Algeria is North Africa's largest country, offering a stunning blend of Mediterranean coastline, ancient Roman ruins, and vast Saharan landscapes. From the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers to the dramatic M'zab Valley and endless desert dunes, Algeria promises authentic cultural experiences and natural wonders largely untouched by mass tourism.
- Public
- Algiers has a modern metro and tram system; buses cover all cities but can be crowded and confusing without local help; intercity trains connect major northern cities reliably
- Taxi
- Yellow metered taxis and rideshare apps (Yassir, Temtem) are reliable in Algiers and Oran; always agree on price before departure with unmetered taxis
- Rental
- Car rental is practical for exploring historical sites and coastal areas but urban driving in Algiers is chaotic; 4x4 rental mandatory for Sahara travel
- Walking
- Historic city centers (Casbah, Constantine medina, Tlemcen old town) are walkable but hilly; modern Algiers is spread out and requires transport
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Taxi: 1,200-1,500 DZD ($9-$12), 25-40 minutes depending on traffic
- Shuttle
- Bus: Lines 39, 100, 178 to city center, 20 DZD ($0.15), 45-60 minutes
- Bus
- Airport shuttle: Pre-booked shuttles $15-25
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM, reduced service evenings/weekends
- Availability
- Extensive networks in all cities operated by ETUSA (Algiers) and regional companies
- Cost
- 20-50 DZD ($0.15-$0.38) depending on distance and city
- Notes
- Crowded during peak hours. Not all routes have English signage. Some buses older, others modern.
Alternatives
metro, tramway, taxi, rideshare
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Types
- Yellow taxis (official), shared taxis (communal), private hire
- Rates
- Base fare 25 DZD ($0.20), plus 20-30 DZD/km ($0.15-$0.23)
- Notes
- Most taxis don't have meters - agree on price before departure. Shared taxis follow fixed routes with set prices. Tipping not required but rounding up appreciated.
- Apps
- Yassir (most popular), Heetch, Temtem available in major cities
- App Names
- Yassir (most popular), Heetch, Temtem available in major cities
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Cost: Algiers-Oran: 1,000-1,500 DZD ($8-$12), Algiers-Constantine: 1,200-1,800 DZD ($9-$14)
- Operators
- Multiple companies: SNTV (state), SETRAM, and private companies
- Coverage
- Extensive network connecting all cities and towns
- Booking
- Bus stations, online (some companies), or through agencies
- Notes
- Varying comfort levels - VIP buses have AC and reclining seats. Luggage included. Can be faster than trains on some routes.
Flights
Cost: 1,500-5,000 DZD ($12-$38) depending on route and booking time
- Operator
- Air Algérie (main carrier)
- Major routes
- Algiers to Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Tamanrasset, Ghardaïa, Béchar
- Notes
- Most efficient for reaching southern cities (Tamanrasset, In Salah). Book early for best prices. Luggage allowance varies by fare class.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Houari Boumediene International Airport
From centre: 20 km to central Algiers
Options: Taxi: 1,200-1,500 DZD ($9-$12), 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; Bus: Lines 39, 100, 178 to city center, 20 DZD ($0.15), 45-60 minutes; Airport shuttle: Pre-booked shuttles $15-25; Car rental: Available from multiple companies, from 4,000 DZD/day ($30)
Es Sénia Airport
From centre: 12 km to Oran city center
Options: Taxi: 800-1,200 DZD ($6-$9), 20 minutes; Bus: City bus to center, 30 DZD ($0.22), 30 minutes; Car rental: Available, from 3,500 DZD/day ($27)
Mohamed Boudiaf International Airport
From centre: 9 km to Constantine center
Options: Taxi: 600-900 DZD ($4.50-$7), 15-20 minutes; Shared taxi: 300-400 DZD ($2-$3), when full; Car rental: Available, from 3,000 DZD/day ($23)
Rabah Bitat Airport
From centre: 12 km to Annaba center
Options: Taxi: 700-1,000 DZD ($5-$8), 20 minutes; Shared taxi: 300 DZD ($2.30), when full; Hotel shuttle: Many hotels offer free pickup
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Yassir
Algeria's most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Uber — available in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine with upfront pricing in DZD
Temtem
Local rideshare app operating in major Algerian cities, offers motorcycle taxis (Temtem Moto) as well as cars for shorter urban trips
Heetch
Evening and night ride service operating in Algiers, popular for late-night transport when regular taxis become scarce
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Download the Yassir app (Algeria's main ride-hailing service) before arriving — it works like Uber, shows pricing upfront, and is available in Algiers, Oran, and Constantine
The Algiers Metro runs one line connecting main city points for 50 DZD ($0.38) — clean, modern, and air-conditioned; use it to avoid traffic on the central route
Book intercity SNTF train tickets online or at stations in advance for weekends and holidays — the Algiers-Oran and Algiers-Constantine routes are popular
For Sahara trips, only use licensed operators with proper 4x4 vehicles — independent travel in the southern desert zones requires police permits and carries genuine safety risks
Police checkpoints on roads are common and document checks are routine — always carry your original passport and visa