Timimoun is genuinely remote — the closest cities are hundreds of kilometres away across the Sahara. The easiest approach is to fly: Air Algérie operates several flights a week from Algiers to Timimoun's small airport (TMX), 5 km east of town. The flight takes around two hours and is much the most comfortable option.
By road, Timimoun lies on the N51 highway, the long route linking Adrar (200 km south) with El Bayadh and the Mediterranean coast. The drive from Algiers takes two long days and from Oran one and a half; bring extra fuel and water. Cross-country buses run from Adrar and Ghardaïa to Timimoun several times a week. Foreign visitors must travel with a registered tour guide for any desert excursions outside the immediate town, and a permit is required.