# Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) > Algiers, DZ · 16.9 km (10.5 mi) east-southeast of central Algiers Web: https://airport.flights/airport/alg JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/alg.json ## Facts - **IATA**: ALG - **ICAO**: DAAG - **Timezone**: Africa/Algiers - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 3 - **Passengers**: 9.9M/yr - **Hub for**: Air Algérie, Tassili Airlines - **Official site**: https://www.aeroport-alger.com/ ## Overview ## Welcome Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG), located 16.9 km east-southeast of central Algiers, serves as a pivotal gateway to North Africa. Not your average "shopping-and-dining" venue, it commands attention for its dedicated rail link and fixed-fare taxi services, clearly prioritizing efficient transit over luxurious lingerings. This practical approach makes it a favored node for many travelers seeking streamlined connectivity, rather than an opulent airport experience. ## At a glance Handling approximately 9.9 million passengers per year, ALG functions primarily through three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 4. Terminal 1 is a hub for Air Algérie and Air France, while Terminal 2 serves Tassili Airlines, and Terminal 4, the newest addition, caters once again to Air Algérie. With two runways accommodating flights, this airport supports both domestic and international travel seamlessly. ## Terminals & layout The airport comprises three terminals with distinct roles. Terminal 1 caters mainly to Air Algérie and Air France flights, providing ample shopping opportunities with options like the Duty Free Shop, a Fashion Boutique, and a Souvenir Shop all located within. Terminal 2 serves as the base for Tassili Airlines and is home to Restaurant Alger and Bar Alger. Lastly, Terminal 4 stands as the modern face of ALG, primarily handling international flights with facilities that include a Snack Bar and a renowned VIP Lounge. ## Getting to and from the city Transport options to the city from ALG are rich in variety yet notably predictable. Taxis, with a travel time of 30-45 minutes, carry a fixed fare of 1200 DA, while the ETUSA Bus Lines 39 and 100 both offer rides for 20-45 DA, taking approximately the same amount of time as a taxi. The Airport Shuttle Service, at only 50 DA, provides budget-friendly access with a journey lasting around 30 minutes. The dedicated airport rail link, a less utilized gem, presents a savvy alternative for slipping past potential road congestion. ## Traveller essentials While ALG may lack the glamour of some larger airports, its provision of practical essentials cannot be ignored. Currency exchange, ATMs, a pharmacy, and tour operator desks ensure that passengers can cover their necessities efficiently. For those needing immediate access to their devices, there’s a Gadget Store on site. Be sure to carry cash for small transactions, as electronic payment facilities might not be universally available or reliable. ## Dining & shopping highlights Dining at Houari Boumediene Airport caters more to functionality than exceptional culinary experiences. Terminal 1 hosts the simple yet satisfactory Café Alger, while Terminal 2 offers a broader palette with Restaurant Alger and Bar Alger. Terminal 4 rounds this off with a conveniently located Snack Bar. Shoppers can explore the Duty Free in Terminal 1 along with an Electronics Store and various other outlets. ## Lounges Passengers seeking extra comfort can frequent several lounges scattered across the airport’s terminals. The Air Algérie Lounge in Terminal 1 is accessible for €30, whereas Terminal 2 boasts the Star Alliance and SkyTeam Lounges at €40 and €35 respectively. Lastly, Terminal 4 offers a more luxurious option with a VIP Lounge charging €50, or the Business Lounge for €45. ## Insider tips - **Time:** Plan for lengthy baggage and customs clearance upon arrival—traveler reports suggest it can be quite slow. - **Transport** Utilize the airport rail link for a faster journey to central Algiers, avoiding unpredictable road traffic. - **Money** Always agree on the taxi fare upfront to follow local customs and prevent disputes. - **Cash** Keep cash on hand for minor expenses as it's often preferred for transactions at ALG and around Algiers. - **Service** Consider meet-and-greet services if you're on a tight schedule or expect large flight volumes, as processing can move slowly. - **Facilities** Use terminal-side amenities for essentials; they're more practical than indulgent. - **Smooth Transfer** Check for complimentary inter-terminal minibuses if switching between terminals to save time and effort. ## Terminals (3) - **Terminal 1** — Air Algérie, Air France Terminal 1 is the main terminal for international flights. - **Terminal 2** — Tassili Airlines Terminal 2 serves domestic flights and some regional routes. - **Terminal 4** — Air Algérie Terminal 4 is a newer addition, focusing on expanding capacity. ## Dining (5) - **Bar Alger** — 2 · Local · Bar · $$ - **Café Alger** — 1 · Local · Café · $ - **Duty Free Shop** — 1 · Shopping · Duty Free · $$ - **Restaurant Alger** — 2 · Local · Restaurant · $$ - **Snack Bar** — 4 · Fast Food · Snack · $ ## Lounges (6) - **Air Algérie Lounge** — 1 · Air Algérie Business Class, Priority Pass · €30 - **Business Lounge** — 4 · Business Class Passengers · €45 - **Priority Pass Lounge** — 1 · Priority Pass · €25 - **SkyTeam Lounge** — 2 · SkyTeam Elite Plus, Priority Pass · €35 - **Star Alliance Lounge** — 2 · Star Alliance Gold, Priority Pass · €40 - **VIP Lounge** — 4 · VIP Services, Day Pass · €50 ## Shops (10) - **Beauty Products** — 1 · Beauty - **Bookstore** — 1 · Books - **Duty Free** — 1 · Duty Free - **Electronics Store** — 1 · Electronics - **Fashion Boutique** — 1 · Fashion - **Gadget Store** — 1 · Electronics - **Gifts and Crafts** — 1 · Souvenirs - **Local Delicacies** — 1 · Food - **Souvenir Shop** — 1 · Souvenirs - **Travel Essentials** — 1 · Travel Essentials ## Parking (6) - **Car Rental** — Car rental · next to terminal - **Parking P1** — Long stay · 1200 DA/day, 75 DA/hr · next to terminal - **Parking P2** — Long stay · 1200 DA/day, 75 DA/hr · next to terminal - **Parking P3** — Long stay · 1200 DA/day, 75 DA/hr · next to terminal - **Shuttles** — Shuttle · next to terminal - **Taxis** — Taxi · next to terminal ## Ground transport (6) - **Airport Shuttle Service** — Shuttle · 30 min · 50 DA · Every 30 min Free for hotel guests - **Car Rental Services** — Other · Most counters open 08:00–20:00 daily Available 24/7 - **ETUSA Bus Line 100** — Bus · 30-45 min · 20-45 DA · Every 30 min Direct route to city center - **ETUSA Bus Line 39** — Bus · 30-45 min · 20-45 DA · Every 30 min Direct route to city center - **Airport Taxi** — Taxi · 30-45 min · 1200 DA · .The Shuttlefare guide indicates the taxi ranks are outside both terminals, but there is no mention of cost, time, or frequency. Available 24/7 - **Metro to Airport** — Other · Every 30 min · early morning to late night Future service ## Insider tips - _Time_: Plan for lengthy baggage and customs clearance upon arrival—traveler reports suggest it can be quite slow. - _Transport_: Utilize the airport rail link for a faster journey to central Algiers, avoiding unpredictable road traffic. - _Money_: Always agree on the taxi fare upfront to follow local customs and prevent disputes. - _Cash_: Keep cash on hand for minor expenses as it's often preferred for transactions at ALG and around Algiers. - _Service_: Consider meet-and-greet services if you're on a tight schedule or expect large flight volumes, as processing can move slowly. - _Facilities_: Use terminal-side amenities for essentials; they're more practical than indulgent. - _Smooth Transfer_: Check for complimentary inter-terminal minibuses if switching between terminals to save time and effort.