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. In 2020, there were an estimated 490 vehicles in use per 1000 residents, 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. The 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. ==Ports and harbours==