Getting Around Algeria
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Algiers and the north. Rural: Rent a car for Sahara exploration. Coast: Buses and coastal roads. For convenience, book airport transfers from Algiers to your destination.
Train Travel
SNTF National Rail
Efficient train network connecting major northern cities with frequent services.
Cost: Algiers to Oran 1,500-2,500 DZD (~€10-20), journeys 4-5 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via SNTF app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Multi-journey cards offer 5-10 trips across Algeria for 5,000-10,000 DZD, with discounts for frequent travelers.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, SNTF website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Modern trains connect Algiers to Annaba and Constantine, with plans for high-speed lines expanding.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Algiers Stations: Main station is Agha, with connections to other northern hubs.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Sahara and rural areas. Compare rental prices from 5,000-10,000 DZD/day (~€35-70) at Algiers Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Major highways like East-West require payment (200-500 DZD per toll).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in many areas, metered parking 100-300 DZD/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 40-50 DZD/liter (~€0.30) for petrol, subsidized rates.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Algiers during rush hours and around Oran.
Urban Transport
Algiers Metro & Trams
Modern metro in Algiers, single ticket 40 DZD, day pass 150 DZD, 10-journey card 300 DZD.
Validation: Validate tickets in machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: EMA app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bike-sharing in Algiers and Oran, 200-500 DZD/day with stations throughout urban areas.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths in coastal cities, growing infrastructure.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
ETUSA (Algiers), SNT (national) operate comprehensive bus networks across cities.
Tickets: 40-100 DZD per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Coastal Buses: Services connecting Mediterranean towns, 200-500 DZD depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Algiers or Oran medina for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Timgad events.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable desert travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G coverage in cities, 3G in rural areas, improving 5G in Algiers.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Mobilis, Djezzy, and Ooredoo offer prepaid SIMs from 500-1,500 DZD with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 1,000 DZD, 10GB for 2,000 DZD, unlimited for 3,000 DZD/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi available in hotels, cafes, and some public spaces in cities.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally 10-50 Mbps in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Algiers Airport 20km from city center, train to center 200 DZD (30 min), taxi 1,000 DZD, or book private transfer for 2,000-3,000 DZD.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (200-500 DZD/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 200 DZD), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 100 DZD, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Algeria
Algiers Houari Boumediene (ALG) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Algiers Houari Boumediene (ALG): Primary international gateway, 20km east of city center with train connections.
Oran Es Senia (ORN): Western hub 10km from city, bus to Oran 100 DZD (30 min).
Constantine Mohamed Boudiaf (CZL): Eastern airport with regional flights, convenient for northeast Algeria.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Tunis or Marseille and taking bus/train to Algeria for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Algérie, Vueling, and Transavia serve Algiers with European and African connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 200-500 DZD, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in cities, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Growing but limited, Apple Pay and Google Pay in major hotels.
- Cash: Essential for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 5,000-10,000 DZD in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary but 5-10% appreciated in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.