Dar-Es-Salaam

Dar es Salaam is easily reachable by multiple modes of transport. Being a major city in Tanzania, it also acts as a gateway to many destinations within the county. 

Dar es Salaam is well-connected through various modes of transportation. The city's main airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, serves as a major gateway, located approximately 12 kilometres (about 7.5 miles) southwest of the city centre, catering to both domestic and international flights. For travellers looking to access the city by road, it is possible to self-drive as well as hire a taxi to reach the city from neighbouring cities and countries. The Ubungo station acts as a central hub for buses travelling to different cities and towns within Tanzania. Long-distance buses offer routes to destinations such as Arusha, Mwanza, and Dodoma, as well as neighbouring countries like Kenya and Zambia. While the city has a limited rail network, train services connect it to some nearby towns and cities, providing an alternative transportation option for certain travellers.

Dar es Salaam is served by Julius Nyerere International Airport, which is the main airport in Tanzania. It connects the city to various domestic and international destinations. The airport is located approximately 12 kilometres (about 7.5 miles) southwest of the city centre.

Travellers can take a taxi or book a pre-arranged airport transfer to reach the city, and the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Hotels offer pick-up and drop-off services, or you can use minibuses, ride-hailing apps, or taxis for transportation.

Taxis at the airport charge fixed rates of $30 to the city centre for non-residents. For more affordable options, travellers can walk to the main road and flag a taxi or use ride-hailing apps for a cost of 10,000TSH to 20,000TSH. Minibuses (Daladalas) are available from the opposite side of the road for a cheaper fare, typically 500TSh to the Ubongo bus terminal and 700TSh to the city centre.

You can book international flights on Skyscanner and domestic flights within Tanzania on platforms like Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, and Auric Air.

Dar es Salaam is well-connected by roads to various cities and towns in Tanzania and neighbouring countries. For example, you can travel from Arusha to Dar es Salaam by road, covering a distance of approximately 540 kilometres (about 335 miles). The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.

Tanzania has a limited rail network, and Dar es Salaam is connected to some nearby towns and cities by train. For example, you can travel from Dodoma to Dar es Salaam by train, covering a distance of approximately 450 kilometres (about 280 miles). The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours, and there are different classes of train services available to choose from.

You can check all train schedules and book to and from Dar es Salam on Tanzania Railways Corporation.

Reaching Dar es Salaam by bus is a convenient and popular option for both domestic and international travellers. The Ubungo station is a major hub for buses to various cities. Long-distance buses connect the city to various cities and towns within Tanzania, such as Arusha, Mwanza, and Dodoma, with journey durations ranging from several hours to overnight travel. Additionally, neighbouring countries also have bus services connecting to Dar es Salaam, making it accessible from destinations like Nairobi, Kenya, and Lusaka, Zambia. However, it is recommended to book reputed bus companies.