Tunis Carthage International Airport

Tunis-Carthage International Airport (TUN) is the main international gateway to Tunisia, located just 8 km northeast of downtown Tunis. Named after the ancient city of Carthage nearby, the airport handles over 7 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for Tunisair, Tunisia's national carrier.

The airport has two passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1: Handles the majority of international and domestic scheduled flights. This is where most travelers arrive and depart. Facilities are compact and navigation is straightforward.
• Terminal 2: Smaller terminal used primarily for charter and seasonal flights, mainly serving European tour operators.

Both terminals are located close together, and the airport layout is manageable without extensive walking. Signage is available in Arabic, French, and English.

Important: Tunisia has a second major international airport serving the greater Tunis area. Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport (NBE), located 100 km south of Tunis near the coastal resorts, handles many European charter flights to beach destinations like Hammamet and Sousse. Always verify which airport your flight uses.

TUN is located approximately 8 km northeast of central Tunis. Travel times depend on traffic:

• Downtown Tunis (Avenue Habib Bourguiba): 15-25 minutes
• Tunis Medina: 20-30 minutes
• Carthage ruins: 10-15 minutes
• Sidi Bou Said: 15-20 minutes
• La Marsa: 20-25 minutes
• Gammarth: 25-35 minutes

Rush hour (7-9am, 5-8pm weekdays): Add 10-20 minutes to these estimates.

Taxis are the most practical option for most travelers. Official yellow taxis operate from designated stands outside the arrivals hall.

Taxi Fares

Destination	Day Rate	Night Rate (9pm-5am)
Downtown Tunis	TND 30-35 (~$10 USD)	TND 45-50 (~$15 USD)
Sidi Bou Said	TND 25-30 (~$8-10 USD)	TND 35-45 (~$12-15 USD)
Carthage	TND 15-20 (~$5-7 USD)	TND 25-30 (~$8-10 USD)
La Marsa	TND 25-35 (~$8-12 USD)	TND 40-50 (~$13-17 USD)
Gammarth	TND 40-50 (~$13-17 USD)	TND 55-70 (~$18-23 USD)

Tips:

• Insist on the meter - Tunisian taxis are required to use meters
• Ignore touts inside the arrivals hall; proceed to the official taxi stand outside
• Night rates (9pm-5am) are 50% higher than day rates
• Drivers may add TND 5-10 for luggage
• Cash only - have small notes ready
• Have your destination address written down (French or Arabic is helpful)

Rideshare

Uber is not available in Tunisia. The Bolt app previously operated but service ended in May 2025. Use official taxis or pre-book a private transfer.

Pre-Booked Transfers

Private transfer services offer fixed-rate pickups, starting around EUR 20-25 for downtown Tunis. Hotels often arrange airport transfers - inquire when booking.

Public transit options from TUN are limited and not recommended for most travelers with luggage.

Bus

SNT Line 635 serves the airport:

• Destination: Downtown Tunis (Abdel Moneim Riyad)
• Fare: TND 1-2 (~$0.30-0.60 USD), cash only
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Frequency: Limited service
• Operating hours: Buses stop running at 6pm

Important: The bus stop is located approximately 400 meters from the terminal on the main road (not at the terminal building). Service is basic with limited luggage space.

Recommendation: Given the low taxi fares and unreliable bus service, taxis are the practical choice for most travelers.

Future Metro Connection

An elevated metro line connecting the airport to downtown Tunis has been approved as part of a major expansion project. Check current status before travel.

Parking is available at both terminals:

Location	Capacity	Notes
Terminal 1	2,500 spaces	Main parking area
Terminal 2	500 spaces	Charter terminal

Short-term and long-term parking available. Payment typically cash only.

Dining options at TUN are modest. Most outlets are located in the international departures area of Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 (Departures)

• Snack bars and cafes: Tunisian snacks, pastries, sandwiches
• Full-service restaurant: International and local cuisine
• Coffee shops: Espresso and light refreshments

Important Notes

• Prices are in euros in the airside area after security
• Tunisian dinars may not be accepted after security
• Most outlets operate according to flight schedules - expect limited options outside peak times
• Selection is basic compared to major international hubs

Recommendation: Eat in Tunis before arriving at the airport or bring snacks for a better dining experience.

WiFi availability at TUN is inconsistent. Free WiFi may be available with sessions up to 240 minutes, but quality varies.

• Lounges: More reliable WiFi for lounge guests
• Cafes/restaurants: Some offer WiFi for customers

For reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card on arrival or use mobile data from your home provider.

SIM cards are available from kiosks in the arrivals hall. Tunisia has three mobile operators:

Carriers and Locations

• Tunisie Telecom: Near the main exit of arrivals - best coverage nationwide, recommended for travel to southern Tunisia
• Ooredoo: Central hall near currency exchange
• Orange Tunisie: Near tourist information counters

Typical Prices

Carrier	Basic SIM	Data Package	Notes
Tunisie Telecom	TND 3.5 (~$1 USD)	TND 8-25 for 2-25GB	Best coverage
Ooredoo	TND 5 (~$2 USD)	TND 8-25 for 2-25GB	Good coverage
Orange	TND 5 (~$2 USD)	TND 30 for tourist pack	Holiday SIMs for travelers

Requirements: Bring your passport - registration is required.

Hours: SIM card kiosks close at 10pm and reopen at 7am. Automated vending machines may be available for after-hours purchases.

Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND). Tunisia uses a closed currency system - dinars cannot be legally exported or imported.

ATMs

ATMs are located throughout the terminals:

• Arrivals hall: Multiple ATMs (STB Bank, BH Bank, BNA Bank, CIB)
• Departures area: Additional ATMs available

ATM Fees: Foreign cards typically incur TND 10-15 fee per withdrawal. Withdrawal limits are often TND 500-1,000 per transaction.

Currency Exchange

24-hour exchange offices operate in arrivals and departures:

• Best rates: Semi-public banks (STB, BH Bank, BNA Bank)
• Avoid: Airport rates include a markup, though the difference is typically minimal

Important: Before Departure

• Exchange TND before security - no currency exchange is available airside
• Keep exchange receipts - required to convert dinars back to foreign currency
• ATM receipts are not accepted for re-exchange
• Airside shops accept only EUR, USD, or cards - not Tunisian dinars

General Tips

• Tunisia is largely cash-based; carry sufficient dinars
• Credit cards accepted at hotels, major restaurants, and larger shops
• Use a card with zero foreign transaction fees (Wise, Revolut) to minimize ATM costs

Duty-free shopping is available in arrivals and departures, with stores operating 24/7.

Duty-Free Stores

Terminal 1:

• Departures boutique (main selection)
• Arrivals boutique
• Satellite boutique
• Last-minute boutique near gates

Terminal 2:

• Departures and arrivals boutiques

Products Available

• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Liquor and tobacco
• Confectionery and chocolates
• Watches and jewelry
• Tunisian souvenirs
• Fashion accessories

Payment Information

• Prices are in euros
• USD and GBP accepted
• Tunisian dinars NOT accepted at duty-free shops
• Credit cards accepted

Online Pre-Order

Reserve items online at tunis.shopdutyfree.com for pickup at the airport.

Tunisian Specialties Worth Buying

• Olive oil: Tunisia is a major producer
• Harissa: Spicy chili paste
• Dates: Especially Deglet Nour variety
• Ceramics: Traditional hand-painted pieces
• Leather goods: Bags, belts, slippers

Lounge options at TUN are limited but functional.

Priority Pass Lounges

Privilege Lounge (Espace Privilege) - Terminal 1

• Location: Airside, 1st Floor, after immigration near Duty Free
• Access: Priority Pass, business class tickets, day pass purchase
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, beverages, day beds, computer workstations with printers
• Notes: Access permitted 3 hours before departure. Children under 2 free. The only business class lounge at the airport.

Salon VIP (Departures) - Terminal 1

• Location: Airside, 1st Floor, next to Duty Free
• Access: Priority Pass, airline status
• Notes: Children under 12 admitted free, smoking area available

Salon VIP (Arrivals) - Terminal 1

• Status: Currently closed for renovation
• Location: Ground floor arrivals hall

Day Pass Access

Walk-in access available at the Privilege Lounge when space permits - expect approximately $35-50 USD.

Credit Card Access

• Amex Platinum: Access to Espace Privilege Lounge

Hotels near TUN are concentrated in the Les Berges du Lac business district, 1.5-3 km from the terminal.

Closest Options

• Tunis Marriott Hotel (5-star): 1.5 km from airport, outdoor pool, Mediterranean restaurant
• Hotel Royal ASBU (5-star): 1.8 km, airport transfers available
• Occidental Lac Tunis (4-star): 2.3 km, buffet restaurant
• Acropole Tunis Hotel (4-star): 2.4 km, cocktail bar
• Hotel Lac Leman (4-star): 2.5 km, continental breakfast included

Budget Options

• Ibis Tunis Hotel (3-star): Near Avenue Habib Bourguiba, about 10 km from airport
• Various 3-star hotels in the city center from TND 100-200/night (~$30-65 USD)

Hotels with Airport Shuttle

• The Residence Tunis (Gammarth): 24-hour airport shuttle, luxury resort
• Corail Suites Hotel: Airport shuttle service available

For early departures or late arrivals, the Les Berges du Lac area offers the shortest transfer times to the airport.

Tunis and its surroundings offer extraordinary history, from ancient Carthage to the atmospheric Medina. Even a short visit can include memorable experiences.

Must-See Attractions

Carthage Ruins (10-15 min from airport)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site with Phoenician and Roman remains
• Antonine Baths: Grand Roman baths with Mediterranean views
• Byrsa Hill: Ancient citadel and Carthage Museum
• Entry: TND 12 (~$4 USD) for combined site ticket
• Tip: Sites are spread out; budget 2-3 hours minimum

Sidi Bou Said (15-20 min from airport)

• Iconic blue-and-white clifftop village
• Often called "Tunisia's Santorini"
• Cobblestone streets, cafes, art galleries, sea views
• Cafe des Delices: Famous terrace with panoramic views
• Perfect for photography and leisurely exploration

Tunis Medina (20-30 min from airport)

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enter through Bab El Bhar (Sea Gate) from Avenue Habib Bourguiba
• Zitouna Mosque: 8th-century grand mosque (courtyard open to visitors)
• Labyrinthine souks selling spices, textiles, leather, crafts
• Historic madrassas and palaces with Ottoman architecture
• Getting lost is part of the experience

Bardo Museum (25-35 min from airport)

• World's largest collection of Roman mosaics
• Housed in a former Ottoman palace
• Entry: TND 13 (~$4 USD)
• Allow 2-3 hours for a proper visit

For Long Layovers (6+ hours)

With 6+ hours, you can visit Carthage and Sidi Bou Said:

1. Take taxi to Carthage ruins (~15 min)
2. Explore Antonine Baths and Byrsa Hill (1.5-2 hours)
3. Continue to Sidi Bou Said by taxi (~10 min)
4. Wander the village, enjoy coffee with a view (1-1.5 hours)
5. Return to airport (~20 min)

Allow 2-3 hours buffer for traffic and security.

Tunisian Food Essentials

• Brik: Crispy fried pastry with egg, tuna, or meat filling
• Couscous: National dish, served with vegetables and meat
• Lablabi: Chickpea soup with bread, harissa, and olive oil
• Mechouia: Grilled vegetable salad with peppers and tomatoes
• Ojja: Spicy tomato and egg dish
• Makroudh: Date-filled semolina pastries
• Mint tea: Sweet mint tea served in small glasses

Practical Tips

• Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND). Cash is essential - many places don't accept cards.
• Language: Arabic and French are official. English is limited outside tourist areas.
• Tipping: Round up or add 10% at restaurants. Small tips appreciated for services.
• Bargaining: Expected and encouraged in the Medina souks. Start at 40-50% of asking price.
• Dress code: Modest dress recommended, especially in the Medina. Cover shoulders and knees at mosques.
• Friday: Many shops close Friday morning for prayers. Museums typically open.
• Photography: Ask before photographing people. Some sites charge for cameras.
• Safety: Tunisia is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions.

Day Trips from Tunis

If you have a full day:

• Dougga (110 km): Best-preserved Roman city in North Africa, UNESCO site
• Kairouan (160 km): Holy city with the Great Mosque, UNESCO site
• Hammamet (65 km): Beach resort town with historic Medina
• Bizerte (65 km): Northern port city with old harbor and kasbah

The combination of Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, and the Tunis Medina makes for an unforgettable day exploring 3,000 years of history.