Dar es Salaam Airport Transportation

By Andrew Lewis on 15 Sep 2023

As Tanzania’s largest airport serving the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport is the main point of entry for most foreign travelers to Tanzania.

Located southwest of the city center in the Ilala District’s Kipawa ward, this international hub handles about 2.5 million passengers a year, offering access to the offshore island paradise of Zanzibar and connecting to domestic flights further inland for safaris in Kilimanjaro National Park. While many travelers pass through Dar es Salaam as just a stop-over, it’s worth staying for a few days to visit local museums, check out the beaches, or just unwind before heading off on safari.

This essential guide to the Dar es Salaam airport transportation and transfers will help you find your feet upon landing and be ready to take on the city.

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.

Rideshares

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are permitted to do drop-offs and pick-ups at Dar es Salaam airport. For arrivals, follow the signs for Ground Transportation, where you can order your rideshare at Passenger Pick-up or designated rideshare areas with signage. With a set rate, rideshares are often a more affordable transfer option than taxis (averaging Tsh20,000), but there may be longer wait times for your driver to arrive.

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.

Preparing for Your Tanzania Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Tanzanian visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Tanzania, including what parts of the country are safe to visit and details on local culture and customs, visit our Tanzania content hub.