Transport in Libya

Traffic congestion in Bayda, Libya in 2010.

Railways

Main article: Libyan Railways

Libya has had no railway in operation since 1965, all previous narrow gauge lines having been dismantled. Plans for a new network have been under development for some time (earthworks were begun between Sirte and Ras Ajdir, Tunisia border, in 2001-5), and in 2008 and 2009 various contracts were placed and construction work started on a 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) standard gauge railway parallel to the coast from the Tunisian border at Ras Ajdir to Tripoli, and on to Misrata, Sirte, Benghazi and Bayda. Another railway line will run inland from Misrata to Sabha at the centre of a mineral-rich area.

In the future the coastal line could be extended to Sallum, Egypt.

An even more ambitious plan is for a trans-Saharan line connecting to Central Africa including Niger and Nigeria.

Railway links to adjacent countries

• Niger - no - break-of-gauge - 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in)/1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in)
• Egypt - railways under construction - Same gauge - 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in)
• Tunisia - railways under construction - Same gauge - 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) or break-of-gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in)/1,000 mm (3 ft 3 ³⁄₈ in)

Maps

• UN Map
• UNHCR Map

Stations

Main article: Railway stations in Libya

Highways

A flyover on an urban highway in the capital Tripoli.

Total: 83,200 km
Paved: 47,590 km
Unpaved: 35,610 km (1996 est.)

There are about 83,200 km of roads in Libya, 47,590 km of which are surfaced. 234 out of 1000 Libyans have cars, which is the highest rate in Africa. The best roads run along the coast between Tripoli and Tunis in Tunisia; also between Benghazi and Tobruk, connecting with Alexandria in Egypt. A fairly efficient bus service operates along these routes, with two main bus transport companies. One covers long-distance, international routes, while the other is chiefly engaged in shorter trips between towns. Bus fares are low and the standard of comfort, particularly on international routes is good, with air-conditioned vehicles and good service.

Taxis are available in the larger towns, and are usually hired on a shared basis, although individual hire can be negotiated. Driving skills of taxi drivers are extremely variable. Taxis may have meters, but these are rarely in use. Car hire for self-drive is not recommended in Libya, although it is possible to hire a vehicle from agents in larger hotels. Vehicles are often old and poorly-maintained, however, and are unequal to long-distance driving. Driving itself can be hazardous and there is a high rate of road accidents.

Regional highways

Libya has two routes in the Trans-African Highway network, but only one currently functions as such, the Cairo-Dakar Highway.

Waterways

There are no waterways in Libya.

Pipelines

Condensate 225 km; Natural Gas 3,611 km; Oil (refined and unrefined) 7,252 km (2004)

Ports and harbours

Mediterranean Sea

(west to east)

• Zuwara
• Tripoli
• Khoms
• Misrata
• Ra's Lanuf
• Brega
• Benghazi
• Derna
• Tobruk

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Merchant marine

Total: 17 ships (1000 GRT or over) 96,062 GRT/88,760 metric tons deadweight (DWT)

By type: Cargo 9, Liquified Gas 3, Passenger/Cargo 2, Petroleum Tanker 1, Roll on/Roll off 2 Foreign-owned: 4 (Kuwait 1, Turkey 2, UAE 1) (2005)

Airports

139 (2005) Most international flights arrive in and through Tripoli International Airport.

Airports - with paved runways

Total: 59
over 3,047 m: 23
2,438 to 3,047 m: 6
1,524 to 2,437 m: 23
914 to 1,523 m: 5
under 914 m: 2 (2005)

Airports - with unpaved runways

Total: 80
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 14
914 to 1,523 m: 41
under 914 m: 18 (2008)

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the CIA World Factbook.