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Getting Around By Air
Air Algérie operates frequent services from Algiers domestic airport (adjacent to Algiers International) to the major business centres of Annaba, Constantine and Oran. Less frequent services run from Algiers, Oran, Constantine and Annaba to the other less important commercial centres and gateway oases such as Ghardaia (six hours from Algiers) and Ouargla, as well as important oil towns such as In Amenas and Hassi Messaoud. Services are generally reliable, but air travel to the far south may be subject to delay during the dry summer months because of sandstorms. Despite this, air is by far the most practical means of transport to the far south for the visitor with limited resources of time; Djanet and Tamanrasset are the oasis gateways to the Tassili N’Ajjer and the Hoggar, respectively.
Note: The London office of Air Algérie (tel: (020) 7487 5903) can provide a timetable of services and prices, make reservations and issue tickets. There is an Air Algérie office in every Algerian town which is served by the airline. Reservations and itineraries can be arranged from these offices, but as some of the more isolated offices are not connected by computer or fax reservations should be confirmed well in advance. Offices are very busy in the major towns. Getting Around by Water
Main ports: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Béjaia, Djidjelli, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Oran and Skikda.
Government ferries service the main coastal ports. Getting Around by Rail
Algerian railways are run by the Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires (SNTF). Daily (but fairly slow) services operate in the northern part of the country between Algiers and Oran, Béjaia, Skikda, Annaba and Constantine. The southern routes connect once a day from Annaba to Tebessa via Souk Ahras, Constantine with Touggourt via Biskra (twice a day) and Mohammadia with Bechar.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Road surfaces are reasonably good. All vehicles travelling in the desert should be in good mechanical condition, as breakdown facilities are virtually non-existent. Travellers must carry full supplies of water and petrol. Travel by road (outside Algiers) in northern Algeria should be avoided, especially after dark.
Coach: Relatively inexpensive coaches, run by the SNTF, link major towns. Services are regular but this mode of travel is not recommended for long journeys, such as travel to the south from the coastal strip. Services leave from the coach stations close to the centres of Algiers and Oran. Car hire: Can be arranged at the airport on arrival or in most towns. Many hotels can also arrange car hire. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required. A carnet de passage may be required. Cars are allowed entry for three months without duty. Insurance must be purchased at the border. Proof of ownership is essential. Getting Around Towns and Cities
Municipal bus and tram services operate in Algiers, its suburbs and the coastal area. 10-journey carnets and daily, weekly or longer duration passes are available. There are also two public lifts and a funicular which lead up to the hill overlooking the old souk in Algiers. An underground system is planned (still several years from completion), plus a new tramway with a multi-route system projected to carry upwards of 200,000 daily passenger trips.
Taxi: It is advised not to use public transport other than taxis recommended by established hotels. All taxis are metered and are plentiful in most cities and major towns, though busy during the early evening in the main cities as many people use them to return home after work. The habit of sharing a taxi is widespread. The amount on the meter is the correct fare, but there are surcharges after dark. Travellers are advised not to use unlicensed taxis, as these are likely to be uninsured. Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Algiers to other major cities/towns in Algeria.
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