Algeria-Tunisia Rail Link Resumes After 30 Years: Daily Services Begun

SNTF train during the test phase between Algeria and Tunisia borders

ALGIERS – Traffic on the rail line linking Algeria and Tunisia has resumed after an interruption of almost 30 years. The first phase of the service, which began last Saturday, features one daily train between the two countries at competitive fares compared with other means of transport, according to a press release from the National Company for Rail Transport (SNTF).

The official launch of this route took place on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The first commercial service from Tunis was operated on Sunday, August 11, 2024, while the first commercial service from Annaba (Algeria) will depart on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as per the same source.

Initially, a daily service is scheduled between the two countries, departing from Annaba station, via Souk Ahras, Ghardimaou, Jendouba, and Béja, to the Tunisian capital.

The number of journeys and available seats will gradually increase according to passenger demand, SNTF points out.

Departures from Annaba station are scheduled for Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., arriving in Tunis at 6:27 p.m., while departures from Tunis station are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:25 a.m., arriving in Annaba at 6:25 p.m., according to the document.

The train operating on this 357 km route comprises two first-class and two second-class carriages, with a capacity of 300 passengers per trip, as well as a restaurant car and an additional car for luggage transport.

As for fares, the press release states that a competitive price has been set compared with other means of transport. A first-class ticket costs 1,900 DZD ($14), while a second-class ticket costs 1,640 DZD ($12). First-class return tickets are priced at 3,485 DZD ($26), while second-class tickets cost 3,040 DZD ($23).

Transport is free for children under the age of 4, with a 50% reduction on tickets for children aged 4 to 12. Passengers can buy their tickets at Annaba and Souk Ahras stations, as well as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine stations.

Lastly, passengers can check in at Souk Ahras station for Algeria and Ghardimaou station for Tunisia.