The Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM) train is a historic commuter rail line in Tunisia, inaugurated in 1872, making it the first railway in the country. It predates the French protectorate by about a decade and has been known as the TGM since 1905. The line stretches approximately 19 kilometers, connecting the capital city Tunis with the coastal town of La Marsa, passing through La Goulette and other notable suburbs, including Carthage (yes, the famous Carthage!) and Sidi Bou Saïd. This route has played a significant role in shaping the urban expansion and development of the northern suburbs of Tunis, especially along the scenic seafront.
The TGM operates on a standard gauge track and features 18 stations, with Tunis Marine as its southern terminus. Tunis Marine station, opened in 1885, serves as a key hub not only for the TGM but also for other transport modes managed by the Société des transports de Tunis (Transtu), including the light rail network. The line is electrified and double-tracked, facilitating frequent commuter services that link residential areas with the city center, making it an essential part of daily life for many Tunisians. The train also offers access to important cultural and historical sites, such as the ancient ruins of Carthage and the picturesque village of Sidi Bou Saïd.
From a historical perspective, the TGM is notable not only for its age but also for its pioneering role as the first electrified suburban railway line in Africa. Its establishment helped promote urban mobility and contributed to the socio-economic integration of the coastal suburbs with the capital. Over time, the TGM has maintained its importance despite modern transportation challenges, and efforts have been made to upgrade its fleet (manufactured by Siemens at Nürnberg a long time ago) and infrastructure to continue serving the growing population of the Tunis metropolitan area. For travelers interested in history and urban development, riding the TGM offers a unique glimpse into Tunisia’s colonial past and its ongoing evolution as a vibrant Mediterranean city.
At the time of writing, the TGM track was split into two sections because of track restoration works at La Goulette. The staff tries to put passengers into busses, but the train still operates. At La Goulette Casino you need to leave and walk with the crowd 500 meters to the next stop Kheireddine. That doesn’t take more then ten minutes, but you then might wait longer time for your connecting train. In the section between Tunis and La Goulette the trains are operating frequently, in the second part only every 45 minutes a train appears and there is no published timetable which leads to long waiting times at the stations. Using the TGM is super cheap (800 millimes in second class), but the fleet is heavily aged and needs to be exchanged.
Tunis-Goulette-Marsa (TGM)
تونس
حلق الوادي
المرسى
Tunisia
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