Transport in Libya

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),[1] 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.

The best roads run along the coast between Tripoli and Tunis in Tunisia; also between Benghazi and Tobruk, connecting with Alexandria in Egypt.

One covers long-distance, international routes, while the other is chiefly engaged in shorter trips between towns.

(west to east) Total: 17 ships (1000 GT or over) 96,062 GT/88,760 tonnes 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) 139 (2005) Most international flights arrive in and through Tripoli International Airport.