MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Dar Es Salaam

How to Get to Dar Es Salaam

Dar Es Salaam Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanzania Travel Guide

Air Travel

Julius Nyerere International Airport DAR

DAR is the main entry point for international and domestic flights into Dar es Salaam, located about 12 kilometers southwest of the city center.

Airlines & Routes

  • International: KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir.
  • Regional/Domestic: Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania, Auric Air to Zanzibar, Arusha, safari airstrips.
  • Direct Flights: From major hubs in Europe, Middle East, and other African cities. No direct flights from North America.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

DAR features Terminals 2 (international) and 3 (domestic/regional). Facilities include duty-free, currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, lounges.

Transfer Options to City

  • Taxis: Readily available. Negotiate fare (US$15-25 to city center) or arrange vian inn.
  • Ride-sharing Apps: Uber and Bolt operate from DAR, offering transparent pricing and tracking.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers.

Seasonal Prices

Flight prices increase during peak dry season (June-Oct) and holidays. Lower prices during long rainy season (March-May).

Public Transport

Dala-dalas (minibuses) serve the airport but require local knowledge. The Dar Rapid Transit (BRT) system has stops near the airport.

Departure Timing

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1-1.5 hours before domestic flights.

Long-Distance Bus & Train Options

Bus Travel

  • Network: Extensive network connects Dar to major Tanzanian cities (Arusha, Moshi, Dodoma) and neighboring countries.
  • Terminal: Ubungo Bus Terminal, west of city center.
  • Companies: Dar Express, Kilimanjaro Express, Scandinavia Express, Abood Bus Service.
  • Booking: At terminal or company offices. Advance booking is recommended.

Train Services

  • TRC (Tanzania Railways Corporation): Central Line from Dar westward to Kigoma and Mwanza. Services often slow and infrequent.
  • TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority): Connects Dar to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. Services irregular, long journey times (up to 3 days).
  • Audience: Mainly locals for cargo/passenger transport. Interests adventurous tourists for unique experience.
  • Note: Not typically a tourist-friendly or time-efficient option.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Requirements

Valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are necessary. Insurance is mandatory.

Road Conditions

Main trunk roads are generally paved. Rural roads can be unpaved and challenging. Dar es Salaam experiences severe traffic congestion.

Safety Concerns

Driving standards vary. Speed limits are often ignored. Avoid driving after dark outside urban areas due to wild animals and poor visibility.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services to Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam's coastal location makes travel by sea a popular option, especially for trips to Zanzibar.

Details

  • Main Route: Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (Stone Town on Unguja Island).
  • Operators: Azam Marine (Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries) operates multiple daily high-speed catamaran services.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Immigration & Connections

The Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal is close to the city center, offering easy access to taxis, ride-sharing apps, and dala-dalas.

Procedures & Tips

  • Immigration: Passport and visa checks upon arrival/departure (Zanzibar has its own authority).
  • Booking: Book tickets online or at the terminal. Advance booking for peak season.
  • Departure Point: Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal, near city center.

River Transportation

Dar es Salaam does not have significant river transit choices relevant for tourist arrivals; its major waterways are coastal.

Note for Travelers

  • Focus on air, sea (ferries), and land (buses, personal vehicles) for travel.
  • River options are not part of typical tourist itineraries here.
  • If considering unique river journeys, research local tour operators.

Border Crossing Information

Tanzania shares land borders with several countries. Visa requirements apply at land borders, as with air travel.

Common Crossing Points

  • Kenya: Horohoro/Taveta.
  • Zambia: Tunduma.
  • Malawi: Kasumulu.

Important Travel Alerts

  • Self-Driving: Not recommended for Dar city due to severe traffic and chaotic conditions.
  • Night Driving: Avoid driving outside urban areas after dark due to poor visibility and potential wildlife.
  • Exit Fees: International departure taxes usually included in airline ticket price.
  • Touts: Be prepared for aggressive touts at bus/ferry ports; pre-booking is advisable.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy covers emergency evacuation and unexpected trip interruptions.
  • Communication: Consider a local SIM card or eSIM (Airalo) to stay connected.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

Ensure a smooth departure from Dar es Salaam with these guidelines.

International & Domestic Flights

  • International: Arrive at DAR 2-3 hours before scheduled flight for check-in, baggage, security.
  • Domestic: Arrive 1-1.5 hours before flight.
  • Exit Fees: Usually included in airline ticket price.

Ferry Departures

Ferry to Zanzibar

  • Arrival Time: Arrive at Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal 30-60 minutes before departure.
  • Procedures: Check-in and bags handling at the terminal.
  • Tickets: Departure taxes usually included in ticket price.

Airport Services

DAR offers check-in, bag check, security, duty-free shops, cafes, lounges, and currency exchange for departing travelers.

Ferry Terminal Services

The ferry terminal provides ticket offices, waiting areas, and baggage handling services for a smooth departure.

Ubungo Bus Terminal

For long-distance the times buses depart, arrive early to navigate the large, busy terminal and locate your bus.

Travel Resources

Flight & Accommodation Tools

Utilize these resources for finding the best deals on flights and hotels.

Online Platforms

Health & Safety Resources

Stay aware and prepared for health and safety during your trip.

Essential Links

Visa & Travel Compensation

Visa Services

Use IVisa or VisaHQ for straightforward visa applications.

Travel Insurance

Explore World Nomads for adventurous travelers or SafetyWing for digital nomads.

Flight Compensation

If your flight is delayed or canceled, AirHelp can assist with compensation claims.

Final Tip

Get offline maps and translation apps before you go. This is very helpful when internet access is limited.