Overview
Algeria is a country in Africa according to pharmacylib. A fascinating mix of cultures sharing one vast country, Algeria offers dreamy white fishing villages and olive groves as well as verdant mountains and the dramatic natural landscapes of the Sahara and Hoggar Mountains. The Sahara, which occupies more than four fifths of Algeria’s area, exerts a magical attraction on tourists. The north of the country, originally populated by Phoenicians and Romans and dotted with historical ruins, shines green and fertile,
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Air Algérie (AH), the national airline of Algeria, offers non-stop flights from Frankfurt/M. to Algiers and Oran and from Vienna and Geneva to Algiers. Lufthansa (LH) flies regularly non-stop from Frankfurt/M. to Algiers with feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. including Vienna and Zurich. Austrian Airlines (OS) and Swiss (LX) each fly in cooperation with Lufthansa (LH) from Vienna and Zurich via Frankfurt/M. to Algiers.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Algiers: 2 hours 40 minutes; Frankfurt/M. – Oran: 3 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Algiers: 3 hours; Geneva – Algiers: 2 hours; Zurich – Algiers: 3 hours 50 minutes (with stopover).
Departure fee
There are no airport taxes.
Arrival by car
Algeria can be reached by land via the Tabarka border crossing in northern Tunisia; for the border crossings in southern Tunisia, tourists need a guide. Entry via Mauritania, Mali (Bordj Mokhtar), Niger (In Guezzam) or Libya (Fort Thiriet) is also possible; for this it is advisable to travel with an off-road vehicle and a local guide. The border crossing from Morocco is closed. Long-distance bus: There are currently no cross-border bus connections from the surrounding countries. Toll: The only toll road in Algeria is the motorway in the north of the country. Fees can be paid in cash, by card or electronically. Documents: It is recommended
Arrival by train
On the Tunis (Tunisia) to Algiers route, there is no rail connection between Ghardimaou (Tunisia) and Annaba (Algeria). There is a daily night train from Annaba to Algiers via Constantine. There is also no cross-border rail traffic from the other neighboring countries.
Arrival by ship
The main ports of the country are Algiers, Annaba, Bejaia, Oran and Skikda.
Cruise ships
Cruise ships from shipping companies such as Phoenix and FTI Cruises call at Algerian ports such as Algiers and Bejaia.
Ferry provider
Corsica Linea offers ferry crossings from Marseille to Algiers and Bejaia several times a week. Algérie-Ferries connects Marseille (France) and Alicante (Spain) with Algiers, Bejaia, Oran and Skikda. Trasmediterranea offers ferry services between Almeria (Spain) and Oran, Ghazaouet and Mostaganem.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Air Algérie (AH) offers domestic flights between numerous Algerian cities and oases (eg Ouargla, Djanet, Ghardaia) as well as connections to the oil cities (eg In Amenas and Hassi Messaoud). Passengers are strongly advised to confirm flight times with Air Algérie (AH) prior to travel. In summer, departures to the south may be delayed due to sandstorms. Tassili Airlines (SF), another Algerian airline, also flies to numerous destinations within Algeria.
Traveling by car/bus
The Algerian road network has a length of approx. 180,000 km and is particularly well developed in the coastal region in the north of the country. The A1 motorway runs east-west, connecting Algiers to the Moroccan border. The two north-south Trans-Saharan Highways run through Reggane to the Moroccan coast and through Tamanrasset and Djanet to Ghardaia and Algiers. When driving through the desert, it is essential for survival to always have sufficient fuel and water supplies. The vehicle must also be absolutely roadworthy and should be equipped with all-wheel drive. Toll: The only toll road in Algeria is the A1 motorway in the north of the country. Fees can be paid in cash, by card or electronically. Petrol stations: There are enough petrol stations in the northern part of Algeria. When driving through the desert, sufficient petrol in canisters must be carried.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
In the coastal area, roads are paved and well maintained. The Trans-Saharan Highways are also paved in the south of the country. Some of the slopes through the desert are otherwise paved, but often not regularly maintained.
Road classification
Algeria’s road network includes the A1 motorway, on the north coast, marked by blue signs with white lettering, a network of rural roads in the north of the country, and the two Trans-Saharan Highways, marked by white signs with black lettering.
Car rental
Rental cars are available at airports, hotels and most major cities, with or without a driver.
Taxi
Taxis are available everywhere in the cities. The fare should usually be agreed in advance; in Algiers, taxis also have meters. There are also shared taxis that carry up to 4 people who share the fare; Shared taxis only leave when the required number of passengers has been reached.
Bicycle
There are practically no bike rental companies, and due to the often poor condition of the roads, it is not advisable to explore Algeria by bike.
Coach
All larger towns can be reached by comfortable, air-conditioned buses. For distances of about 400 km or more, however, the cheap domestic flights are preferable.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Alcohol limit: 0.2 ‰. – Children under the age of 10 must be carried in the back seat. – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free system. Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – country roads: 100 km/h; – Motorway: 120 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the rental company must be informed.
Documentation
It is recommended that you carry your international driver’s license with you in addition to your national driver’s license.
Traveling in the city
Algiers has an underground system and there are numerous regular buses serving the city, the capital’s suburbs and the coastal region. Two elevators and a funicular take visitors to the top of a hill overlooking Algiers, overlooking the old town’s merchant district (souk). Taxis are also a cheap and popular means of transport in the cities.
Locally on the way by train
The Algerian route network is operated by the Société Nationale des Transports Ferroviaires (SNTF). Trains run daily between Algiers, Bejaia, Annaba and Constantine, among others. In the south of the country there are daily train connections from Annaba to Souk Ahras.
