Algeria ferry routes & schedules — France & Spain crossings

Marseille is the main French port, with ferries to Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, Skikda and Annaba (about 20 to 28 hours); Sète also serves Algiers and Béjaïa. Operators include Algérie Ferries, Corsica Linea, GNV and Nouris Elbahr Ferries.

Almería to Oran or Ghazaouet is the quickest crossing, taking only about 9 to 12 hours, operated by Armas Trasmediterránea. These western Algerian ports face southeast Spain directly.

Yes. Unlike Morocco, Algeria requires an advance visa for almost all Western travellers, including EU, UK and US citizens. There is no visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for independent ferry passengers — you must get a visa from an Algerian embassy or consulate before travelling.

The national carrier is Algérie Ferries. On the France routes it competes with Corsica Linea, GNV and the new Nouris Elbahr Ferries; on the Spain routes with Baleària (Barcelona, Valencia) and Armas Trasmediterránea (Almería).

Yes. Car transport is central to Algeria's ferry routes, which are heavily used by the diaspora bringing vehicles home for the summer. Ships have large car decks; book vehicle space well in advance, especially for July and August.

The Marseille to Algiers crossing takes around 20 to 22 hours and is an overnight sailing with cabins, operated by Algérie Ferries, Corsica Linea and Nouris Elbahr Ferries.

The main ferry ports are Algiers (the capital and busiest hub), Oran in the northwest, Béjaïa, Skikda and Annaba in the northeast, plus Ghazaouet and Mostaganem in the west for the shortest Spain crossings.

July and August, when the Algerian diaspora across Europe returns home for the summer. Operators add extra sailings and chartered ships, but crossings sell out and fares rise sharply. Book as early as possible.

Oran is served from Almería (about 10 to 12 hours, the shortest route), Alicante, Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, and from Marseille in France. It is the main gateway to western Algeria and the Tlemcen region.

There is no confirmed direct passenger ferry from mainland Italy to Algeria. Italy's GNV serves Algeria only via its French port of Sète (to Algiers and Béjaïa), not directly from Italian ports.

Fares vary widely by route and season. The short Almería crossings start from around 112 euro per person, and Barcelona–Algiers from around 185 euro; peak-summer family bookings with a car and cabins can cost far more. Prices rise sharply in July and August.

Algérie Ferries (ENTMV) is Algeria's state-owned national ferry carrier, founded in 1987 and based in Algiers. It runs year-round crossings from all five main Algerian ports and its flagship is the 1,800-passenger Badji-Mokhtar III.

Ferries run from Oran and Ghazaouet to Almería (the shortest, about 9 to 12 hours), from Oran and Algiers to Alicante, Barcelona and Valencia, and from Mostaganem to Valencia, operated by Baleària and Armas Trasmediterránea.

Yes, strongly recommended. Summer season bookings typically open in February and sell out, especially for vehicles and cabins in July and August. Foreign travellers must also arrange their Algerian visa well before departure.

A passport valid at least six months and, for most foreign nationals, an Algerian visa obtained in advance. Requirements for the visa usually include photos, a hotel booking or invitation letter, proof of return travel and mandatory travel insurance.

Yes. The France routes from Marseille and Sète are long overnight-plus crossings of 20 to 28 hours with cabins. The Spain routes are shorter (9 to 20 hours) but many also sail overnight.