Houari Boumediene Airport
Also known as: Aéroport d'Alger, ALG Airport, Algiers Airport, Algiers International Airport, Houari Boumediene International Airport. Formerly Maison Blanche Airport.
Private transfer from ALGSee pricesSee pricesAbout Houari Boumediene Airport
Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) is the international airport serving Algiers, the capital of Algeria. It is the hub of Air Algérie, which flies from here to cities across Algeria and to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, China and Canada. Tassili Airlines also flies domestic routes, and foreign airlines link Algiers with France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt and the Gulf, among them Air France, Transavia, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Vueling and Qatar Airways.
Passengers use three terminals: Terminal 4 for international flights, Terminal 1 for domestic flights, and Terminal 2 for charter and pilgrimage flights. Terminals 1 and 2 stand side by side, with the airport railway station between them, and Terminal 4 is a short walk away.
The airport sits in Dar El Beïda, about 17 km east-southeast of central Algiers. Suburban trains run from the airport station to Agha in the city center in about 20 minutes, and the drive takes around 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic, longer at busy times.
From the airport, travelers head to central Algiers and the Casbah, the business district of Bab Ezzouar, the heights of Hydra, El Biar and Ben Aknoun, and further afield to Boumerdès, Blida, Tizi Ouzou and Tipaza.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
SGSIA, the company that manages and operates Algiers airport
- Passengers per year
About 9.2 million in 2024
- Runways
Two runways, each 3,500 m long
- Main airline
Air Algérie (hub)
- Opened
1924; Terminal 4 opened on April 29, 2019
Arrival tips for Houari Boumediene Airport
After you leave the aircraft, follow the signs to passport control. Most visitors need a visa arranged in advance, and your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Collect your bags in the baggage claim hall, then pass through customs. If you carry cash worth more than 5,000 euros, or more than 100 grams of jewelry, declare it before customs, preferably online in advance or on the written form. Non-residents may not bring Algerian dinar banknotes into the country.
International flights arrive at Terminal 4 and domestic flights at Terminal 1. After customs you come out into the arrivals area, where pre-booked drivers wait. Taxis wait outside; agree on the fare before you set off. The airport railway station, between Terminals 1 and 2 and a short walk from Terminal 4, has suburban trains to Agha in central Algiers until about 9:30 p.m.
Algeria is on UTC+1 all year, with no daylight saving time, and the currency is the Algerian dinar (DZD).
Ground transportation
The suburban train suits light travelers heading to central Algiers during the day, while taxis and pre-booked transfers work for late arrivals and travelers with luggage.
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Book a transfer from ALGTaxi from Algiers airport
Taxis wait outside the arrivals areas of the terminals. They have traditionally not used meters, so agree on the fare before you set off; the drive to central Algiers takes around 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic.
Train to Agha station
Suburban trains run from the airport railway station, between Terminals 1 and 2 and about five minutes on foot from Terminal 4, to Agha in central Algiers in about 20 minutes. Trains leave the airport from about 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
ETUSA bus
ETUSA bus lines 39 and 100 link the airport with Algiers, and shuttles added in 2025 run to Blida, Tizi Ouzou and Boumerdès. Buses are slower and less practical with large bags.
Car rental
Rental companies, including Hertz, have desks at the airport. Book ahead in busy summer months.
Private transfer
A pre-booked driver meets you in the arrivals area after customs and drives you directly to your hotel or address in Algiers or the surrounding region, which suits families and travelers with luggage or late arrivals.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Walking
Terminals 1 and 2 stand side by side, with the airport railway station between them, and Terminal 4 is about a five-minute walk from the station. Follow the terminal signs; the route can also be reached through the parking areas.
- 2
Domestic to international connections
Domestic flights use Terminal 1 and international flights Terminal 4, so a connection between them means changing buildings. Ask your airline whether your bags are checked through and allow time to pass security again.
Terminals
Terminal 4
Opened in April 2019, it handles international flights of Air Algérie and the foreign airlines, arrivals and departures.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Air Canada, Air France, AJet, ASL Airlines France, British Airways, EgyptAir, Emirates, Iberia, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Nouvelair, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Transavia, TUI fly Belgium, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, Volotea, Vueling
Terminal 1
The original terminal, now used for domestic flights within Algeria, operated by Air Algérie, Tassili Airlines and Domestic Airlines.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Domestic Airlines, Tassili Airlines
Terminal 2
Renovated in 2007, it has handled charter and pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah) flights since 2019.
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Currency exchange
Exchange counters operate in the public areas of the terminals, including Bank of Algeria counters in Terminals 1 and 2.
ATMs
Cash machines are located in the terminals; your bank may charge a fee for foreign cards.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are located landside in Terminals 1 and 2.
Prayer rooms
Prayer rooms are available, including in Terminal 2 and in the areas set aside for pilgrims during the Hajj season.
Food and drink
Cafés and food outlets operate in all terminals, including a café in Terminal 4 listed as open around the clock.
Luggage wrapping
A baggage wrapping service operates in Terminal 1.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi access is sold by the session; vouchers are available from shops and cafés in the terminals.
Car rental
Car rental desks, including Hertz, are located in the arrivals areas.
Airport lounges
Salon SGSIA Première Classe, Terminal 4
Airside after security in Terminal 4. Open to business and first class passengers of participating airlines, including Air Algérie, and to eligible frequent flyers; check access with your airline before you fly.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for assistance when you book, or at least 48 hours before your flight, so staff can meet you at the aircraft or at check-in.
Reduced mobility
Wheelchair assistance between the aircraft, passport control, baggage claim and the arrivals area is arranged through your airline.
Hearing and visual support
Tell your airline about hearing or visual needs when you book so staff can guide you through the terminal.
Service animals
Rules for service animals are set by your airline and by Algerian import rules; confirm both before you travel.
Parking
Terminal 4 parking area
Beside Terminal 4, with access on foot to the terminal and to the airport railway station.
Terminal 1 and 2 parking areas
Beside Terminals 1 and 2; the Terminal 2 parking area has about 900 spaces and is linked on foot to the airport railway station.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Algiers airport from the city center?
Houari Boumediene Airport is about 17 km east-southeast of central Algiers, in the commune of Dar El Beïda. By road the trip takes around 15 to 20 minutes in light traffic and longer at busy times of day, so allow extra time at weekday peaks. Suburban trains from the airport station reach Agha station, near the city center, in about 20 minutes.
How many terminals does Algiers airport have?
Passenger flights use three terminals. Terminal 4, opened in April 2019, handles international flights. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights within Algeria, and Terminal 2 handles charter and pilgrimage flights. Terminals 1 and 2 stand side by side, and Terminal 4 is a short walk away, so check your ticket or booking for the right building before you travel to the airport.
Which terminal do international flights use at Algiers airport?
International flights use Terminal 4. Air Algérie moved its international flights there when the terminal opened in April 2019, and foreign airlines followed from May 2019, including Air France, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, British Airways and Vueling. Domestic flights within Algeria, operated by Air Algérie and Tassili Airlines, use Terminal 1.
Is there a train from Algiers airport to the city?
Yes. Algiers suburban trains run from the airport railway station, which sits between Terminals 1 and 2 and is about a five-minute walk from Terminal 4, to Agha station in central Algiers. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and trains run from about 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from the airport, so late-night arrivals need another option.
Is there a metro to Algiers airport?
Not yet. An extension of the Algiers Metro from El Harrach to the airport, 9.5 km long with nine stations, is under construction. In July 2025 its delivery was planned for 2027, with some sections possibly opening earlier. Until it opens, the suburban train to Agha, buses, taxis and pre-booked transfers link the airport with the city.
Are there buses from Algiers airport?
Yes. ETUSA, the Algiers public transport company, runs bus lines 39 and 100 from the airport toward the city, and in 2025 it added shuttles to Blida, Tizi Ouzou and Boumerdès. Buses suit travelers with light luggage. Check the current routes and hours at the bus stops outside the terminals, as they can change.
How do taxis work at Algiers airport?
Taxis wait outside the arrivals areas of the terminals. Taxis at the airport have traditionally not used meters, so agree on the fare with the driver before you set off. In 2025 the airport operator announced that fares to each destination would be displayed and that airport taxi drivers would wear an identification vest.
Which airlines fly to Algiers airport?
Air Algérie is the main airline at Houari Boumediene Airport, with domestic flights across Algeria and international routes to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, China and Canada. Tassili Airlines also flies domestic routes. Foreign airlines include Air France, Transavia, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Volotea, ITA Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Saudia, EgyptAir and Tunisair.
Do I need a visa to visit Algeria?
Most foreign visitors need a visa, obtained in advance from an Algerian embassy or consulate; a few nationalities are exempt. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days per entry. Check the rules for your nationality with the Algerian embassy or consulate that covers where you live before booking your trip.
Do I need to declare cash when arriving in Algeria?
Yes, above a set amount. Foreign nationals must declare cash worth more than 5,000 euros in any currency, and only residents may bring Algerian dinar banknotes into the country, within a set limit. Make the declaration before you pass through customs, preferably online in advance or on a written form on arrival. Jewelry over 100 grams must also be declared.
What time zone is Algiers in?
Algiers is on Central European Time, UTC+1, all year, and Algeria does not use daylight saving time. That means Algiers matches Paris in winter but is one hour behind it in summer. The working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with the weekend on Friday and Saturday, which can affect office and bank hours.
What was Algiers airport called before?
Before it was named after Houari Boumediene, the airport was known as Maison Blanche Airport, after the former name of Dar El Beïda, the commune where it stands. The airport first opened in 1924. Today travelers usually call it Algiers Airport, and its codes are ALG (IATA) and DAAG (ICAO).
How busy is Houari Boumediene Airport?
Houari Boumediene Airport handled about 9.2 million passengers in 2024. It is operated by SGSIA, the company that manages Algiers airport, and it is the hub of Air Algérie. The airport has two runways, each 3,500 m long, and Terminal 4 alone added capacity for 10 million passengers a year when it opened in 2019.