- Dar es Salaam Airport Fast Facts
- How Long Does It Take to Get to Dar es Salaam Airport?
- Getting Between Terminals
- Getting to and From Dar es Salaam Airport
- Taxis
- Rideshares
- Public Transit
- Hotel Transfers
- Parking and Car Rentals
- Preparing for Your Tanzania Trip
Dar es Salaam Airport Fast Facts
- Name: Julius Nyerere International Airport
- Code: DAR
- Terminals: Three (Terminal One: domestic and charter flights; Terminal Two: domestic; Terminal Three: international)
- Airlines: 28
- Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service
How Long Does It Take to Get to Dar es Salaam Airport?
Located in the Ilala District southwest of central Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam Airport is approximately six miles from the city center. Depending on the traffic, travel time can take anywhere from 20 minutes to half an hour. Always allow plenty of time to get to the airport prior to departure.
Getting Between Terminals
The three terminals are located in separate but close buildings. There are no shuttles or airport transfers between the different terminals, but Terminals Two and Three (Domestic and International Flights) are within a five-minute walk of each other.
If you need to get from a different terminal to Terminal One for a private or charter flight, you can hail a taxi for around TSh10,000 (Tanzanian shillings; TZS). This is a hassle though, so be sure to double-check which terminal you need before arriving at the airport.
Getting to and From Dar es Salaam Airport
The airport offers several convenient ways to get into the city center.
Taxis
Available 24/7 in front of the arrivals area at each terminal, taxis are among the easiest ways to get from the airport into the city. The ride will take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your destination and traffic.
The taxis are not metered, so you and your taxi driver will agree on a fixed rate before getting into the vehicle. Fares can go up to TSh100,000, depending on traffic and the distance traveled, but the average rate is TSh40,000 to the city center.
Public Transit
If you’re looking for an even more affordable airport transfer into the city center, public-transit options are available.
City buses have stops outside Terminals One and Two. Fare costs around Tsh400 and the ride into the city center typically takes around 40 minutes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do as the locals do and take one of the dala dalas, or colorful shared vans, which are another popular public-transit option. They cost about the same as the regular bus and are a great way to dive into local culture; you can pick them up on the main road outside the terminals as well. Different dala dalas offer different routes or destinations, so be sure to check the front of the bus for the destination or ask the driver. If you feel unsure, opt to take the city bus or a taxi.
Hotel Transfers
Some hotels close to the airport offer shuttle service, while others in the city center can arrange prescheduled paid pick-ups.
Parking and Car Rentals
Short-term parking is available at Terminals Two and Three, costing Tsh1,000 per hour. For long-term stays, contact the Airport Authority for arrangements.
Car-rental desks, like Avis and Tanzania Rent-a-Car, can be found in the domestic and international arrivals area. You can book a car in advance or rent on-site.