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IN BRIEF
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Forget for a moment the dusty roads and the endless bus rides! In Tunisia, a true little revolution is underway: the railway lines are coming back to life and are about to bring a fresh breeze to transport and tourism in the country. Between desert, oases, and historic villages, the Tunisian train has never seemed so promising for connecting breathtaking landscapes and energizing the localities it passes through. Get ready to board: Tunisia is restoring the rail to its former glory!
Tunisia, often celebrated for its Mediterranean beaches and historic medinas, is now witnessing the revival of its railway network after years of slumber. Through a series of initiatives, the SNCFT lines are experiencing a true renaissance, reconnecting crucial regions, revitalizing local economies, and paving the way for a new form of more sustainable tourism. A focus on this railway transformation shaping the future of travel and revealing the gems of southern Tunisia.
The resurgence of a forgotten railway heritage
We sometimes tend to underestimate the extent of the Tunisian railway network. Yet, with nearly 2,000 kilometers of tracks and 23 lines crisscrossing the country, Tunisia has a remarkable railway heritage. Long ignored in favor of other means of transport, these lines are slowly coming back into service. Whether to traverse the Mediterranean coasts or venture inland, the Tunisian train today offers new opportunities for mobility and discovery, drawing inspiration from European models such as the development of the Flixtrain or investments in regional connections in France (see the French example).
Line 13: The Tunisian South regains its mythical train
Among the iconic lines, Line 13 holds a special place. Connecting Métlaoui to Tozeur over a little more than 50 km, it passes through breathtaking desert landscapes. Closed for more than five years due to gradual sand filling, it is getting a makeover and is ready to transport passengers again at the end of summer. This flagship project provides the Greater Southern regions with an open window to the future while sparing travelers the burden of cars or buses to reach the “gateway to the desert.”
The revival of this railway line is not just about transportation: it also embodies the rebirth of local tourism and supports the economic fabric of the region. Hoteliers, restaurateurs, guides, and small businesses view this resumption favorably, anticipating sustainable growth and new jobs. Residents, for their part, benefit from welcome accessibility and easier access to major urban and tourist centers. Furthermore, comfort and safety are expected to improve thanks to the modernization of the trains.
Connecting cities and exceptional landscapes
This new railway momentum invites exploration of Tunisia in a different way, highlighting hidden gems accessible only, or more easily, by train. Tozeur, an ancient caravan city, is becoming an essential stop and the gateway to an extraordinary territory of oases, chotts, and gorges. Thanks to the train, Tunisia is following the trend of many countries that emphasize the resilience and diversity of their transport, as is the case with the maintenance of certain lines even in the face of adversity (see Savoie).
Discovering the mountain oases
Upon arriving in Tozeur, the adventure is just beginning. The oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides invite contemplation and exploration. Chebika, nestled in the heart of a gorge, offers lush vegetation in total contrast to the arid rock, while Tamerza, with its Roman and Berber ruins, welcomes history enthusiasts. Mides, discreet and wild, reveals its old abandoned village and impressive gorges, ideal for an invigorating hike.
Escapes at the gates of the desert
Nefta, another wonder on the edge of the Chott el-Jerid, charms with its narrow streets and vast palm grove. The chott, an immense saline expanse, creates the illusion of a landscape from elsewhere, ideal for photography and wonder. Further north, the Selja Gorges can be visited aboard the “Red Lizard,” a tourist train that winds between rocky walls and breathtaking panoramas.
The impact on tourism and regional development
This return of the train to southern Tunisia is not just about infrastructure: it is a strong signal in favor of more responsible and inclusive tourism. The revival of rail transport opens up regions long forgotten, infuses new dynamics into local trade, and allows visitors to explore natural and cultural pearls rarely frequented. Much like cities such as Zagreb that combine quality of life and soft mobility, Tozeur and its surroundings seem to seize the same opportunity.
Other events, like those encountered during inclement weather in other countries (see the United States), remind us of the importance of a resilient rail offer. In Tunisia, this renaissance thus appears to be a winning formula, both for connecting residents and encouraging curious travelers.
Towards a future on new rails
The SNCFT today expresses its intention to invest in the renewal of rolling stock, promising a revised level of comfort and security. The train, a symbol of an era, is reinventing itself and opening up to a new audience. This renaissance of railway lines in Tunisia heralds an era where heritage, modernity, and discovery intertwine to reshape the new face of Tunisian travel.
To prepare for your Tunisian railway adventure or to closely follow the upcoming announcements and news, visit the official site: www.sncft.com.tn.
