Dar es Salaam to Arusha: your options
Most visitors reach Arusha by air, either on a scheduled flight from Dar es Salaam to Arusha Airport or on an international flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From Dar es Salaam you can also go by bus or by road. From Moshi and Nairobi, shuttles run on set timetables. The train is a separate case, explained below.
In the 2026/27 timetable, direct flights from Dar es Salaam to Arusha Airport leave at 08:00 and 13:00 and arrive at 09:15 and 14:15. That is a scheduled 75 minutes. There are also connections via Zanzibar. Times and prices change, and a timetable does not tell you which days a flight runs, so confirm both before you book. The airport guide explains Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport.
Once you are in Arusha, the national park is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away. Plan the first night with the hotels page.
Ways to reach Arusha
Times are scheduled times, not guarantees.
| Route | Mode | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Arusha | Flight | 75 minutes | Direct at 08:00–09:15 and 13:00–14:15 in the 2026/27 timetable; also via Zanzibar |
| Dar es Salaam to Arusha | Road or bus | Several hours | 646 km via Chalinze; ask the operator for current times and fares |
| Moshi to Arusha | Shuttle | 90 minutes | One departure at 06:00, arriving 07:30 |
| Nairobi to Arusha | Shuttle | 5 to 6 hours | Departures at 08:00 or 14:00 via Namanga; border waits can add time |
| Dar es Salaam, Moshi and Arusha | Train | Varies | Check the current timetable before you plan around it |
For most visitors from Dar es Salaam who are short of time, the direct flight is the simplest option. The road suits those who want to see the country on the way and are happy to plan the day around it.
Our pick: a car from Kilimanjaro Airport
If you arrive by air, this car takes you from the airport to Arusha.
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 after you arrive
Park day trips, Mount Meru treks and city tours from Arusha, with live prices and availability.
Moshi to Arusha
The short hop between the two towns.
A shuttle leaves Moshi at 06:00 and arrives in Arusha at 07:30, so it is scheduled for 90 minutes. That figure is for this shuttle, not for every minibus or public bus. If you start in Moshi for a Kilimanjaro trip, see the guide to Moshi first.
Nairobi to Arusha, the bus and the train
What to check before you set out.
The Nairobi shuttle
Daily departures are at 08:00, arriving 13:40, and at 14:00, arriving 19:30, via the Namanga border. Border waits can make the day longer. Confirm the pickup point on your ticket, as pickup points in Arusha have changed over time.
The bus from Dar es Salaam
Bus companies run between Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Ask the operator for the current timetable, the fare and the travel time, and book ahead. The distance by road via Chalinze is 646 km.
The train
Passenger trains between Dar es Salaam, Moshi and Arusha ran in 2021, and a service was cancelled by flooding on 10 May 2023. Before you plan around a train, confirm whether a regular timetable is running for your dates.
Onward travel
From Arusha, trips run to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. For Tarangire, see the guide for Tarangire National Park.
Entry rules for 2026
Short and practical. Check your own nationality before you go.
eVisa
The ordinary visa costs $50 for stays of up to 90 days. US tourists can get a multiple-entry visa for $100. Fees depend on your nationality.
Insurance since October 2026
A mandatory insurance of $44 applies on the mainland, valid for up to 92 days. Holders of a Tanzanian residence permit are exempt. A Zanzibar policy is also accepted on the mainland.
Yellow fever
Proof is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. It is not needed for every direct trip from Germany, so check your route.
Getting to Arusha: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Arusha?
By air, by bus or by road. The direct flights in the 2026/27 timetable leave at 08:00 and 13:00 and take 75 minutes. By road the distance is 646 km via Chalinze.
How long does it take from Moshi to Arusha?
The shuttle runs from 06:00 to 07:30, which is 90 minutes. That is for this shuttle, not for every minibus.
Is there a train from Dar es Salaam to Arusha?
A passenger train ran between Dar es Salaam, Moshi and Arusha in 2021. Confirm the current timetable before you plan around a train.
How long is the shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha?
Departures at 08:00 arrive at 13:40, and departures at 14:00 arrive at 19:30. Border waits at Namanga can add time.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Check the rules for your passport. The ordinary eVisa costs $50 for up to 90 days, and fees vary by nationality.
Is arusha-national-park.org a transport provider?
No. This site is a travel guide, not a transport company, and not connected to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), an airline or a shuttle service.