Libya Transport

Coming and Going

Since the lifting of UN sanctions, international flights to Libya have slowly been increasing. British Airways were the first off the blocks, with Royal Jordanian close behind. In addition, Afriqiyah, Lufthansa, Alitalia, EgyptAir, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Olympic Airways are now helping connect Tripoli with most of the Arab capitals and with Europe and the Far East.

Many travellers arrive and leave by cruise ship, but there are no ferry services to Libya.

Land borders with Algeria, Niger, Sudan and Chad are rarely open to travellers. Land-crossings from Egypt (at Amsaad) or Tunisia (at Ras al-Jedir) are relatively hassle free. Your tour company should be waiting for you on the Libyan side of the border. Carry their phone number with you just in case. Leaving Libya, on the Egyptian side of the border shared taxis shuttle between the frontier and Sallum where you can get buses or service taxis to Marsa Matruh. From the Tunisian side you will need to take a shared taxi (louage) or bus 33km (20.5mi) to Ben Guerdane.

Travellers who want to bring their own vehicle to Libya usually do so via a ferry bound for Tunis (Tunisia) from France or Italy.

Getting About

Libyan Arab Airlines and Al-Buraq Air each have two flights daily between Tripoli and Benghazi. Libyan Arab Airlines also has a daily flight from Tripoli to Sebha and twice-weekly flights to Ghat. Flights from Benghazi to Sebha (daily) and Al-Kufra are also available. All internal flights are prone to unexpected delays and cancellations.

Libya's road system is sometimes excellent, smooth and fast; at other times it is rough, slow and downright dicey. Although air-con buses and yellow-and-white shared taxis (called roumees or aujra) cover most of the country, restrictions on individual travel mean that you're more likely to spend most of your time aboard 4WD vehicles. This obviously depends on which Libyan tour company you choose to travel with.