in Sousse and is a popular ride-sharing option with transparent pricing.
Uber is generally not widely operational or popular in Tunisia.
Ride-sharing apps offer GPS tracking, driver info display, and passenger ratings, adding a layer of safety.

Rental Options & Driving

Car Rental

Minimum age 21/23, IDP and national license mandatory. Book in advance.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Less common for tourists; extreme caution needed due to traffic.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited city infrastructure; some hotels/resorts may offer.

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Speed limits 50/90/110 km/h. Defensive driving is advised.

Walking & Cycling in Sousse

Pedestrian-friendly areas and walking routes are abundant in Sousse, notably in its historic core. The entire Medina of Sousse, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is a pedestrian-only zone.

Pedestrian Zones & Routes

The Medina's intricate layout encourages slow exploration and discovery without vehicular traffic.
The Corniche, the seaside promenade (Boujaafar Beach promenade), has refreshing sea breezes and Mediterranean views.
The marina area of Port El Kantaoui is pedestrian-friendly, with its charming harbor.
For self-guided exploration, a good map or a navigation app with offline capabilities helps.

Walking Tours & Bicycle Safety

Local tour guides are available for historical and cultural walking tours of the Medina.
Sousse has limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling on main roads is hazardous due to heavy traffic.
If cycling, stick to quieter side streets or coastal paths. Always wear a helmet and ensure proper lighting.
Avoid major highways (autoroutes) and very busy, high-traffic commercial areas for pedestrians and cyclists.

Local Visuals

Image: Sousse Port El Kantaoui (Source)
Image: Sousse Medina Gate (Source)
Image: Sousse Louage (Source)

These images represent various modes of transport and popular spots in Sousse, giving a visual context to your journey.
Explore Sousse's charm through its bustling streets, serene beaches, and historic gates.
From coastal leisure to traditional transport, Sousse has a diverse travel landscape.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Hotels and local operators offer organized bus tours to nearby attractions like El Jem, Kairouan, or Monastir.

Boat Taxis/Excursions

Port El Kantaoui is a hub for recreational boat excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours and pirate ship cruises.

Unique Local Transport

Sousse does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport like tuk-tuks or jeepneys. The Métro du Sahel is its most unique public transport.

Accessibility Note

Tunisia's infrastructure is still developing for accessibility. Public transport and historical sites pose challenges.

Taxis offer the most flexibility for travelers with mobility needs. Newer hotels may have accessible rooms.

Getting Around Sousse