Rail services on the line connecting Algeria to Tunisia will resume next Saturday after nearly 30 years of suspension. Initially, there will be one service per day between the two countries, offering competitive fares compared to other modes of transport, according to a statement released Thursday by the National Rail Transport Company (SNTF).
The official launch of this line is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2024. The first commercial service from Tunis will run on Sunday, August 11, 2024, while the first commercial service from Annaba, Algeria, will depart on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as detailed in the same source.
In the initial phase, a daily service will be scheduled between the two countries, departing from Annaba station and passing through Souk Ahras, Ghardimaou, Jendouba, and Béja, before reaching the Tunisian capital. The frequency of trips and the number of available seats will gradually increase based on passenger demand, the SNTF notes.
Departures from Annaba station are scheduled for Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9:00 AM, arriving in Tunis at 6:27 PM. Meanwhile, departures from Tunis station are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:25 AM, arriving in Annaba at 6:25 PM, the document specifies.
The train covering the 357 km distance will include two first-class cars and two second-class cars, with a total capacity of 300 passengers per trip. Additionally, there will be a dining car and an extra car for luggage transportation, it has been explained.
Regarding fares, the statement mentions that competitive prices have been set compared to other transport options. A first-class ticket is priced at 1,900 DZD and a second-class ticket at 1,640 DZD. A round-trip first-class ticket costs 3,485 DZD, while a round-trip second-class ticket is 3,040 DZD.
It also adds that travel is free for children under 4 years old, with a 50% discount on tickets for children aged 4 to 12 years. Travelers can purchase their tickets at the Annaba and Souk Ahras stations, as well as at stations in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine.
Finally, regarding crossing procedures, they will take place at Souk Ahras station for Algeria and at Ghardimaou station for Tunisia.
