Algiers Houari Boumediene Layover Guide (ALG)

What are you looking for in ALG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Algiers Airport (ALG), officially Houari Boumediene Airport, is the main international airport serving Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is located approximately 17 km (10.5 miles) east of downtown Algiers. The airport was first inaugurated in 1924. Algiers is a vibrant Mediterranean city known for its historic Casbah, French-colonial architecture, and cultural richness, making it a gateway to both North African heritage and modern urban life.

Can you leave Algiers Airport (ALG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave Algiers Airport (ALG) during a layover if you stay within the international transit area and your connection is under 24 hours—no transit visa required. For exits beyond the transit zone or layovers over 24 hours, you’ll need a transit visa valid up to 7 days. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Algiers: Highlights & City Tour

Perfect for long layovers, this private Highlights & City Tour collects you at Algiers Airport, whisks you through the Casbah, Notre-Dame d’Afrique, Martyrs’ Memorial and bustling colonial boulevards, then returns you in time for onward flights. Flexible duration, multilingual guide, museum tickets and optional traditional lunch. Plus pickup, drop-off insurance. » book this tour

Full Algiers Casbah Tour

Delve into UNESCO-listed Casbah alleys with an architect-guide on this five-hour heritage walk, ideal for daytime transits. Admire Ottoman palaces, hidden mosques and hillside vistas, then share mint tea with locals. Morning departure fits many layover windows and tours start near the airport with return transport arranged for stress-free scheduling. » book this tour

Algiers: Casbah Guided Tour & Lunch

Savor authentic Algerian cuisine inside a historic mansion during this Casbah Guided Tour & Lunch, perfect if you have six hours to spare. Explore labyrinthine streets, artisan workshops and panoramic rooftops before enjoying a home-cooked feast. Guides meet you curbside at arrivals and ensure timely return for connecting flights safely. » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Basilique Notre Dame d’Afrique Marvel at the hilltop neo‑Byzantine basilica, enjoy panoramic Mediterranean views and serene gardens. (Time required: 60 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min)
  • Casbah of Algiers Wander the UNESCO-listed Casbah’s labyrinthine streets, Ottoman palaces, hidden mosques and local markets. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min)
  • Palais des Rais Explore this restored 16th-century Moorish palace complex in the lower Casbah with atmospheric courtyards and historic charm. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min)
  • Djamaa el Kebir Visit Algiers’ oldest mosque (1097), admire Almoravid architecture within the heart of the Casbah. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min)
  • Great Mosque of Algiers (Djamaa el Djazaïr) See the world’s tallest minaret, massive prayer hall and observation deck overlooking the sea. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min)
  • La Grande Poste d’Alger Admire stunning Moorish–French architecture and peek inside this historic colonial-era postal museum. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min)
  • Martyrs’ Memorial & Bardo Museum Visit iconic independence memorial and archaeological museum showcasing Algeria’s past. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min)
  • Museum of Fine Arts of Algiers View a rich collection of Algerian and European art in a beautifully preserved colonial building near Jardin d’Essai. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min)

Things to Do in Algiers Airport (ALG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Algiers Airport offers multiple airport-operated lounges in Terminals 1, 2 and 4, accessible via business/first-class tickets, memberships or day passes. They provide comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks, TV, and Wi‑Fi, ideal for relaxation and work before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
A Hyatt Regency hotel is connected directly to Terminal 4. Additional hotels near the airport, such as Mercure and Ibis, offer free shuttle service. These provide comfortable rooms, breakfast, business facilities and convenient access for early flights or overnight layovers. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Algiers Airport (ALG) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
ALG features a 24/7 transit room with sofas in Terminal 4 and seating areas near Segafredo café. Overnight stays are permitted but can be uncomfortable, so sleeping mats or nearby hotel rooms are recommended for longer layovers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Wi‑Fi is available throughout the airport for a fee: DA 250 for 30 minutes and DA 420 for 60 minutes. Lounge users enjoy complimentary access. Internet kiosks and mobile charging stations are available in terminals for additional connectivity.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from Djezzy, Mobilis and Ooredoo are sold in public areas of Terminals 1 and 2, offering local data and calling plans. eSIM options can be arranged before travel. Top-up cards and 4G USB keys are also available. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Algiers Airport (ALG) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis operate 24/7 outside Terminals 1 and 2. There is no metered fare system—average city-center trips cost around DA 1,200. Negotiating fares in advance is advised. Airport pick-up fees make outbound rides slightly pricier.

Train: A commuter rail link now connects Bab Ezzouar station to the airport via SNTF trains, running every 30 minutes with a 20-minute journey to central Algiers (more info

Bus: ETUSA city buses (lines 39, 100, 178) link the airport to downtown every 30 minutes for DA 20–45. A shuttle bus also runs between 08:00–17:30 for DA 50. (more info).

Shuttle: Free shuttle minibuses transport hotel guests to airport hotels like Mercure, Ibis and Hyatt. Inter-terminal shuttles run 24/7. Private shared transfers can also be booked to Algiers city or suburbs for convenience.

Car rentals: Car rental desks (Hertz, Rapide and others) are located near terminal exits. Vehicles are available 24/7. Booking in advance is recommended. Ideal for flexible travel, renters can access the highway network directly from the airport. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: There are three main car parks (P1–P3) offering over 3,200 spaces. The first 30 minutes are free; thereafter DA 75–180 per hour and DA 1,200 per day. Accessible to persons with reduced mobility and equipped with luggage trolleys.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage lockers inside ALG terminals. However, luggage-wrapping services are available in Terminal 1 landside. Travelers must arrange off-site storage externally if needed during transit. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Algiers Airport (ALG) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Algiers Airport (ALG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks