London or Paris to Algiers...

It's fairly easy to reach Algeria from London, Paris or anywhere in mainland Europe, taking a train to Marseille then a comfortable ferry to Algiers.

• Step 1, take Eurostar & TGV from London St Pancras to Marseille St Charles, either changing in Paris or changing in Lille, or at certain times of year by direct Eurostar, as explained in detail on the UK to France page.  You will need to stay overnight in Marseille.

• Step 2, sail across the Mediterranean on a comfortable and civilised cruise ferry operated by Corsica Linea ferries.  Sailings operate at least weekly, more frequently in summer.  Ships typically sail at 11:00, arriving at 09:00 the following day.  A full range of en suite cabins, restaurants, bars, sun-decks is offered.  Check sailing dates, times, prices & book online at www.corsicalinea.com or try Algerie Ferries at algerieferries.dz.  If you have any feedback or photos, please get in touch.

• Remember that you will need an Algerian visa, which requires visa support in the form of confirmed hotel bookings or a letter from a tour company.  Read up on this first, information at www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria may help.

Algerie Ferries ship boarding in Algiers port.  Courtesy of Andrew Gaskill.

Morocco to/from Algiers...

The Morocco-Algeria border has been closed for some years now and travel between these countries along the North African coast is not possible.

Tunisia to/from Algiers...

The Tunisia-Algeria border is open, but read the travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk carefully.  The Algerian and Tunisian rail networks connect up and it's reported that a direct train links Annaba with Tunis three times a week, leaving Annaba at 08:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays eastbound and leaving Tunis at 08:25 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays westbound.  Journey time just over 8 hours.  If you travel this way, please get in touch.  Update October 2018:  It's now reported this international train did not in fact start, and is therefore not running, although the border is apparently open.

Travel within Algeria

Train travel in Algeria...

A train network runs along the Mediterranean coast, linking Oran, Algiers, Constantine and Annaba amongst other towns.  Trains are operated by SNTF, for times and fares see www.sntf.dz.  The most important trains have 1st & 2nd class and air-conditioning.  If you have any feedback or photos, please get in touch.

• Algiers to Oran, 421 km, 4 trains every day leaving both Algiers & Oran at 06:25, 08:00, 12:30 & 15:00, journey time 4h to 5h.  Trains westwards to Oran leave from Algha station, 15 minutes walk from the main Algiers station.

• Algiers to Constantine, 464 km, 2 daytime trains per day (one direct at 07:25, one at 12:30 with a change at Setif), plus a sleeper train at 21:30.

• Algiers to Annaba, 631 km, one overnight train every day leaving Algiers at 21:30, with couchettes & catering car.

1st class on an Algiers-Oran rapide... Courtesy of Andrew Gaskill.				Oran station... Courtesy of Andrew Gaskill.

Algiers station... Courtesy of Andrew Gaskill.

 

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