Libya Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 13
Home Country: libya
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 Posted: Thu Apr 26, 2007 6:38 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN LIBYA / LIBYA TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
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GETTING AROUND IN LIBYA
BY AIR
Jamahiriya Libyan Arab Airlines (LN) provides fast and frequent internal services between Tripoli, Benghazi, Sebha, Al Bayda, Mersa Brega, Tobruk, Misratah, Ghadamis and Al Khufrah. They also offer an hourly shuttle between Tripoli and Benghazi. The same goes for the new private Buraq airlines.
Departure tax: LYD3; children under two years of age and transit passengers, provided not leaving the airport and departing within 24 hours, are exempt.
BY RAIL
Libya has had no train system since 1965. There are various plans to rebuild some lines.
BY ROAD
The main through-road follows the coast from west to east. Main roads are Al Qaddahia–Sebha, Sebha–Ghat, Tripoli– Sebha, Agedabia–Al Khufrah, Garian–Jefren, Tarhouna–Homs, Mersa Susa–Ras, Hilal–Derna and Tobruk–Jaghboub. Since 1969, signposts other than those in Arabic script have been prohibited; signs and house numbers are, in any case, rare outside the main towns. Petrol is available throughout Libya and is very reasonably priced. There are no reliable town maps. Spare parts are often difficult to obtain; in particular, automatic transmissions can prove almost impossible to repair. The quality of servicing is generally poor by European standards, as is the standard of driving. Traffic drives on the right.
Bus
There are bus services between Tripoli and Benghazi (14 hours) and other major urban areas. A minibus service operates from Benghazi to Tobruk. The buses make stops for meals and the very important tea (shahee) breaks along the way. A faster method is to take the "shared taxis" but some of the drivers tend to be more reckless in order to cut the travel time.
Taxi
The recommended route of transport for tourists around major towns is taxis but the fares can be quite expensive and should be agreed in advance. If you find a good taxi driver with a good car, it doesn't hurt to build up a relationship and get his mobile number. Taxis from the airport can be more expensive as the airport is a long way from town. Note that the Corinthia Hotel also runs a shuttle from the airport to the hotel.
Car rental
Self-drive cars are available in Tripoli and Benghazi.
Documentation: National driving license valid for three months. After this time, a Libyan licence must be obtained.
Note: Travellers visiting the desert regions require permission (a desert pass) from the Libyan authorities in advance. Tour operators can usually obtain these. Oil companies will provide passes for their employees.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
A substantial publicly owned bus system operates in Tripoli. Fares are charged on a three-zone basis. There is a similar system in operation in Benghazi. Services are generally irregular and overcrowded. |
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