Arusha vs Kilimanjaro Airport: Which to Fly Into? (JRO vs ARK 2026)

Quick Answer: For international arrivals, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It's Tanzania's main northern gateway with direct flights from Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Arusha Airport (ARK) handles only domestic flights, you'll use it for Zanzibar connections or flying safaris, but you can't fly there from outside Tanzania.

Planning a Tanzania safari or Mount Kilimanjaro trek? One of your first questions is probably: "Should I fly into Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro Airport?" It's a fair question, both airports serve northern Tanzania's tourist region, and the names can be confusing.

Here's what you need to know: despite what their names suggest, these airports serve completely different purposes. Understanding which one you'll actually use (and when) will save you confusion, unnecessary transfers, and potentially hundreds of dollars.

The Key Difference: International vs Domestic

Let's cut to the chase. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is where international flights land. Think of it as Tanzania's northern front door for foreign visitors. Arusha Airport (ARK) is for domestic flights only, you'll use it to connect to Zanzibar or catch charter flights between safari parks.

The confusion is understandable. Arusha is the safari capital, so many first-timers assume Arusha Airport is the main gateway. But in reality, Kilimanjaro International Airport handles all international arrivals and departures for the region.

Quick Comparison: JRO vs ARK

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Your Entry Point

Kilimanjaro International Airport is where your Tanzania adventure begins. Located roughly halfway between Arusha and Moshi, JRO serves as the main hub for travelers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and all of northern Tanzania's attractions.

Which Airlines Fly to JRO?

You'll find daily international connections from major carriers including:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – Daily from Amsterdam (most popular European route)

• Ethiopian Airlines – Multiple daily flights via Addis Ababa

• Qatar Airways – Via Doha (excellent connections from Asia/Australia)

• Turkish Airlines – Via Istanbul

• Kenya Airways – Via Nairobi (convenient for East African connections)

• RwandAir – Via Kigali

Europeans typically fly KLM or Ethiopian. Travelers from North America, Asia, or Australia usually connect through Doha, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. Each routing has advantages depending on your departure city and preferred layover duration.

What to Expect When You Arrive

The arrival process at JRO is straightforward. After landing, you'll go through these steps:

• Visa payment – Stop at the visa counter if you need visa on arrival. Most Western passport holders pay $50 USD (US citizens pay $100 for multiple-entry). Bring cash—they don't accept cards.

• Immigration – Present your passport and visa receipt. The officer will stamp you in.

• Baggage claim – Collect your luggage from the carousel

• Customs – Usually just a quick walk-through unless you're carrying restricted items

The entire process takes 30-90 minutes depending on how many flights arrive simultaneously. The airport has improved efficiency in recent years, but expect things to move at an African pace.

Transfer Times and Costs from JRO

Most safari operators include airport pickup in their packages, which is your easiest option. If arranging your own transport, book through your hotel rather than using random taxis at the airport.

Important: Only use pre-arranged transfers or official airport taxis. Unlicensed drivers who approach you inside the terminal will significantly overcharge. Always arrange pickup through your hotel or tour operator before arrival.

✓ Pros of Flying into JRO

• Only option for international arrivals

• Central location between Arusha and Moshi

• Ideal for Kilimanjaro climbs (close to Moshi)

• All safari operators pick up here

• Full airport facilities and services

• Multiple daily international connections

✗ Cons of Flying into JRO

• 1-hour drive to Arusha (vs 20 min to ARK)

• Can get crowded during peak season

• Limited food options vs major international hubs

• Currency exchange rates less favorable than in town

Arusha Airport (ARK): The Domestic Hub

Arusha Airport is a much smaller regional facility located just 8 kilometers west of Arusha city. Despite having "Arusha" in its name, it doesn't receive international flights, it's strictly for domestic connections within Tanzania.

When You'll Actually Use Arusha Airport

Most tourists use ARK in these situations:

• Flying to Zanzibar after safari – The most common use. Rather than driving 10+ hours back to Dar es Salaam, catch a 90-minute flight directly to Zanzibar's beaches.

• Flying safaris – Charter flights to remote Serengeti airstrips, Ruaha, Selous, or other parks depart from ARK.

• Domestic connections – Flights to Dar es Salaam or other Tanzanian cities.

• End-of-safari positioning – Some safari packages include a flight from Serengeti to ARK, then transfer to JRO for international departure.

Think of ARK as your connection point within Tanzania, not your entry point to the country.

Airlines Operating from Arusha Airport

• Coastal Aviation – Zanzibar, Selous, Ruaha, Serengeti airstrips

• Precision Air – Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar

• Auric Air – Zanzibar, Dar, various park airstrips

• Regional Air – Charter flights to safari destinations

Airport Facilities

ARK is basic - one small terminal building, a handful of check-in desks, and a simple waiting area. Don't expect JRO-level amenities. There's no currency exchange, no duty-free shopping, limited WiFi, and just one small café. It's functional rather than fancy, but perfectly adequate for domestic departures.

Remember: You cannot get a visa at Arusha Airport. Visas are only issued at international entry points (JRO, DAR, ZNZ). ARK has no customs or immigration facilities.

✓ Pros of Using ARK

• Much closer to Arusha city (8km vs 46km)

• Quick, easy transfers to/from Arusha hotels

• Perfect for Zanzibar connections

• Convenient for flying safaris

• Less crowded, more relaxed

✗ Cons of Using ARK

• No international flights

• Very limited facilities

• Fewer flight options overall

• Far from Moshi (not ideal for Kilimanjaro climbers)

• No visa or immigration services

Which Airport for Your Itinerary?

Safari Only (Northern Circuit)

Route: Fly into JRO → Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire → Return to Arusha → Fly out of JRO

This is the simplest routing. You'll use Kilimanjaro Airport for both arrival and departure, with all your safari action happening in between.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Route: Fly into JRO → Transfer to Moshi (45 min) → Kilimanjaro climb → Return to JRO for departure

JRO is perfectly positioned for Kilimanjaro treks since Moshi is just 45 minutes away. All trekking companies pick up from JRO.

Safari + Zanzibar Combination

Route: Fly into JRO → Safari (4-7 days) → Transfer to ARK → Fly to Zanzibar (1.5 hrs) → Beach time → Depart from Zanzibar (ZNZ)

This is Tanzania's most popular itinerary. Book a multi-city ticket (arrive JRO, depart ZNZ) to avoid backtracking and save money.

Pro Tip: When booking flights for a safari-beach combination, get a multi-city ticket: fly INTO Kilimanjaro (JRO) and OUT of Zanzibar (ZNZ). This eliminates the need to return to Kilimanjaro Airport and often costs the same as a round-trip ticket.

The Ultimate Trip: Kilimanjaro + Safari + Zanzibar

Route: Fly into JRO → Kilimanjaro climb (6-8 days) → Safari (3-5 days) → Fly ARK to Zanzibar → Beach (3-5 days) → Depart from ZNZ

This covers everything Tanzania offers and uses smart routing to minimize backtracking. You'll use JRO once for arrival, ARK once for the Zanzibar flight, and ZNZ for international departure.

Flight Costs: What to Expect

International Flights to JRO

Domestic Flights from ARK

• Arusha to Zanzibar: $150-250 one-way (1.5 hours)

• Arusha to Dar es Salaam: $120-200 one-way (1 hour)

• Arusha to Serengeti (charter): $250-400 one-way (1 hour)

Yes, domestic flights in Tanzania seem expensive for short distances, but compare it to 6-10 hours of driving on rough roads. The time and comfort saved are worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Here's what you need to remember: for international arrivals, you'll fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It's not really a choice, it's simply how Tanzania's airport infrastructure works for northern tourism.

Arusha Airport (ARK) comes into play when you're moving around within Tanzania, typically flying to Zanzibar after your safari or catching charter flights between parks.

The smart move? Fly into JRO, let your safari operator handle ground logistics, use ARK if you're heading to Zanzibar, and book a multi-city ticket (arrive JRO, depart ZNZ) to avoid backtracking. That's the formula most experienced Tanzania travelers use.

Now you're ready to book those flights with confidence. Tanzania's incredible wildlife, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar's beaches are waiting for you.