Tunis Carthage International Airport

Welcome

Tunis Carthage International Airport (TUN) is less about the amenities and more about mastering the rules of the exit. Situated just 8 km northeast of central Tunis, seasoned flyers know to arrive early, with currency and paper documents ready, avoiding the curbside chaos by sticking to official taxi queues. Rules are rigid and enforcement is strict, especially concerning passports and currency exchanges.

At a glance

Handling 6 million passengers annually, Tunis Carthage serves as a hub for Tunisair, Tunisair Express, and Nouvelair. The airport's structure is straightforward with two primary terminals. Terminal 1 hosts carriers like Tunisair, while Terminal 2 caters to cost-effective options such as Ryanair and Vueling. Without any in-airport dining options, travelers will need to plan meals ahead or after their visit.

Terminals & layout

Tun's layout consists of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 mainly serves flagship carriers including Tunisair and its regional sibling, Tunisair Express, along with Nouvelair. Meanwhile, Terminal 2 is designated for budget travellers using airlines like Ryanair and Vueling. With only a limited number of shops available in both terminals, retail needs are minimal — focus lies more on essentials like boarding and security clearance.

Getting to and from the city

For access to Tunis city center, consider the Airport Taxi, which takes about 20-30 minutes and costs €15-€25 depending on traffic and time, or the shuttle service which offers a slightly longer journey time at 30-40 minutes for €10. For the budget-conscious, Line 1 train offers a 30-minute ride into the city for just €2, while Bus Route 1 presents a 45-minute option for €1.50. Rideshare zones provide pickup areas for Bolt, inDrive, or Yassir apps.

Traveller essentials

Be prepared for potentially lengthy wait times at passport control, which reportedly can stretch up to an hour, so plan accordingly. Short Stay Parking offers a €20 per day rate, while Long Stay Parking is more budget-friendly at €15 per day. Alternatives include Valet Parking at €30 or the more economical Remote Parking at €10 per day. Don't forget to keep cash handy, as digital boarding passes are not accepted here.

Dining & shopping highlights

While dining options are non-existent within the airport, shopping is limited but present. Duty Free and the Beauty Corner are in Terminal 1, while Electronics Hub and Fashion Boutique can be found in Terminal 2. For last-minute souvenirs, stop by the dedicated Souvenir Store in Terminal 1.

Lounges

Tunis Carthage offers two lounges: Lounge 1 available for $29 and Lounge 2 for $30. Both provide a haven of comfort away from the bustling terminals. Whether you're looking to relax before embarking or need a quiet spot to catch up on some work, these lounges will adequately serve the purpose.

Insider tips

• Time: Build in extra time for passport control, as delays of about an hour are common in Terminal 1.
• Insider: Always use the official taxi queue outside the terminal to avoid inflated fares.
• Money: Insist on using the taxi meter and expect fares to central Tunis to be low tens of dinars, not fixed-rate quotes.
• Time: After 9 p.m., be prepared for a 50% night surcharge on taxi fares.
• Money: Carry printed boarding passes, as digital versions are not accepted here.
• Insider: Before leaving the terminal, use airport WiFi to download local rideshare apps like Bolt or Yassir for smoother pickups.