Getting around Djerba: airport, Jorf ferry, El Kantara causeway and transport

Djerba is an island, but an easy one: an international airport, two road links from the mainland and short distances. Here is how to arrive and get around without stress, whether you come from abroad or from another Tunisian city.

Arriving by air: Djerba-Zarzis airport (DJE)

Djerba-Zarzis international airport is in the north-west of the island, at Mellita, about ten kilometres from Houmt Souk and 25 to 30 km from the tourist zone. It handles scheduled flights from Tunis and direct or charter flights from several European cities, especially in season. Allow 15 minutes by road to Houmt Souk and 30 to 45 minutes to the hotels of Midoun or Aghir.

From the terminal to your hotel

• Taxi: taxis wait outside the terminal; check that the meter is running or agree the fare before setting off, especially at night.
• Private transfer: booked in advance, a driver waits for you with your name; handy for families, with luggage or for a late arrival. 3H Travel arranges these transfers on request.
• Hotel shuttles: some establishments offer them; ask when booking.

Arriving by road: ferry or causeway

Two links connect Djerba to the mainland.

• The El Kantara causeway, in the south-east of the island: a 7 km road built on the old Roman causeway, linking Djerba to the Zarzis area. Free and always open, it is the usual route for Tataouine and Medenine.
• The Jorf–Ajim ferry, in the west: a crossing of about fifteen minutes between Ajim, on the island, and Jorf, on the mainland. Ferries run all day and night at varying frequency; the crossing is free for pedestrians and charged for vehicles. Waiting can be long at peak times, in summer and on holidays. It is the most direct route to Gabès, Matmata and Tunis.

Coming from Tunis or other cities

From Tunis, flying is fastest (about an hour). By road, allow 500 km and about 7 hours by car or louage (shared taxi), possibly with a change. Long-distance buses also link Tunis and Sfax to Houmt Souk. There is no train to Djerba; the nearest station is in Gabès.

Getting around the island

• Yellow taxis: plentiful in Houmt Souk and the tourist zone, metered; handy for short trips.
• Louages: shared minibuses from Houmt Souk to Midoun, Ajim and the mainland; they leave when full.
• Buses: routes link Houmt Souk to the airport, Midoun, the tourist zone and Guellala, with limited timetables.
• Car or scooter hire: the island is flat and roads are decent; watch for roundabouts and pedestrians in the villages.
• Bicycle: pleasant outside summer on the small inland roads.

Transfers for excursions

All our excursions to the mainland include pick-up at your hotel, the ferry or causeway crossing and the return. There is nothing for you to organise: the driver knows the ferry times and chooses the route according to the destination. This is one reason why an organised excursion is often simpler than a car hire for a day in the south.

Driving in Djerba and the south

A national driving licence is enough for nationals of many countries; check with the hire company. Main roads are in good condition, but signage can be sparse inland and pedestrians, bicycles and carts are numerous in the villages. Avoid driving at night on southern roads, which are poorly lit. Fill up before leaving Medenine or Tataouine towards the desert.

Domestic flights and connections

To reach Istanbul, Paris or Dubai from Djerba, the connection is often made in Tunis. We can combine the Djerba–Tunis domestic flight and the international flight on a single booking, to limit waiting times and secure your luggage. See our flights page and our trips abroad.

Practical tips

• Keep dinar change for taxis and the ferry.
• Distances are short: Houmt Souk to Midoun 15 km, Houmt Souk to Guellala 20 km, Houmt Souk to Ajim 22 km.
• For excursions to the mainland, a driver spares you the ferry hassle and the fatigue: see our excursions in Djerba and our tours of the south.

Need an airport transfer, a driver for the day or a plane ticket? Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply quickly.