Car Rental in Zarzis

Where to drive

• Drive to Djerba Island via the Roman Road (El Kantara) for a day trip, exploring Houmt Souk's markets and the Ghriba Synagogue. This is a short drive, approximately 30-40 minutes depending on your destination on Djerba.
• Journey south to the unique troglodyte dwellings of Matmata, famous for its Star Wars film locations. This drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours (≈100 km) and offers dramatic scenery.
• Explore the Ksar Ghilane oasis, a true desert paradise where you can swim in a hot spring and experience a taste of the Sahara. This is a longer drive, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours (≈180 km) each way.
• Visit the vibrant weekly market in Ben Gardane, offering a glimpse into local life and trade, located just over an hour's drive (≈70 km) from Zarzis.
• Discover the picturesque fishing village of El Bibane and its unique lagoon, perfect for birdwatching and a peaceful escape. This is a relatively short drive of about 45 minutes (≈40 km).
• Head to the ancient Roman city of Gigthis, an impressive archaeological site near Bou Grara, approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive (≈50 km) from Zarzis.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Tunisia, you generally need a valid passport, a driver's license held for at least one year, and for many non-EU licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended or required. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, and surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Zarzis vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars typically start from around 25-35 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs or more comfortable sedans might range from 45-70 EUR. During peak summer months (July-August), expect prices to increase by 30-50% across all categories. The lowest daily price can be as low as 20 EUR in the quietest months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Tunisia, driving is on the right. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways, though these can vary and are often poorly signposted. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%, meaning no alcohol is permitted. Headlights should be used in tunnels and poor visibility. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for young children, though availability from rental companies can be limited.

Parking

In Zarzis, parking is generally straightforward. In the town center, you'll find designated paid parking zones, often managed by attendants who will issue a ticket. On the outskirts and near hotels, parking is usually free. Always ensure your car is not obstructing traffic and is parked legally to avoid issues.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in Zarzis and along major routes. Unleaded petrol (Essence Sans Plomb) and diesel (Gasoil) are common. Prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across the country, typically around 2-3 TND per liter (≈0.6-0.9 EUR). Most stations accept cash, and some larger ones may accept credit cards.

Which car to choose

For most excursions around Zarzis and to Djerba, an economy or compact car with manual transmission is perfectly adequate and fuel-efficient. If you plan to venture further into the desert or tackle unpaved tracks, a higher-clearance SUV is recommended. Automatic transmission cars are less common but can be found, usually at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions