Car Rental in Djerba, Tunisia

Where to drive

• Explore Houmt Souk: The island's capital, known for its vibrant souks and historic fort, is a short drive from most accommodations. Distances within the town are walkable, but a car is useful for reaching it from further afield.
• Visit Ghriba Synagogue: Located near Hara Seghira, this ancient and revered synagogue is approximately a 20-minute drive (around 15 km) from Houmt Souk.
• Discover Djerbahood: The open-air street art museum in Erriadh, just a 15-minute drive (around 10 km) from Houmt Souk, offers a unique cultural experience.
• Relax on Ras Rmel (Flamingo Island): While you'll need a boat trip to reach the island itself, driving to the departure points in Houmt Souk or Aghir (around 30 minutes, 25 km) is convenient with a rental car.
• Day trip to El Ghriba Synagogue and Guellala Pottery Village: Combine these two cultural highlights, approximately 20-30 minutes driving between them, offering a glimpse into Djerba's rich heritage.
• Coastal drives to Zarzis: Head south across the Roman Road to the mainland town of Zarzis, approximately a 45-minute drive (around 50 km), for a different coastal perspective.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Tunisia, you generally need a valid passport, a national driving license held for at least one year, and for most non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP). The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or older, or charge a young driver's fee for those under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Djerba vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars can start from approximately 25-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and more premium vehicles might range from 50 EUR to over 80 EUR daily. Expect prices to increase by 30-50% during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h outside urban areas, and 110 km/h on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Child seats are legally required for young children, though availability from rental companies can vary. The legal blood alcohol limit is very low, approximately 0.00% to 0.02%, so it's best to avoid alcohol entirely if driving. Headlights are not legally required during the day but are advisable in poor visibility.

Parking

In Djerba, parking in smaller towns and villages is often free and readily available, especially outside peak tourist areas. In Houmt Souk, you'll find a mix of free street parking and some paid parking lots. Look for designated areas, as improper parking can lead to fines. Hotels and guesthouses typically offer private parking for guests.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are common across Djerba and on the mainland, offering both petrol (Essence) and diesel (Gasoil). Prices are regulated and generally lower than in Europe, but can fluctuate. As of 2026, expect petrol to be around 2.5-3.0 TND per liter. Most stations accept cash, and some larger ones may accept credit cards.

Which car to choose

For Djerba's mostly flat terrain and well-maintained main roads, a compact or economy car is perfectly suitable and economical. If you plan to venture onto less-paved tracks to reach more secluded beaches or rural areas, an SUV or a car with higher ground clearance would be more comfortable. Manual transmission vehicles are more common and often cheaper than automatics.

Frequently asked questions