Transportation in Algeria

Algeria's transport mix is built for distance: long-haul coaches connect every provincial capital, trains run a coastal spine from the Moroccan border to the Tunisian frontier, and shared taxis fill every gap in between. In the big cities you'll find a cheap, dense network of buses and trams, Algiers' metro is the newest addition and the one locals rely on for speed. For comfort, inter-city trains and private coaches offer reserved seats and air-conditioning. Shared taxis are faster but can be a squeeze. First-timers should grab a rechargeable Edahabia card at any Algiers tram or metro station, one tap works on buses, trams, and the metro, sparing you the coin scramble. Skip the unofficial taxi touts outside bus stations. They quote "tourist rates" and often detour. Instead, use the Yassir or TemTem ride-hailing apps in the major cities for metered fares and route tracking. From Houari Boumediene Airport, the cheapest ride is the public bus that drops you at Place des Martyrs, slow but costs a fraction of a taxi. If you land late, the official airport taxi rank is the only option still running. Insist on the meter or agree the fare before the trunk opens.