Ghardaia is 600 km south of Algiers in the northern Sahara. Domestic flights from Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers to Noumerate Airport in Ghardaia take about an hour and run several times a week — this is the most practical option. By road the N1 highway runs the full distance; shared taxis (taxi brousse) from Algiers are possible but the journey takes eight to ten hours. There is no passenger rail service.
Visiting the M'zab Valley requires a local guide to enter the old ksour. Guides can be arranged through hotels or the local tourist office. Independent exploration is restricted, particularly in Beni Isguen.