Algeria’s SNTF Officially Resumes International Passenger Train Services on the Annaba–Tunis–Annaba Route
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The Arab Post
- . October 22, 2026
- . Update: October 22, 2026 5:08 pm
Today, for the first time since the unrest in Algeria, the country is again fully connected with Tunisia via its cross-border transit. After a short period of suspension over the infrastructure, Algeria’s SNTF Annaba-Tunis train was restored to its regular direct service on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026.
The National Railway Transport Company (SNTF) announced that passengers can now take the entire route between the two countries without needing to change buses or jeeps to continue. This is a step towards restoring important international passenger train services that thousands of tourists and business travelers depend on.
The suspension went into effect September 14 so work could be done on the tracks. The Algeria Press Service (APS) said the infrastructure improvements were local. The National Agency for Railway Investment Studies and Monitoring (ANESRIF) did the work of improving the infrastructure, the Algeria Press Service (APS) said.
The engineering operations were entirely dedicated to strengthening the Souk Ahras railway section, which in turn comprises the railway track between Aïn Senour and Souk Ahras. The 20-day rehabilitation is finished, ensuring a safer and more reliable travel experience on the Annaba-Tunis-Annaba line, provided by the SNTF.The SNTF has ensured a safer and more reliable journey across the Annaba-Tunis-Annaba line, with the rehabilitation process completed after 20 days.
Timetables and Fares for the Annaba-Tunis-Annaba Route
The revamped timetable places strong controls on the timing of the services for international purposes. Tunie Numérique reports that there are departures from Annaba every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9.00AM, reaching the Tunis terminal at 6.27PM.
The Tunisian capital is served by trains on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing from 8:25 AM and arriving in Annaba at 6:20 PM.
The ticket price is still very competitive to promote regional tourism. The cost of a first-class ticket for a single-way fare is 1,900 Algerian dinars (DZD), and a standard second-class ticket is 1,640 DZD. Families traveling with 4 or fewer children ride free, and 50% off for children ages 4 – 12.
Streamlining the Algeria-Tunisia Border Crossing
The two governments have also organised specific customs and passport control spaces at the trains to reduce travel friction.
Travelers crossing into Algeria will go through the international station in Souk Ahras, as described by Maghreb Emergent. On the other hand, travellers entering Tunisia will go through immigration at the Ghardimaou border.
The journey passes through several important towns in the region, such as Jendouba and Béja. Tickets are on sale at the departure stations and at the major Algerian transit centers, such as Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Sétif.
Direct rail link is an important economic artery. The closure of Annaba-Tunis-Annaba route is helping to improve the prospects of cross-border trade and offering a cheaper option than air fares and the overcrowded highways.
Reviving these international passenger train services is a huge logistical accomplishment by both North African countries. The Algeria’s SNTF Annaba-Tunis train will continue to be a permanent, modernized fixture within the economic and cultural integration of the Maghreb after the original line was reopened in August 2024 after a 30 year hiatus.
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