Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers is Algeria's main international airport and the country's largest air hub, the largest on the African continent.
It is located approximately 17 km east of Algiers city center, a city facing the Mediterranean known for its Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to get to Houari Boumediene Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ALG
Parking near Houari Boumediene Airport
The parking, located a short distance from the terminal, offers generally accessible rates.
Availability is generally good, but during peak traffic periods it is advisable to allow a few extra minutes to reach the entrance.
Roughly 100-200 dinars per hour, with a maximum ceiling of 1,200 DZD in 24 hours; for unofficial parking nearby, always verify that it is supervised before leaving your car for multiple days.
How to get to Algiers from ALG
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Houari Boumediene Airport
Major international car rental companies have dedicated counters in the terminal, useful for those wanting to explore beyond the capital alone.
Given the complexity of certain areas of the country, it's advisable to carefully plan trips outside the city and stay informed about current security conditions in areas of interest.
Bring driving license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit; check if an international license is required. International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required for all foreign visitors; Algerian citizens use only their national license.
Hotels near Houari Boumediene Airport
Bab Ezzouar and Dar El Beida
The Atlantis Alger Aéroport (formerly Ibis) is about 3 km from the terminals with a dedicated shuttle; the Residence Inn Marriott, in the nearby Trust Complex business district, offers a free shuttle and is about 5 minutes by car from the airport.
Best for: Early-morning flights, one-night layovers, and anyone arriving late who doesn't want to face the traffic into the center.
- Hotel shuttles designed specifically for the airport, with no need to haggle over a taxi on arrival
- The Bab Ezzouar shopping center is within easy reach for a meal or some shopping
- An office and retail district: there's no street life in the evening
- To visit Algiers you still have to face 30-40 minutes of traffic heading west
Recommended hotels
- Atlantis Alger Aéroport (ex Ibis) Originally opened as Ibis Alger Aéroport and taken over by the Algerian group Atlantis Hotels (part of the Soummam food group), it is about 3 km from the airport with a dedicated shuttle, in the Bab Ezzouar commercial hub; 264 rooms. View availability
- Residence Inn by Marriott Algiers Bab Ezzouar 'Extended stay'-style suites with a kitchen and separate lounge, in the Trust Complex of Bab Ezzouar's new business district; free airport shuttle, about 5 minutes by car. View availability
Algiers: Cheraga and the Casbah
From the airport, Cheraga is about 30 minutes away on the motorway along the southern ring road; the Casbah, in the center of Algiers, requires a similar or longer transfer at rush hour. There is no direct train from the airport.
Best for: For those staying more than one night who want to see the city, between the Cheraga business district and the historic Casbah.
- The Cheraga Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Algiers, has a panoramic restaurant on the top floor
- The Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be visited on foot straight from the hotel
- The trip from the airport depends entirely on traffic, with no rail alternative
- The narrow alleys of the Casbah aren't always reachable by taxi all the way to the hotel entrance
Recommended hotels
- Holiday Inn Algiers - Cheraga Tower by IHG Standing 105 meters tall over 25 floors, it is the capital's tallest skyscraper and houses the Le 101 restaurant on the top floor, with views over the city; 242 rooms in the Cheraga/Ouled Fayet business and diplomatic district, about 30 minutes by motorway from the airport. View availability
- AFRIC HOTEL- Casbah Colonial-era building in the heart of the historic Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a few steps from the Ibn Badis mosque; multilingual staff help with luggage and directions, handy for anyone exploring the old town on foot. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The airport has multiple terminals, including one dedicated to international flights that was recently renovated to handle growing traffic.
It's always wise to carefully verify which terminal your flight operates from when booking.
From check-in to gate, you typically walk 10–15 minutes. Security screening is the checkpoint most prone to queues, especially for international flights.
Map of Houari Boumediene Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How do you get from Algiers airport to the city centre?
With official taxis or private transfers; it's always advisable to arrange transport through verified channels.
Q. How far is Algiers airport from the city centre?
About 30-40 minutes by taxi, as it is Algeria's main international airport.
Q. Does Algiers airport have direct rail connections?
No, there is no direct train from the airport: transport to the city is by road.
Q. Is it worth arriving well ahead of time for an international flight from Algiers?
Yes, 3 hours in advance is generally recommended for international flights.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
