Transport in Algeria

If you have just settled in Algeria, you will certainly have to move around, whether to go to work, shopping, visit the surroundings, etc. This should not be complicated as the country hosts a wide transport network. In fact, you can choose from coaches, buses, taxis, trains, subway, etc., among others. You can even rent a car if you have a valid driver's license.

In any case, you can travel anywhere across the country, from the North to the South, East to the West, passing through major cities and small villages. Moreover, rates are very affordable.

Bus

Buses are rather punctual and their rates are affordable. However, buses are constantly crowded, so not very comfortable. In fact, these are likely to start only when they are full. On the other hand, you will not find bus stops at every corner of the road. To get down, you simply have to request the driver to stop.

To travel more comfortably, you can board a minibus which is particularly appropriate to visit rural areas. Rates are a bit higher. Finally, for shorter trips, you can also opt for the coach which will cost at least 30 dinars per trip.

Train

For long and short trips, you can also travel by train. The country hosts a developed railway network consisting of 4,000 km, including more than 200 train stations. Most of these are found in the North of Algeria.

Taxi

Algerian taxis can easily be spotted thanks to the sign displayed on the roof. You can book a taxi to travel across your city and even to surrounding regions. In the case of advance booking, taxi-phone terminals have specially been set up in kiosks. Note that taxis can as well be hired by waving at them in the streets to stop.

You will find two types of taxis in Algeria: individual taxis and collective taxis. Collective taxis are very useful, especially during peak hours where you will be able to share the cost with other people traveling with you. The 'inter-wilaya" is another shared taxi which can take you from one city to another.

Good to know:

In general, Algerian taxis are equipped with a meter. In case the meter has stopped functioning, make sure to negotiate the fare in advance with the driver.

Rent a car

Algeria has one of Africa's biggest and most developed road network. In fact, the country is crossed by the Trans-Saharan Highway from North to South and by the East-West Highway from East to West. Both highways connect major cities such as Oran, Bejaia, Algiers, Constantine, Annaba, Tlemcen, etc.

To explore these roads, you can rent a car if you have a valid driver's license. You can find car rental agencies in most major Algerian cities. You can as well rent a pick-up to explore the Saharan region in the South of the country.

Useful links:

SNTF - National Rail Transport Company www.sntf.dz
Expat.com - Car rental in Algeria
Expat.com ' Taxi directory in Algeria
Clever Taxi www.clevertaxi.com
I Explore www.iexplore.com