Getting Around Tripoli
Tripoli is a city best explored on foot, supplemented by taxis where the distances or the heat make walking impractical. Public transport in the conventional sense is limited, and there is no working rail network to rely on. The guidance below covers what actually exists and how to use it.
Walking
Walking is widely regarded as the best way to see Tripoli. Plenty of published guidebooks cover the city, and you may also come across locally produced Libyan guides, which are described as only half-useful but can still be worth picking up.
Two practical cautions apply. First, avoid walking around alone at night. Second, be conscious of how much you stand out: if you are a westerner or otherwise look conspicuously different from locals, you will attract attention. That attention is generally friendly and inquisitive rather than hostile, but it is worth factoring into your plans.
Rail, Metro and Tram
There is no metro, tram or light rail system in Tripoli, and no passenger rail service to speak of. Construction of a national rail network began in 2010, but there has been no progress since. Resuming construction remains a stated government priority, but no passenger services are expected to materialise in the foreseeable future. Visitors should plan on the assumption that trains are not an option.
Buses and Public Transport
There is no metro, tram, or rail alternative to fall back on. Practically speaking, you should not arrive expecting to navigate the city by public transport; walking and taxis are the modes the available guidance actually points to.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are useful for getting around Tripoli, but they can be pricey for westerners. Expect to negotiate or at least to be quoted a higher fare than a local would pay.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Tripoli is served by two airports, and which one you use affects how you reach the centre.
- Mitiga International Airport (MJI) — the main airport, where most international flights arrive. It sits east of the city centre, making it the more convenient of the two for reaching the city.
- Tripoli International Airport (TIP) — located in the town of Ben Ghashir, south of the city centre. It has one main terminal building serving both international and national flights, with check-in on the ground floor and departures and duty-free shops on the first floor.
It is also possible to arrive via the international airport in Misrata (MRA), which lies well to the east of Tripoli.
On arrival, note that flying into Tripoli is the most convenient way of arriving in the country, though it remains something of a hassle. International connections are limited to a select group of countries, with daily flights from Cairo, Istanbul and Tunis — all major international gateways — while flights from Europe are sparse.
If you are departing, make sure your hotel has presented your passport to the authorities so that your visa is stamped before you check out; confirm this with the hotel in advance, or you risk a fine or worse when clearing immigration. At the airport, the business class lounge has clean toilet facilities, unlike those in the general lounge, and non-first/business travellers can use it for a charge.