Constantine to Annaba: key figures
| Trip | Distance | Average time |
|---|---|---|
| Central Constantine → central Annaba (highway) | ≈ 155 km | ≈ 2 h |
| Central Constantine → central Annaba (via Guelma) | ≈ 170 km | ≈ 2 h 45 |
| Constantine → Annaba Rabah Bitat Airport | ≈ 155 km | ≈ 2 h |
| Constantine → Hammam Debagh | ≈ 95 km | ≈ 1 h 30 |
Times are indicative, excluding breaks and the traffic leaving Constantine, which is common at rush hour.
Route 1: the East–West Highway, the fastest
Join the East–West Highway from Constantine and follow it east toward Annaba for just over 110 km. Then leave it for the thirty or so kilometers of national roads that lead into Annaba from the south. You enter the city close to the ruins of Hippo and the Saint Augustine Basilica: a ready-made first stop.
This is the simplest option: wide lanes, service stations along the way and smooth traffic outside holiday departures. Allow about 2 hours center to center.
Route 2: via Hammam Debagh and Guelma, the richest in discoveries
Slower but more scenic, the national road crosses the hills of the hinterland. About 95 km from Constantine, the municipality of Hammam Debagh is home to the Hammam Meskhoutine spa, famous for its very hot springs that have shaped a petrified waterfall. Twenty kilometers further on, Guelma, ancient Calama, preserves a Roman theater. The road then descends to the plain and Annaba. Allow 2 h 45 of driving, and half a day with the visits.
Stops not to miss
- Constantine: before leaving, admire the suspended bridges above the Rhumel gorges (see our Constantine guide).
- Hammam Meskhoutine: the steaming petrified waterfall, one of the most surprising natural sights in the east.
- Guelma: the Roman theater of Calama and the town center, for a lunch break.
- Hippo: at Annaba's southern entrance, the ruins of Hippo and the Saint Augustine Basilica mark your arrival.
Train, bus or taxi: other options
A rail line links Constantine and Annaba, and buses and shared taxis make the trip throughout the day. These options work for reaching the city center but become restrictive for visiting the corniche, Seraidi or El Kala, which are spread around the bay.
If you are coming from abroad, another option is to fly straight into Rabah Bitat Airport and rent a car in Annaba as soon as you land.
Tips for the road
- Leave early to avoid the traffic leaving Constantine.
- Keep your documents in the car: driving licence, registration, insurance certificate and, if applicable, rental agreement. Road checks are frequent.
- Respect speed limits: speed checks are common on the highway.
- In winter, take care on the hills between Constantine and Guelma: rain, fog and sometimes snow.
- During Ramadan, avoid the hour before the fast is broken.
Once you arrive in Annaba
Start with Hippo and the basilica, right on your route, then head to the corniche and its beaches or up to Seraidi for cooler air. The next day, treat yourself to a trip to El Kala National Park. Coming from further away? Read our Algiers to Annaba by car guide, and plan your stay with the complete Annaba guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Constantine from Annaba?
About 155 km center to center via the East–West Highway, and about 170 km via the national road through Hammam Debagh and Guelma.
How long does it take to drive from Constantine to Annaba?
About 2 hours by highway and 2 h 45 via Guelma, excluding breaks. Add time at rush hour when leaving Constantine.
Which road should I take between Constantine and Annaba?
To go fast, the East–West Highway heading east, then national roads into Annaba. To make stops, the Hammam Debagh and Guelma road.
Is there a train between Constantine and Annaba?
Yes, a rail line links the two cities. Buses and shared taxis complete the options throughout the day.
Can you do a day trip from Constantine to Annaba?
Yes, with about 4 hours of driving in total. Leaving early gives you time to visit Hippo, the basilica and the corniche before heading back.
