Dar es Salaam is the main transport hub of Tanzania, and is the gateway to exploring many other parts of the country. Transport options are varied, although most visitors tend to arrive by air.

Whilst transportation isn't as developed in most Western countries, it is considerably better than a lot of other African countries.

This Dar es Salaam Transport Guide gives details about getting to and from the city, as well as getting around once there. Use it in conjunction with our Tanzania Transportation Guide to help you plan your trip.

Dar es Salaam - Transport Guide

Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR)

The airport is located 12km (7.5 miles) southwest of the city centre. It is on Nyerere Road and it services both domestic and international flights. While Terminal 1 is generally used for charter flights, Terminal 2 is used for all other flights. Terminal 2, the newer terminal, is about 700m (2,300ft) away from Terminal 1.

Tel: (022) 284 2461 or 284 4371
Website: http://www.tanzaniairports.com/

The airport does not have too many amenities for customers. There are a few exchange bureaus, a bar, a restaurant, a few souvenir shops and an Internet connection. Avoid transactions with any other service provider here, as they may be unreliable.

Taking a dalla-dalla (a minibus) or a taxi is the best way to travel to and from the airport. The minibus sign will say - U/Ndege, which is short for Uwanja wa Ndege, meaning airport.

Ferry Services

There are several ferry services between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Pemba. Ferries run daily from the Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal located on Sokoine Drive. Tickets can be bought at the terminal. You can select between the fast and slow services. Jahazi and Mashua are two types of dhows that also sail on the same waters. Jahazi is the large boat with a lateen or triangular shaped sail while the Mashua is a smaller version of the same but is usually motorised and has a wider hull. Legally, foreigners are not permitted to sail on non-motorised dhows and the boat captain can get heavily fined, if caught.

Dalla-dallas can be used to reach the ferry terminal from the city centre or, the distance can be walked too. 

Car Services

It is rather uncommon for visitors to travel around the country by car. 80% of Tanzanian roads are in bad condition and the situation gets worse during bad weather. Of the few roads that are sealed; one is between Dar es Salaam and Arusha and another is between Dar and Mbeya. It is more common for visitors to base themselves in one place and use the services of an agent to arrange transport.

Driving around the country

Visitors who enter the country in a private vehicle must bring their registration papers, driving license or an international driving license. A temporary import permit is also required. This permit can be purchased at the border along with payment of a one-off fuel tax. A carnet de passage en douane or the customs document identifying the vehicle is another requirement. This can be used as a temporary waiver of the import duty.

In Tanzania, vehicles are driven on the left and the speed limit is 80kph (50mph), unless otherwise stated. Seat belts are a must for the vehicle driver and the passenger in the front seat.

Rental Car Agencies

There are just a few rental car services in Dar es Salaam. Avis and Hertz are on Ohio Street, while Green Car Rentals is on Nkrumah Street. Most car rental companies will recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle and a driver too, if you plan to go out of the city.

Useful telephone numbers:

Avis: (022) 211 5381
Hertz: (022) 212 2130
Green Car Rentals: (022) 218 2022

Domestic Bus Services

The main bus terminal of Dar es Salaam is 8km (5 miles) west of the city, on Morogoro Road at Ubungo. Take a dalla-dalla or a taxi to travel to and from Ubungo. There is a bus company called Scandinavian Express, which operates its own bus terminal on the corner of Nyerere Road and Msimbazi Street. This terminal is more peaceful and also, closer than the one at Ubungo. They have a ticket office at the terminal too.

Dar Express and Royal Coach are two other large bus companies. Both bus companies have their own booking offices near the station on Libya Street. Ticket prices are usually fixed and tickets should be bought only from the office.

Express buses run on time, are faster and are less crowded. Some buses are air-conditioned and have toilets on board. Ordinary buses, in contrast, are slower, more congested and leave only when full.

Bus Companies:

Scandinavian Express: http://www.scandinaviagroup.com/
(022) 218 4833
Dar Express: 0748 276 060
Royal Coach: (022) 212 4073

International Bus Services

There are a few international bus services run by Scandinavian Express. They run between Dar es Salaam and:

- Nairobi (in Kenya), via Arusha;
- Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast;
- Lilongwe in Malawi, Kampala in Uganda;
- Lusaka in Zambia.