Ambulance in Gabes: arranging a transfer to Sfax, Sousse or Tunis
An ambulance transfer from Gabes takes about 2 hours by road to Sfax, 3 h 15 to Sousse and 4 h 30 to 5 hours to Tunis. Plan backwards from the receiving ward's admission time rather than the desired departure time. Confirm admission, set the schedule and prepare the patient. See our [Gabes ambulance page](page:gabes).
Mohamed Ben Sassi University Hospital serves Gabes and surrounding areas including El Hamma and Mareth. Common reasons include:
A medically decided transfer to a specialist ward in Sfax, the Sahel or Tunis.
A planned appointment or admission for a patient unable to travel seated.
A return to Gabes after hospitalisation in Sfax, Sousse, Monastir or Tunis.
The clinical team decides whether and where to transfer; EMS organises the journey once the destination is known.
Driving times to Sfax, Sousse, Monastir and Tunis
Routes use the A1 motorway. Indicative figures exclude breaks and traffic delays:
Gabes–Sfax: about 140 km, about 2 hours by road.
Gabes–Sousse: about 260 km, about 3 h 15 by road.
Gabes–Monastir: about 3 h 15 to 3 h 30 by road.
Gabes–Tunis: about 400 km, about 4 h 30 to 5 hours by road.
For a patient lying down, allow for possible breaks and access to the receiving hospital building.
Receiving ward approval comes first
An interfacility transfer begins with acceptance by the receiving ward and an agreed admission time. Prepare:
Departure ward in Gabes and expected discharge time.
Destination facility and receiving ward.
A reachable contact at both facilities.
Patient needs: lying position, oxygen or monitoring.
Medical records should travel with the patient from the sending facility. Do not send them by WhatsApp or through the website. See our hospital transfer service.
Choosing the departure time
Work backwards from the agreed admission time, allowing for the drive and breaks. A late-morning admission in Sfax may require an early-morning departure. A Tunis transfer occupies much of the day and may call for a very early start.
Contact EMS when a transfer is first discussed. Planned and same-day transport depend on availability; one or two days' notice makes planning easier.
Whether the patient travels seated, in a wheelchair or lying down.
Medication needed during travel and the last dose time.
Oxygen needs and prescribed flow rate.
One prepared bag of personal belongings.
Who accompanies the patient and who receives them.
For home pickups, describe narrow streets or tracks in Jara, Menzel or Chenini Nahal. Provide a clear landmark and someone to guide the crew.
What about the return to Gabes?
The return from Sfax, Sousse, Monastir or Tunis is planned in reverse. As soon as discharge is discussed, provide the departure ward, destination address and receiving contact. For El Hamma, Mareth and other districts, specify the exact address and final access conditions.
Request a quote for a transfer from Gabes
Call +216 48 024 000 or message EMS on WhatsApp with the pickup address, destination, date, required arrival time and patient position. A coordinator calls back within 10 minutes and provides a quote before confirmation. You may also request a quote.
Based in Monastir, EMS arranges patient transport in Gabes and its governorate day and night. EMS is a private medical transport service and does not replace SAMU. In a life-threatening emergency, call 190 first.
In a life-threatening emergency or an acute deterioration, contact the competent public emergency services immediately. A request sent by form or WhatsApp does not confirm a transport booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an ambulance transfer from Gabes to Sfax?+
About 2 hours by road on the A1, approximately 140 km, excluding breaks. Allow extra time for departure from the ward and access to the receiving ward.
Can a patient travel from Gabes to Tunis by ambulance in one day?+
Yes, subject to availability and medical arrangements. It is about 400 km and about 4 h 30 to 5 hours by road excluding breaks. An early departure helps.
Who decides the destination hospital?+
The treating medical team, in agreement with the receiving ward. EMS arranges transport once the destination and admission time are confirmed.
Can a relative accompany the patient?+
Mention this when requesting the transfer. It depends on the patient's condition and transport arrangements and will be clarified with the quote.
Will I receive a quote before departure?+
Yes. EMS sends a quote after the coordinator's callback. The journey is not confirmed before your agreement. Route, care needs and access affect the quote.
