Getting Around Algeria: A Transport Overview

Algeria, a country located in North Africa, offers a variety of means of transportation for both locals and tourists. From sea transportation for import and export to a comprehensive network of buses, trains, taxis, and even a metro system in the capital city of Algiers, getting around Algeria is relatively convenient.

Sea transportation serves as the main means of import and export in Algeria. The country’s major commercial ports, including Algiers, Oran, Annaba, and Djendjen, handle a significant portion of port traffic, accounting for over 75% of total traffic excluding hydrocarbons. Among these ports, Algiers stands as the leading commercial port in the country. Every year, these ports collectively handle more than 150 million tons of cargo, with the volume continuously increasing.

Algeria offers a range of public transportation options, making it easy to travel within the country. Buses, trains, and taxis are readily available, providing affordable and efficient modes of transportation. Public buses in Algiers are operated by ETUSA (établissement de Transport Urbain et Suburbain d’Alger), while private buses also contribute to the city’s bus network. Rates for public buses vary, making them a convenient choice for getting around Algiers.

Trains in Algeria are operated by SNTF (Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires). Regular and comfortable connections are available from Algiers to various cities, including Bejaia, Annaba, Constantine, Tlemcen, and Oran. Additionally, train routes between Oran and Béchar, as well as Constantine and Touggourt, provide further options for travelers. Trains are often faster than buses, particularly for longer distances.

Taxis are another common mode of transportation in Algeria. They are widely available in cities and can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi ranks. Taxis in Algeria can be either shared or hired exclusively, depending on the passenger’s preference and budget.

In terms of air transportation, Algeria is served by several airlines, including Air Algerie, Royal Jordanian, and Kenya Airways. The country’s major cities in the north, such as Algiers, Oran, Annaba, and Constantine, boast large chain hotels, offering comfortable accommodations for visitors.

While public transportation options may be limited in some parts of Algeria, particularly in the south, shared taxis known as “louages” provide a faster alternative to buses in the northern cities. These louages operate on fixed routes and are a convenient way to travel within and between cities.

Geography and Infrastructure

Algeria, the largest country in Africa, boasts a diverse geography that includes vast desert landscapes, mountainous regions, and a long Mediterranean coastline. This unique geography plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s infrastructure and transportation systems.

In recent years, the Algerian government has placed a strong emphasis on improving and expanding its transport infrastructure. One of the key focuses has been on the development of tramway networks in major cities such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. These projects, currently under construction, aim to provide efficient and sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors alike. Once completed, the tramway networks will span a total of 9 kilometers and are expected to open in 2010.

In addition to the tramway networks, Algeria is also investing heavily in its motorway network. The country aims to connect all major ports and cities through a comprehensive highway system, promoting economic activity and facilitating trade. Currently, Algeria has over 96,000 kilometers of paved roads, including 2,318 kilometers of expressways. This extensive road network, coupled with 29,000 kilometers of unpaved roads, provides a total road system stretching approximately 127,000 kilometers.

Furthermore, Algeria recognizes the importance of connectivity with its neighboring countries. Through further infrastructure development, the country seeks to establish strong transportation links, enhancing regional trade and cooperation. The government’s ongoing investment in transport infrastructure reflects its commitment to modernizing and diversifying the economy.

Aside from transportation, Algeria’s geography also poses unique challenges and opportunities for other types of infrastructure. The country’s long Mediterranean coastline presents opportunities for the development of maritime infrastructure, such as ports and harbors, to facilitate trade and coastal tourism. The diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert and mountainous regions, also provide potential for the growth of eco-tourism and the development of infrastructure to support these activities.

Air Transportation

Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines

Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines are two prominent airlines in Algeria, playing a crucial role in connecting the country’s major cities and expanding its reach to international destinations. As the national carrier, Air Algérie has a long-standing history and a comprehensive network of flights, while Tassili Airlines, a subsidiary of the prominent oil and gas company Sonatrach, offers specialized services and focuses on strategic partnerships.

Air Algérie operates regular domestic flights between the main cities of Algeria, providing a convenient and comfortable way for locals and tourists to travel within the country. With its extensive route network, Air Algérie ensures that passengers can easily reach destinations such as Bejaia, Annaba, Constantine, Tlemcen, and Oran from the capital city of Algiers. Additionally, the airline has been actively working on expanding its operations internationally. In 2017, Air Algérie signed an agreement with Gabon to establish a route between Algiers and Libreville, facilitating both passenger and cargo transportation. The airline also has plans to sign agreements with Chad, Ethiopia, Benin, and Togo, further enhancing its connectivity across Africa.

To enhance its booking capacity and efficiency, Air Algérie adopted the integrated Amadeus booking system in 2017. This technological upgrade allows customers to easily book their flights and provides the airline with improved operational capabilities. With these advancements, Air Algérie aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for its passengers.

International and domestic flights

When traveling to Algeria, whether from Europe or other parts of the world, there are various options for international and domestic flights to consider. The most popular airports in Algeria are located in Algiers and Oran, making them convenient entry points for travelers.

If you are traveling from Europe, the most cost-effective way to reach Algeria is to first fly to Spain or the South of France, and then take a flight with Voeling, a Spanish cheap airline. Voeling offers affordable one-way tickets to Algeria, with prices as low as 30€.

For travelers coming from other parts of the world, it is recommended to check Turkish Airlines or other airlines that offer connecting flights to Algeria. UAE-based airlines also provide convenient options for reaching Algeria.

Land Transportation

Roads and highways

One of the key priorities for Algeria’s infrastructure development is its extensive road network. With a vision to enhance economic activity and promote trade, Algeria has embarked on an ambitious plan to connect all major ports, cities, and neighboring countries through a comprehensive highway system. This strategic undertaking aims to strengthen transportation links, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation.

Currently, Algeria boasts an impressive road network spanning over 96,000 kilometers, including approximately 2,318 kilometers of expressways. These well-paved roads provide smooth and efficient transportation routes, enabling faster and safer journeys for both domestic and international travelers. Moreover, the country has an additional 29,000 kilometers of unpaved roads, further extending the reach of its road infrastructure.

Algeria’s commitment to regional connectivity is evident through its participation in the Trans-African Highway network. The crown jewel of this endeavor is the Trans-Sahara Highway, which traverses the country from north to south. This extensive highway not only connects Algiers, the capital city, with major Algerian cities but also serves as a vital link to neighboring countries such as Niger and Nigeria. The Trans-Sahara Highway acts as a lifeline for trade and commerce, allowing goods and services to flow seamlessly across borders, fostering economic integration and cooperation in the region.

In addition to the Trans-Sahara Highway, Algeria has also constructed the East-West highway, a monumental project that spans the entire length of the country. This highway serves as a crucial artery, connecting the eastern and western regions of Algeria, and facilitating the movement of people and goods between these areas. The East-West highway significantly reduces travel time and enhances accessibility, enabling efficient transportation of resources, promoting regional development, and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.

Rail network and train stations

Algeria is making significant investments in expanding its rail network as part of its overall transport and logistics strategy. Currently ranked 44th in the world in terms of rail network length per capita, Algeria aims to improve its rail infrastructure to drive socio-economic development and enhance both freight and passenger movement.

The government plans to extend the rail network across the country, with 2,300 kilometers already under construction, according to the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. This expansion project will not only increase the accessibility and connectivity of different regions within Algeria but also support the modernization of key projects.

The National Rail Transport Company (Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires, SNTF) is the state-owned company responsible for the management and operation of the rail network. With over 4,000 kilometers of railway tracks and more than 200 train stations, the SNTF plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient and convenient transportation for both passengers and cargo.

The majority of train stations are located in the northern part of Algeria, where the population density is higher. However, with the extension of the rail network, more train stations will be established in remote areas, ensuring better connectivity across the country. This will not only benefit the local population but also promote tourism and economic development in those regions.

The Algerian rail network provides both long and short-distance travel options. Passengers can choose to travel by train for both their daily commutes and intercity journeys. The developed railway infrastructure and extensive network make train travel a reliable and convenient mode of transportation.

With the expansion and modernization of the rail network, the government is also focusing on refurbishing wagons and reinforcing freight capacity. This will support the efficient movement of goods and contribute to the growth of trade and commerce in Algeria.

Collective and individual taxis

When it comes to getting around in Algeria, taxis are a popular means of transportation, particularly in the bustling cities like Algiers. Algeria offers both collective and individual taxis to cater to the diverse needs of its residents and visitors.

Collective taxis, also known as shared taxis, are a convenient and cost-effective option, especially during peak hours. These taxis operate within the city and even provide intercity transportation services. You can easily spot them by the sign displayed on the roof. To catch a collective taxi, you can either book in advance through taxi-phone terminals or simply wave at them in the streets to stop. The advantage of a collective taxi is that you can share the fare with other passengers, making it an affordable option for traveling short distances.

For longer journeys between cities, the ‘inter-wilaya’ shared taxi is an excellent choice. These taxis can take you from one city to another, allowing you to explore different regions of Algeria conveniently.

Individual taxis are also readily available throughout Algeria. They provide a more private and personalized travel experience, ideal for those who prefer to travel alone or with their family. Similar to collective taxis, individual taxis can be hailed in the streets or booked in advance through taxi-phone terminals. These taxis are equipped with meters, but it is common for the drivers to not start them. Therefore, it is advisable to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Long-distance bus network

Algeria boasts a well-established long-distance bus network, particularly in the northern region of the country. This extensive network connects various cities and towns, making it a convenient and affordable mode of transportation for both locals and tourists.

The long-distance bus network in Algeria is known for reaching a larger number of cities and towns in the north compared to the south. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to explore different regions or travel between major urban centers.

When planning a journey by bus in Algeria, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. The demand for long-distance bus travel can be high, especially during peak seasons or holidays, so securing your seat ahead of time will ensure a smoother travel experience.

The buses operating within the long-distance network are generally comfortable and equipped to handle the varying road conditions in Algeria. While the quality of buses may vary between different operators, efforts have been made to improve the overall comfort and safety standards.

In terms of affordability, long-distance bus travel in Algeria is a cost-effective option compared to other modes of transportation such as trains or domestic flights. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer a more leisurely and scenic journey.

Maritime Transportation

Commercial ports and coastal ports are vital components of Algeria’s maritime transport system. With a coastline stretching over 1200 km, Algeria has 11 commercial ports, including Algiers, Oran, and Annaba, which attract the majority of port activity in the country. These ports play a crucial role in facilitating international trade and handling the movement of goods.

The port of Algiers, the largest commercial port in Algeria, accounts for about 33% of the country’s international trade. Situated in close proximity to major cities such as Blida, Tizi Ouzou, and Djelfa, the port of Algiers provides access to the central, eastern, and western regions of Algeria. This strategic location makes it a significant gateway for the import and export of goods.

Similarly, the port of Oran also holds strategic importance due to its connectivity to railways. It serves as a transportation hub, linking Oran to other key cities such as Tlélat, Algiers, and Béchar. This connectivity enhances the efficiency of the transportation network and facilitates the movement of goods within Algeria and beyond.

These commercial ports, along with other key ports like Annaba and Djendjen, handle a significant volume of traffic each year, surpassing 150 million tons. The steady increase in traffic highlights the growing importance of maritime transport in Algeria’s economy. The government recognizes the significance of these ports in facilitating international trade and has allocated resources to upgrade port infrastructure and enhance logistics platforms to ensure efficiency and competitiveness in the Mediterranean region.

In addition to commercial ports, Algeria also relies on coastal ports for transportation and logistics. Coastal ports, such as Beni Saf, Cherchell, Dellys, Djen Djen, Ghazaouet, Mostaganem, Skikda, and Tenes, play a crucial role in domestic trade and coastal shipping. These ports provide essential access to coastal regions, facilitating the movement of goods between different parts of the country.