Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport: two different airports
Arusha Airport has the code ARK, and Kilimanjaro International Airport has the code JRO. They are separate airports, and they lie in different directions from town. Both are used to reach the area, each followed by a road transfer. Check the code on your ticket before you plan the rest of your day.
ARK lies to the west of Arusha, about 7 km from the centre, and the Tanzania Airports Authority is responsible for it. JRO lies about 40 km east to south-east of Arusha and it is open around the clock. That is the distance of the airport from the city, not a measured drive to every address, and a transfer time depends on the traffic and the hour.
Once you have landed, the getting-there guide shows how to continue from Dar es Salaam, Moshi or Nairobi, and the hotels page helps you pick an area close to your first stop.
ARK and JRO compared
What each airport is used for.
| Airport | Code | Where | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha Airport | ARK | West of the city, about 7 km from the centre | Starting point for domestic and safari flights; the 2026/27 timetable also includes scheduled flights to Nairobi Wilson |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport | JRO | About 40 km east to south-east of Arusha | Open 24 hours; plan a road transfer into the city |
For most visitors arriving from abroad, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the airport to look for. Arusha Airport is where small-plane and safari connections start. Do not assume that a ticket to one includes a transfer from the other.
Our pick: a private airport transfer
A car between Kilimanjaro Airport and your Arusha hotel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arusha tours with pickup and transfers
Park day trips, Mount Meru treks and city tours from Arusha, with live prices and availability. Check which ones include transfers.
Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
How to plan the transfer.
Book a transfer or pickup
The simplest way is a pickup arranged with your lodging or tour provider. Ask for the price in writing and for the name of the person who meets you.
The airline shuttle
A Tanzanian airline runs a shuttle from its sales office on Boma Road in Arusha to JRO. It leaves 3 hours before flight departure. That figure is the lead time, not the length of the drive. Check the conditions and the price with the airline.
Taxis
Agree the price before you get in, and ask your lodging what a fair amount is for your address.
Allow time, in both directions
Traffic and the hour change the drive. Do not plan a tight connection on the same day, especially for an evening flight. After dark, see the safety tips on the Arusha city guide.
Arusha Airport and flights
What ARK is used for.
ARK is the base for domestic and safari flights, such as the small planes that fly to airstrips in the parks. It is also the airport to check if you fly between Dar es Salaam and Arusha. See the getting-there page for the flight times. For safari flights into the Serengeti, there is more on getting to the Serengeti. For parking charges or a public airport bus, ask your lodging or the airport for the current arrangements.
Arusha airports: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ARK and JRO?
ARK is Arusha Airport, about 7 km west of the city centre. JRO is Kilimanjaro International Airport, about 40 km east to south-east of Arusha. They are two separate airports.
How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Arusha?
It is about 40 km east to south-east of the city. The drive time depends on traffic and your address, so ask for an estimate from your transfer provider.
Is Kilimanjaro Airport open at night?
It is open around the clock. Check your own flight time and the transfer you booked.
Is there an airport shuttle to Arusha?
A Tanzanian airline operates a shuttle from its Boma Road sales office in Arusha to JRO, leaving 3 hours before departure. Check the conditions with the airline.
Does Arusha Airport only have domestic flights?
It is the base for domestic and safari flights, but the 2026/27 timetable also includes scheduled flights to Nairobi Wilson, so check your own route.
Is arusha-national-park.org run by an airport or airline?
No. This site is a travel guide with no connection to the airports, an airline or a transfer company.