Algeria

Getting around

Hitching

Independent travel in all parts of Algeria is risky because of the current political situation. However, the Sahara has long been a popular region for adventurers in their own vehicles, so backpackers have traditionally hitched rides. A great deal of patience is often required before securing a lift, especially now, as there are relatively few visitors. Most tourist vehicles are already full of passengers and kit, so drivers might be unwilling to take an extra load. You might be lucky, however, and meet a loner who’s happy to offer a spare seat in return for help digging when the car gets stuck in the sand and possibly a contribution towards fuel.

The main route across the Sahara is the Route du Hoggar, which runs from Ghardaïa via El-Goléa and In Salah to Tamanrasset (and then on to the border and Arlit in Niger). The road is tar all the way to Tamanrasset. Other less-used roads include the eastern Route du Tassili N’Ajjer, which runs from Hassi Messaoud to Tamanrasset across the Grand Erg Oriental, and the Route du Tanezrouft, which runs from Adrar to Borj Mokhtar near the Mali border. The latter two routes include sections of sandy track (known as piste in all the Sahara countries).

^ Back to top

Bus & tram

Bus

Long-distance buses are run by various regional companies, mainly in the north but also as far south as Tamanrasset. Tickets can be in great demand on less frequently serviced routes, such as from In Salah to Tamanrasset, so you should book in advance. Fares include the following: In Salah to Tamanrasset (US$15), Algiers to Ghardaia (US$8), Adrar to In Salah (US$1), El-Goléa to In Salah (US$3) and Adrar to Timimoun (US$1).

^ Back to top

Car & motorcycle

Driving around the Sahara by yourself is illegal, since 2003 and the kidnapping of tourists. You can rent a car in Algiers and drive along the coast, though locals recommend renting a driver as well, for safety.

^ Back to top

Train

The northern train line connects Oran, Algiers, Constantine and Annaba. Additional lines run south from Oran to Béchar and from Constantine to Touggourt. Many services, including to Tlemcen (for Morocco) and Tunis (Tunisia), were suspended at the time of research.

^ Back to top

Local transport

Trucks and 4WDs carrying paying passengers are more common than buses as means of transport in the south. Prices for 4WD transport are negotiable, but you should figure on around US$20 for a full day’s driving (eg Tamanrasset to In Guezzam).

Louages (shared taxis) operate only in the north of the country. They run when full and are more expensive than buses.

^ Back to top

Air

Air Algérie (021-74 24 28; www.airalgerie.dz; 1 Pl Maurice Audin, Algiers) offers extensive domestic services. Popular domestic routes are from Algiers to Tamanrasset and Ghardaïa.

^ Back to top