Getting to Arusha from Dar Es Salaam

Getting to Arusha from Dar es Salaam

If flying into Dar es Salaam and wishing to reach Arusha we would generally advise that you fly, if budgeting constraints permit. This is usually very simple to arrange via Alternative Airlines Website. If however you choose to use the bus from Dar es Salaam to Arusha please be aware that this 646 km journey takes a little over 11 hours, and that you will be exposed to driving techniques with which you may feel uncomfortable – particularly if you are unfamiliar with 3rd world country driving customs.

The easiest way of arranging this transfer is through Kilimanjaro Express or Dar-es-salaam express. Seats can be booked through their websites online website. There is a departure every morning at 0600 from the Ubungo Bus Terminal, but you should arrive 30 minutes early. The price for a coach ticket from Dar to Arusha is around USD 20 per person.

It may not be possible to know accurately what time your bus will reach Arusha. On arrival at Arusha’s Central Bus Terminal you may therefore wish to arrange a taxi transfer from the Terminal to your hotel yourself. However, please ask your shuttle driver for advise and assistance with this. The fare should be around USD 5 for a central Arusha hotel, or some USD 15 – 20 if staying at say, Moivaro or Arumeru.

Unless your shuttle bus driver has supplied additional help and advice, it is not necessary to tip a shuttle bus driver. However please note that when using all other vehicles for transfers it is customary to tip the driver. Tips for short transfers within Arusha tend to average some USD 1-3 to the driver. For longer journeys, such as airport and mountain transfers, these tend to be around USD 5-10 to the driver.