How to Get from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Airport: Complete Guide
You've landed in Dar es Salaam, but your safari or Kilimanjaro climb starts from the north. How do you bridge the 650-kilometer gap to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)?
This guide compares all transport options - flights, buses, and private transfers - helping you choose the right one for your budget, timeline, and travel style.
Understanding the Route: Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Airport
650km
Distance (404 miles)
1.5hrs
Flight Duration
10-12hrs
Bus Journey
Dar es Salaam sits on Tanzania's coast, while Kilimanjaro International Airport serves Moshi and Arusha in the north - 650km apart. Most international flights arrive in Dar, while safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs depart from the north, creating the need for efficient internal transport.
Option 1: Domestic Flights (Best for Most Travelers)
Flying is the clear winner for 80% of travelers. The time savings alone - 1.5 hours in the air versus 10-12 hours by road - makes it worthwhile, especially when prices are reasonable if booked in advance.
Airlines Operating This Route
Precision Air
Most Frequent
Air Tanzania
National Carrier
Coastal Aviation
Charter Focus
FastJet
Budget (When Operating)
Precision Air and Air Tanzania dominate this route with 3-5 daily flights. Departures typically occur morning (7-9 AM), midday (11 AM-1 PM), and sometimes evening. Flight time is 1.5 hours.
Flight Costs & Booking Strategy
Expect to pay $80-$250 USD for a one-way ticket, depending on booking timing (4-6 weeks advance gets $80-120; last-minute can reach $180-250), season (high season costs more), and airline choice.
💡 Booking Pro Tip
Book directly through airline websites for better support if delayed. Compare on Google Flights first, then book direct. Baggage typically includes 15-23kg checked + 7kg carry-on; verify limits if carrying climbing gear.
The Complete Flight Journey
Depart your Dar es Salaam hotel 2 hours before flight time
Check in at Julius Nyerere International Airport domestic terminal
1.5-hour flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport
Collect baggage and exit to pre-arranged transport
45-60 minute transfer to Moshi or Arusha
Total journey time: 4-5 hours door-to-door. This assumes pre-arranged airport transfers on both ends, which is highly recommended.
Option 2: Long-Distance Bus (Budget Option)
Most buses operate as $30-45 USD services, but remember: no buses go directly to Kilimanjaro Airport. They travel to Arusha or Moshi, requiring an additional $35-50 taxi to JRO.
Reputable Bus Companies
Kilimanjaro Express, Dar Express, Modern Coach (Dar Luxury), and Tahmeed Coach operate this route with varying comfort levels. Most depart Dar 7-9 PM and arrive Arusha 6-8 AM (10-12 hours). This overnight schedule saves accommodation but means limited sleep.
The Complete Bus Journey
Book ticket 2-3 days in advance from bus company office or through your hotel
Arrive at the bus station 30-60 minutes before departure
10-12 hour overnight bus journey to Arusha
Arrive Arusha early morning, arrange taxi to JRO
45-60 minute taxi ride to Kilimanjaro Airport ($35-50)
Total cost: $65-95 USD. Total time: 13-15 hours.
⚠ Important Considerations
Bus travel is safe on major routes but comes with challenges: limited legroom, variable road conditions, minimal sleep, and the logistics of arriving in Arusha early morning when you still need airport transport. Budget travelers with flexible schedules find this viable; those on tight timelines should fly.
Option 3: Private Transfer or Car Hire
Hiring a private car with driver costs $400-700 USD - expensive solo but reasonable split among 4+ people. Journey time is 8-10 hours on good roads.
This works for groups wanting to stop at Mikumi National Park for a quick safari, break the journey overnight in Morogoro, or those with specific scheduling needs.
Self-drive rental ($60-120/day plus ~$150 fuel) totals $210-270 but first-time visitors rarely choose this due to navigation challenges and long-distance driving stress.
Option 4: Train (Why This Doesn't Work)
Many travelers ask about trains. Unfortunately, Tanzania's rail network doesn't connect Dar es Salaam to the Kilimanjaro region. The TAZARA railway heads southwest toward Zambia, not north. While Tanzania is developing a modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), as of 2026 it doesn't reach the northern areas. Save yourself the research time - train travel isn't viable for this route.
Comparing Your Options: Which Should You Choose?
| Transport | Duration | Cost (USD) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 4-5 hrs total | $90-250 | High | Most travelers, time-sensitive trips |
| Bus + Taxi | 13-15 hrs total | $65-95 | Medium | Budget travelers, flexible schedule |
| Private Car | 8-10 hrs | $400-700 | High | Groups, custom itineraries |
| Train | N/A | N/A | N/A | Not available for this route |
Decision Framework
Choose Flight if: You value time, have a reasonable budget ($80-150), want reliability and comfort, or have connecting plans (safari start dates, climbing permits).
Choose Bus if: You're on a very tight budget, have no time constraints, don't mind long journeys, or enjoy ground-level travel experiences.
Choose Private Transfer if: Traveling as a group (cost splits 4+ ways), want to stop at attractions en route, have lots of luggage, or need maximum flexibility.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
Booking Strategy: For flights, book 4-6 weeks ahead and compare airlines. Early morning flights are often cheaper. For buses, book 2-3 days ahead during high season. Always pre-arrange JRO pickup with your hotel to avoid taxi scams.
Common Mistakes: Last-minute flight bookings (prices double), assuming buses go to JRO (they don't), insufficient connection time between flights (allow 3+ hours), and forgetting airport transfers add $20-40 each way to your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Airport?
By flight: 1.5 hours in the air, 4-5 hours total journey including transfers. By bus to Arusha then taxi to JRO: 13-15 hours total.
How much does it cost to fly from Dar to Kilimanjaro?
Domestic flights range from $80-$250 USD depending on airline, booking time, and season. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for prices around $80-120. Last-minute bookings can reach $180-250.
Is there a direct bus from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro Airport?
No. Buses run from Dar to Arusha or Moshi ($30-45), then you need a separate taxi to JRO airport ($35-50, 45-60 minutes). Total cost: $65-95 and 13-15 hours.
Which airlines fly from Dar to Kilimanjaro?
Precision Air, Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, and occasionally FastJet operate this route with 3-5 daily flights. Precision Air and Air Tanzania offer the most frequent and reliable service.
Can you take a train from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro?
No. Tanzania's train network doesn't connect Dar to the Kilimanjaro region as of 2026. The TAZARA railway goes southwest, not north.
What's the cheapest way to get from Dar to JRO?
Overnight bus to Arusha ($30-40) then sharing a taxi to JRO with other travelers (if possible, ~$10-15 per person). Total: approximately $50-55, but takes 13-15 hours and requires coordination.
Should I fly or take the bus from Dar to Kilimanjaro?
Most travelers fly due to significant time savings (1.5 hours vs 10-12 hours) and reasonable cost difference when booked in advance. Choose the bus only if you're very budget-limited and have flexible timing.
Final Recommendations
For most travelers, flying is the right choice. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for $100-140 fares, and pre-arrange airport transfers through your hotels.
Budget travelers can save $30-50 using overnight buses to Arusha, but the 13-15 hour journey and early morning arrival logistics make flying worthwhile for most itineraries. Whichever you choose, book ahead and confirm onward transport from JRO.
Safe travels! ✈
