How To Reach Tanzania

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Getting to Tanzania offers many transport options, but flying is the most common choice. The main international airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Traveling by road is also popular, especially from neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, with convenient border crossings and bus services available. For travelers from Zambia, there's a handy rail service called TAZARA. While Tanzania has ports in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, reaching by water is possible but not as common.

Reaching Tanzania by Air

To reach Tanzania by air, you have several options. The main international airports are Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and KLM fly to Tanzania from various cities worldwide.

Prices for round-trip flights from major hubs to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Airport can range from $600 to $1,500 or more, depending on the airline and when you book. Domestic flights are available to destinations like Arusha, Zanzibar, and Mwanza, offering flexibility for exploring different parts of Tanzania or connecting to international flights. Costs for domestic flights vary but generally range from $50 to $300 or more for one-way tickets.

Reaching Tanzania by Bus

Getting to Tanzania by bus is straightforward, especially from neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia. Several bus companies operate international routes, making it convenient and affordable for both locals and tourists.

From Kenya, buses depart from Nairobi's main bus stations, such as the Nairobi River Bus Station and Machakos Bus Station, as well as from Mombasa's Mwembe Tayari Bus Terminal. Traveling from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam typically costs around $20-$30, with the journey taking about 12-14 hours. From Mombasa, the trip to Dar es Salaam costs approximately $25-$35 and takes around 15-17 hours.
From Uganda, buses leave from Kampala's main bus terminals like the Namayiba Bus Terminal and the Old Taxi Park. A bus ticket from Kampala to Dar es Salaam can range from $30-$50, with travel times averaging 24-26 hours.
In Rwanda, buses depart from Kigali's Nyabugogo Bus Station and Nyabugogo Taxi Park. A journey from Kigali to Dar es Salaam costs approximately $40-$60, taking about 24-26 hours.
From Zambia, buses leave from Lusaka's Intercity Bus Terminus. A ticket from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam typically costs around $40-$60, with travel times averaging 24-26 hours.

Reaching Tanzania by Rail

Reaching Tanzania by rail involves two main options: the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).

TAZARA operates trains between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, offering sleeping cars and a restaurant car onboard. The journey takes about 45 hours, covering roughly 1,860 kilometers (1,156 miles), with first-class tickets costing around 47,000 Tanzanian shillings.
TRC provides deluxe passenger services from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika, as well as limited commuter train services within Dar es Salaam.

Reaching Tanzania by Road

Reaching Tanzania by road offers travelers various options, primarily from neighboring countries due to Tanzania's extensive border connections.

From Kenya, travelers can journey to Tanzania via several border crossings, including Namanga, Taveta, and Isebania, with the journey from Nairobi to the Tanzanian border typically taking 5-6 hours, covering around 280 kilometers (174 miles).
Travelers from Uganda can cross into Tanzania through the Mutukula border post, which provides access to destinations such as Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. The road journey from Kampala to the Tanzanian border can take approximately 10-12 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
Rwanda also offers road access to Tanzania via the Rusumo border post, connecting destinations like Bukoba, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam. Travelers can expect a journey of around 8-10 hours from Kigali to the Tanzanian border, covering a distance of approximately 340 kilometers (211 miles).

Reaching Tanzania by Water

To reach Tanzania by water, you have a few options. Tanzania has major ports like Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara. Dar es Salaam is the biggest and busiest port, handling lots of trade. You can take ferries from nearby countries like Kenya. Also, some cruise ships stop at Tanzanian ports.

Reaching Tanzania from India

If you're traveling from India to Tanzania, flying with connecting flights is your only option. Airlines like Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer routes to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The flight duration can be around 12 to 17 hours, with prices ranging from $550 to $1500 for a round trip, depending on the season. To find the best deals, you can search on Skyscanner.