How to get to Tozeur

Tozeur is a picturesque oasis city in the southwest of Tunisia, serving as the main gateway to the Sahara Desert and attracting tourists with its distinctive architecture. If you have decided to travel to Tozeur, it is useful to know about the variety of available routes and modes of transport in advance. Figuring out how to get to Tozeur is quite simple: the city accepts flights and is also connected to other regions by a network of railways and roads.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach this region is by air. The city is served by its own Tozeur-Nefta Airport (TOE), located just a few kilometres from the resort centre. This allows tourists to start their holiday almost immediately after landing, bypassing long transfers.

Since direct international flights to Tozeur are not available from all countries and are often seasonal, many travellers choose a route with a connection. The optimal option is to fly to the capital of Tunisia and then transfer to a domestic flight. The flight from the main capital airport to Tozeur takes about one hour, which significantly saves time compared to travelling by bus or car.

Travelling by train is an affordable and scenic way to reach the south of the country. Unlike many other remote corners of the desert, Tozeur has its own railway station that accepts passenger trains. The station is located within the city limits, saving tourists from the need to arrange complex transfers upon arrival.

Regular railway services connect the oasis with the state capital, Tunis. The journey along this route takes a considerable amount of time but offers the opportunity to enjoy views of the changing landscape: from the Mediterranean coast to the endless sands of the Sahara. Tourists are advised to check the current schedule and carriage classes in advance, as comfort levels may vary.

For those who prefer ground transport, Tunisia offers a developed network of bus routes. The main carrier is the national company SNTRI, whose comfortable air-conditioned buses connect the oasis with major cities in the country. Regular bus services depart for Tozeur from the capital, as well as from popular coastal resort areas such as Sousse or Sfax. The trip from the north of the country takes about 7–8 hours but allows for significant budget savings compared to air travel.

A faster and more authentic way to travel is by intercity shared taxis, known as "louages". These are white minibuses with a red stripe that do not have a strict schedule and depart as soon as all passenger seats are filled. Louages provide flexible connections to neighbouring regional centres such as Gafsa, Gabes, or Kebili, and often arrive at the destination faster than scheduled buses.

The bus station and louage stations in Tozeur are located quite conveniently relative to the city centre. Travellers should note that tickets for state buses are best purchased at the ticket office in advance, especially during the high tourist season, whereas rides in shared taxis are paid for directly before departure or to the driver.

Renting a car is an excellent choice for those who do not want to depend on public transport schedules and plan to explore the surroundings of the oasis independently. The road network leading to Tozeur is in good condition: major highways are paved, and navigation is intuitive thanks to signs duplicated in French. Driving allows you to witness the shift in natural zones—from the olive groves of the north to the Martian landscapes of the south.

One of the most scenic routes opens up to travellers heading from the coast, for example, from the island of Djerba or the city of Gabes. The path runs through the famous salt lake, Chott el Djerid. The highway passes directly along an embankment through the salt flat, and drivers can stop to photograph the salt crystals shimmering in the sun. The road from the capital or northern resorts of Tunisia usually goes through the cities of Kairouan and Gafsa, taking an average of 5 to 7 hours depending on traffic.

For moving around the city and main intercity highways, a standard sedan will suffice. However, if your plans include visiting the mountain oases of Chebika and Tamerza or a trip to the "Star Wars" sets in the sands, it is worth prioritising an SUV or 4x4 with high clearance. Drivers should be mindful of speed limits and be prepared for document checks at police checkpoints, which is a standard security measure in the region. Special caution should be exercised at night when camels may wander onto unlit sections of the road.

To ensure your trip to Tozeur is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for the specifics of this region in advance. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you plan the ideal holiday in the heart of the oasis.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is desert-like, so light clothing made of natural fabrics, a head covering, and sunglasses are useful during the day. However, nights in the desert can be cold, especially in winter, so be sure to bring a warm sweater, windbreaker, or fleece jacket for evening walks.
2. Transport. The city centre is quite compact and pleasant to explore on foot, admiring the unique brickwork of the buildings. For trips to distant attractions, it is better to use yellow taxis, which are inexpensive here (ask the driver to turn on the meter). A popular tourist activity and mode of transport through the palm grove are calèches—traditional horse-drawn carriages.
3. Finance. The national currency is the Tunisian Dinar. Major hotels may accept cards, but markets, souvenir shops, and small cafes generally accept cash only. It is better to exchange money at banks or official exchange offices; keep the exchange receipt until your departure, as it may be needed to exchange dinars back at the airport.
4. Health and Safety. It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water—buy only bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. The sun in the oasis is very strong, so use creams with a high SPF level. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, and pharmacists can usually give qualified advice, often in French.
5. Communication. The official language is Arabic, which is convenient for visitors from the Gulf region, though the local dialect may differ slightly. French is the second language of communication and is understood by almost all locals. English is common in hotels and tourist zones, but knowing a few basic phrases in French or standard Arabic will facilitate communication.
6. Local Etiquette. Tunisia is a welcoming country with moderate traditions, but respect for local culture is appreciated. Outside the hotel and pool areas, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Greetings are very important to Tunisians: polite address and a smile will help you receive the best service and the goodwill of the locals.
7. What to Avoid. Do not photograph police officers, military facilities, or government buildings—this is strictly prohibited. Also, avoid buying at the market without bargaining: the initial price for a tourist may be inflated several times, and the process of discussing the cost is part of the local trading culture.
8. Bonus Tip. Tozeur is famous for the best dates of the "Deglet Nour" variety ("Fingers of Light"). Be sure to visit the local market or shops at the plantations to buy fresh dates from the new harvest (in autumn)—this will be the best and most delicious souvenir from your trip.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor misunderstandings and fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this southern city. Respect for local traditions and a little preparation will make your holiday in Tozeur safe and unforgettable.