Overview
Libya is a country in Africa according to cheeroutdoor. Due to Libya’s isolation, its beauty and diversity has remained largely unknown. The white capital Tripoli is very quiet by North African standards, but offers a good selection of restaurants and hotels. The metropolitan city of Benghazi is the commercial heart of the country. The Libyan coast boasts spectacular remains of Roman cities, including Leptis Magna and Sabrata. The Greek colonies of Cyrene and Apollonia are also worth seeing. Most of the country consists of desert. The Sahara is more accessible here than anywhere else and of incredible beauty. You can only go to Libya as part of a guided tour group, but a local guide can go a long way towards understanding this country. Mostly descended from the Arabs or the Berbers, the Libyans are warm and extremely hospitable. The Touareg, a Berber tribe, live in inaccessible areas and make up ten percent of the population. The remaining 90% live in coastal cities.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Libya’s national airlines Libyan Airlines (LN) and Afriqiyah Airways (8U) are blacklisted by the EU and are therefore not allowed to fly to EU destinations. Tunisair (TU) flies in cooperation with Libyan Airlines (LN) from Vienna and Brussels via Tunis to Tripoli; Feeder flights to Brussels with Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M. and Swiss (LX) from Zurich.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Tripoli: 12 hrs 25 mins; Vienna – Tripoli: 17 hours; Zurich – Tripoli: 8 hours
Departure fee
Airport charges of around €2 (LYD 3) are charged on domestic flights; on international flights around €4 (LYD 6). Children under the age of 2 and transit passengers who continue their flight within 24 hours and do not leave the airport are exempt from payment.
Arrival by car
The main road links are between Libya and Tunisia, Algeria, Niger, Chad and Egypt. Entry by land is reliably permitted for Europeans only via the border crossings Ras Ejdeer from Tunisia and Sallum from Egypt. The border crossings with Niger and Algeria in the extreme south are sometimes open to European citizens; only Africans are allowed to enter from Chad and Sudan. Long-distance buses connect Tunis and Djerba (Tunisia) as well as Alexandria and Cairo (Egypt) with Tripoli. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no rail transport in Libya.
Arrival by ship
The main ports of Libya are As-Sider, Benghazi, Darna, Mersa Brega, Misurata, El Mina and Tripoli.
Ferry provider
Grimaldi, Grandi Navi Veloci Ferries and SNCM Ferries offer connections to Tunis from Genoa, Palermo and Civitavecchia, among others; SNCM Ferries also connect Marseille with Tunis. From Tunis we continue by car to Libya to the border crossing at Ras Ejdeer.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Libyan Airlines (LN) offers connections from Tripoli to Beida, Benghazi, Sebha and Tobruk via Tunis, among others. Buraq Air (UZ) regularly connects Tripoli and Benghazi.
Traveling by car/bus
The Libyan road network has a total length of around 83,000 km. The coastal road from the Tunisian border in the west to the Egyptian border in the east is the most important connecting road. Well-developed roads also lead inland, including to Sebha, Ghadames and Kufra. The street signs are generally in Arabic script and outside of larger towns there are hardly any. Petrol stations can be found everywhere with cheap petrol prices.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Approximately 48,000 km, and thus more than half of the entire road network, are paved. The important connecting roads and some side roads are well developed and maintained. However, most secondary roads are dirt roads, for which all-terrain vehicles are recommended. Travelers should avoid night journeys if possible.
Road classification
Libya’s road network consists of expressways, motorways and dirt roads.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Tripoli (including Sixt) and Benghazi; it is recommended to rent them with a driver.
Taxi
Taxis and shared taxis are cheap and plentiful everywhere. For longer distances, the fare should be agreed in advance.
Bicycle
Riding a bike is not very common in Libya. Some hotels provide bicycles on request.
Coach
There is a regular bus service between Tripoli and Benghazi, and a minibus service between Benghazi and Tobruk.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰; absolute ban on alcohol. – Seat belts are compulsory. – The instructions of security forces should be followed during checks. – For the stay with a foreign vehicle, a Libyan license plate is required, which can be obtained upon entry. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on expressways: 85 km/h; – on motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first. The ADAC partner club is the Automobile and Touring Club of Libya (ATCL) in Tripoli, tel. +218 21 340 49 64.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required. The two driving licenses are valid for three months; after that, a Libyan driving license must be applied for and carried.
Note on travel by road
There is an absolute ban on entering or photographing restricted military areas. Visitors to the desert regions need a desert passport issued by the authorities of Libya before starting their journey. This is usually also available from the tour operator.
Traveling in the city
Public buses sometimes operate in Libyan cities; in Tripoli and Benghazi these are often overcrowded minibuses. Taxis are everywhere; the fare should be agreed in advance. Tripoli is also easy to explore on foot.
Locally on the way by train
Libya has no rail transport.
