Transport in Libya
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Railways
Libya has had no railway in operation since 1965, all previous small systems having been dismantled. Current plans are to construct a 1.435-m standard gauge line from the Tunisian frontier to Tripoli and Misratah, then inland to Sabha, center of a mineral-rich area. There has been little progress, however. Other plans made jointly with Egypt would establish a rail line from As Sallum, Egypt, to Tobruk with completion originally set for mid-1994. Libya signed contracts with Bahne of Egypt and Jez Sistemas Ferroviarios in 1998 for the supply of crossings and pointwork.
Railway links with adjacent countries
Highways
There are about 83,200 km of roads in Libya, 47,590km of which are surfaced. 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 services 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.
Total:
83,200 km
Paved:
47,590 km
Unpaved:
35,610 km (1996 est.)
Waterways
There are no waterways in Libya.
Pipelines
Crude oil 4,383 km; petroleum products 443 km (includes liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 256 km); natural gas 1,947 km
Ports and harbours
Mediterranean Sea
Merchant marine:
Total:
27 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 401,303 GRT/656,632 DWT
Ships by type:
Cargo 9, chemical tanker 1, liquified gas 3, petroleum tanker 6, roll-on/roll-off 4, short-sea passenger 4 (1999 est.)
Airports
Most international arrive in and leave Libya through Tripoli International Airport.
142 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways
Total:
59
over 3,047 m:
24
2,438 to 3,047 m:
6
1,524 to 2,437 m:
22
914 to 1,523 m:
5
under 914 m:
2
Airports - with unpaved runways
Total:
83
over 3,047 m:
5
2,438 to 3,047 m:
2
1,524 to 2,437 m:
15
914 to 1,523 m:
42
under 914 m:
19 (1999 est.)