Gabès Train Station (Gare de Gabès) | Gabes

The Gabès Train Station (Gare de Gabès) is the southern terminus of Tunisia’s main railway system and serves as a vital transportation hub for the southeastern region. It connects Gabès to central and northern Tunisia and is part of the national rail network operated by the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (SNCFT). Though relatively modest in size, it plays an important role in linking remote southern communities with larger economic centers such as Sfax, Sousse, and Tunis.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the station’s significance, structure, operations, and surrounding context:

1. Location and Urban Context

The train station is located in the heart of Gabès city, near Rue Mongi Slim, within walking distance of the central souk (market), taxi stations, and municipal offices.

It sits at the southern end of the Sfax–Gabès railway line, which is part of Tunisia’s metre-gauge rail network (narrow gauge), a legacy of colonial-era infrastructure.

The surrounding neighborhood is a mix of commercial and residential buildings, with nearby access to bus routes, louage (shared taxis), and pedestrian zones.

2. Station Infrastructure

The station building is a low-rise colonial-style structure, dating back to the early 20th century.

Architectural elements include:

A central hall with arched windows and tile decorations

A shaded front entrance often used as a waiting area by passengers

A covered platform for boarding and disembarking

Facilities include:

Ticket counters (with cash and card payment)

A small waiting room with benches

Toilets (basic, often requiring a small fee)

Snack kiosks and vendors selling tea, sandwiches, and bottled water

Occasionally, mobile phone recharge points and newsstands

There are no baggage storage lockers, and security is minimal, though plainclothes officers are present at times.

3. Train Routes and Services

The Gabès station operates both passenger and freight services.

a) Passenger Trains

Gabès is the terminus of the line that begins in Tunis, passing through:

Bir Bou Regba

Sousse

Mahdia or Kalaa Kébira (optional)

Sfax

El Jem

Mahrès

Gremda

Gabès

Travel time to Tunis: 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the number of stops and train type

Trains are mostly second-class, with some offering first-class compartments

Coaches are air-conditioned, but conditions vary (especially in older trains)

Average of 2–4 trains daily to/from Tunis, with seasonal adjustments

Some trains also carry postal cargo and small freight

b) Freight Services

The Gabès station serves as a freight node for:

Phosphate from Gafsa via Sfax

Chemicals and fertilizers from the Gabès industrial zone

Freight trains operate at night or during low-traffic hours

4. Strategic and Regional Importance

Gabès is the southernmost passenger railway terminal in Tunisia. South of Gabès, there is no rail access for travelers; the transport network becomes dependent on buses and shared taxis.

It serves as a critical link between the rural south and the industrial north, particularly for university students, public sector employees, and merchants.

The train offers a cheaper alternative to buses and private cars, especially during holidays and harvest seasons when demand for transport increases.

5. Modernization and Expansion Plans

While the station itself remains largely traditional, several modernization efforts are being considered:

Railway extension proposals to Médenine, Tataouine, and Ben Gardane have been under discussion for years, aiming to bring rail service deeper into southern Tunisia and closer to the Libyan border.

These extensions would improve economic integration, facilitate tourism, and enhance access to isolated regions.

Track upgrades between Sfax and Gabès have also been proposed to reduce travel time and improve rail safety.

6. Challenges

Despite its utility, the Gabès Train Station faces several limitations:

Aging infrastructure and outdated trains

Limited scheduling—no overnight express trains and minimal frequency on weekends

Long travel times due to frequent stops and poor rail conditions

No integration with international transport—the rail line does not connect to Libya or Algeria

7. Accessibility and Local Integration

The station is fully accessible to pedestrians, though wheelchair access is limited due to platform design.

Louage stations are located nearby for travel to Matmata, Medenine, Mareth, and other southern towns.

Many locals use the station area as a gathering place or meeting point, especially during holidays or market days.

Summary

The Gabès Train Station serves as the final rail stop in Tunisia’s southeastern corridor, offering crucial passenger and cargo services in a region with limited infrastructure. While modest and outdated by international standards, it is a lifeline for thousands of southern Tunisians and acts as a strategic platform for future expansion into the deep south. Its continued relevance will depend on investments in modernization, environmental integration, and expansion beyond Gabès toward the Libyan frontier.