Julius Nyerere International Airport

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is Tanzania's largest and busiest airport, located in the Kipawa ward of Ilala District, approximately 13 km southwest of Dar es Salaam's city center. Named after Tanzania's first president, the airport serves as East Africa's secondary hub after Nairobi, handling both regional African traffic and long-haul flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 1: Private charters and VIP flights. Located 1 km from the other terminals — a taxi is required to connect (TZS 10,000 / ~$4 USD).
• Terminal 2: Domestic and regional flights. Used by Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Flightlink, and As Salaam Air. Currently undergoing renovation to expand capacity from 1.5 million to 3.5 million passengers per year.
• Terminal 3: International flights. Opened in August 2019, this modern terminal handles all international departures and arrivals with a capacity of up to 6 million passengers annually. Airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Kenya Airways, and others.

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are approximately 180 meters apart, connected by a covered walkway (5-minute walk). Terminal 1 is separate and requires ground transport.

Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro Airports

Dar es Salaam shares Tanzania's air traffic with two other airports that travelers frequently connect through:

Zanzibar (ZNZ) — 70 km east (short flight over the Indian Ocean)

• Served by Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and several international carriers
• 20-minute flight from DAR
• Best for: Beach holidays, Stone Town, spice tours

Kilimanjaro (JRO) — 630 km north

• Gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater
• Served by KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and regional carriers
• Best for: Safari trips and Kilimanjaro treks

Pro tip: If your final destination is Zanzibar, check whether your international airline flies direct to ZNZ — several carriers do, avoiding a connection in DAR entirely.

DAR is located approximately 13 km southwest of Dar es Salaam city center. Travel times depend heavily on traffic, which can be severe during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM).

• City center (Kivukoni/Kariakoo): 20-40 min
• Msasani Peninsula/Masaki: 30-50 min
• Mikocheni: 25-45 min
• Oyster Bay: 30-50 min
• Mbezi Beach: 40-60 min

Dar es Salaam traffic is unpredictable. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours — journeys can take twice as long.

Uber and Bolt both operate in Dar es Salaam and are the recommended options for visitors. Bolt tends to be slightly cheaper and has a larger local fleet.

Rideshare Apps

App	Availability	Payment	Notes
Uber	24/7	Card or cash	Reliable, fixed pricing
Bolt	24/7	Card, cash, or mobile money	Usually cheapest option, includes Bolt Boda (motorcycle)

Typical Fares from Airport

Destination	Uber/Bolt	Taxi
City center	TZS 15,000-25,000 (~$6-10 USD)	TZS 25,000-50,000 (~$10-20 USD)
Msasani/Masaki	TZS 20,000-35,000 (~$8-14 USD)	TZS 35,000-60,000 (~$14-24 USD)
Mbezi Beach	TZS 30,000-50,000 (~$12-20 USD)	TZS 50,000-80,000 (~$20-32 USD)

Airport Taxis

Official taxis queue outside the arrivals area. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before departing. Airport taxis are significantly more expensive than rideshare apps — often 2-3 times the price.

Tips:

• Download Uber and Bolt before arrival and ensure you have a working data connection or local SIM
• Most taxi drivers accept cash only (Tanzanian Shillings). Rideshare apps accept cards
• Bolt accepts M-Pesa and other mobile money platforms
• Avoid touts inside the arrivals hall offering "cheap" transport

Dar es Salaam does not have a direct DART (Bus Rapid Transit) connection to the airport. The DART Phase 3 line connecting the airport to the city center is under construction, with an expected completion in late 2026.

Dala Dala (Minibuses)

Local dala dala minibuses operate from the main road (Julius K. Nyerere Road), a 7-9 minute walk from the terminal buildings.

• Fare: TZS 400-650 (~$0.15-0.25 USD)
• Destination: Buses heading to "Mnazi Mmoja" reach the city center
• Journey time: 45-60 min
• Frequency: Regular during daylight hours

Not recommended for visitors with luggage. Dala dalas are crowded, have limited luggage space, and routes can be confusing for newcomers.

DART BRT (City Transport)

Once in the city center, the DART BRT Phase 1 line (Kimara-Kivukoni) provides fast, affordable transport along the main corridor:

• Fare: TZS 650 (~$0.25 USD)
• Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
• Frequency: Every 5-10 min on the main trunk route

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels and safari operators offer airport pickup services. Confirm with your hotel before arrival. Typical cost: TZS 25,000-50,000 (~$10-20 USD) for a private transfer.

Parking is available directly outside Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Type	Location	Notes
Short-term	Adjacent to terminals	Drop-off and pick-up
Long-term	Airport grounds	Extended stays

Specific rates are not publicly listed by the Tanzania Airports Authority. Contact the airport directly or check the official website for current pricing.

Tip: For extended trips, hotel parking combined with a shuttle transfer may be more practical and secure than long-term airport parking.

Dining options at DAR are limited, particularly in the arrivals and landside areas. Plan to eat before arriving or use the lounges for better options.

Terminal 3 (International - Airside)

• KFC: Fast food, reportedly open extended hours, left side after climbing stairs past immigration
• Pizza Hut: Pizza and sides, same area as KFC
• Bao Cafe: Light meals and beverages, available landside before check-in and after arrival
• Bistro Bar: Drinks and light snacks, near the gate area

Terminal 2 (Domestic)

Options are more limited. Small cafes and kiosks sell snacks, beverages, and light meals.

Important Notes

• No food options in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3
• Airside food options are accessible only after clearing immigration/security
• Prices are significantly higher than in the city
• Free showers are reportedly available behind the Bistro Bar on the first floor of Terminal 3
• For long layovers, consider eating in the city if you have time, or use a lounge

Free WiFi is available throughout Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

• Cost: Free (registration via email required)
• Speed: Adequate for browsing and messaging
• Reliability: Variable, can be slow during peak periods

For more reliable connectivity, purchase a local SIM card or use the airport lounges.

SIM cards are available just outside Terminal 3, between the terminal buildings, with Vodacom being the most visible seller.

Providers

Carrier	SIM Cost	Coverage	Notes
Vodacom	TZS 1,000 (~$0.40 USD)	Best nationwide, LTE/5G in Dar	Largest network, store right outside T3
Airtel	TZS 1,500 (~$0.60 USD)	Good urban, best in northern Tanzania	Cheaper data plans, better in Serengeti/Ngorongoro
Tigo	TZS 1,000 (~$0.40 USD)	Good urban coverage	Budget option
Halotel	TZS 1,000 (~$0.40 USD)	Growing network	Least coverage of the four

Recommended Data Plans (Vodacom)

Plan	Price (TZS)	USD	Includes
3 GB / 7 days	10,000	~$4	400 min + 100 SMS
10 GB / 30 days	30,000	~$12	1,200 min + 500 SMS
19.9 GB / 30 days	50,000	~$20	1,200 min + 500 SMS

Registration Requirements

• Passport required for registration
• Biometric fingerprint capture is mandatory by law
• Cash only (TZS) at airport kiosks
• Registration takes 5-10 minutes

Tip: Airport SIM card sellers sometimes charge tourist prices significantly higher than standard rates (up to $15 for 1 GB). Ask to see the standard pricing on the seller's system, or buy from the official Vodacom store near Terminal 3 rather than freelance sellers. Alternatively, buy a SIM in the city for standard pricing.

Vodacom top-up: Dial 104scratchcode# to add credit, then 14800# to choose a data bundle.

Currency

Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). As of February 2026, the exchange rate is approximately TZS 2,500-2,600 = $1 USD.

ATMs

ATMs are located outside the arrival halls of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Banks represented include:

• NMB Bank: Also operates FX ATMs that dispense USD, EUR, and GBP
• CRDB Bank
• Standard Chartered

ATM Tips:

• Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard
• Typical withdrawal limit: TZS 400,000-800,000 per transaction (~$160-320 USD)
• Fees vary by bank — expect TZS 5,000-10,000 (~$2-4 USD) per withdrawal
• NMB FX ATMs allow currency exchange of up to $2,000 at a time

Currency Exchange

Exchange bureaus are located in the Terminal 3 arrivals area. Airport rates include standard markups — ATM withdrawals typically offer better value.

US Dollar tips: USD is widely accepted for tourist services (hotels, safari operators, Zanzibar ferries). Bring newer bills — notes printed before 2006 or in small denominations ($1, $5) are often refused.

Important: Tanzania is still largely a cash economy outside major hotels and restaurants. Carry TZS for everyday transactions including transport, markets, and smaller establishments.

Terminal 3 (International - Airside)

Duty-free shopping is operated by Lagardere Travel Retail and local partner Bevco Limited, with two stores spanning approximately 366 square meters combined.

• Duty-free: Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco
• Gift shops: Tanzanian souvenirs, handicrafts, Maasai beadwork
• Pharmacy: Basic medications and travel essentials

Best Purchases

• Tanzanite jewelry: Tanzania is the only source of tanzanite gemstones — available at airport shops, though city jewelers offer better prices and selection
• Tanzanian coffee: High-quality beans from the Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions
• Tingatinga paintings: Colorful Tanzanian art style, available as prints and originals
• Kangas and kitenges: Traditional printed fabrics

Tips

• Selection is limited compared to larger international airports
• Souvenir shopping is better and cheaper at Dar es Salaam's markets (Mwenge Carvers Market, Slipway Shopping Centre)
• Duty-free prices on alcohol and perfumes are competitive

Priority Pass Lounges

CIP Lounge (Terminal 3, Airside)

• Location: After immigration, turn right toward Gate C6. Pass the lifts and shops, take first left — lounge entrance is at the end of the hallway
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass
• Hours: 24/7 (international flights only)
• Max stay: 4 hours
• Amenities: Complimentary massage chairs, workstations, food, drinks, WiFi, separate smoking area
• Children: Under 6 admitted free

CIP Lounge (Terminal 1, Airside)

• Location: Airside in the waiting area, follow signs
• Access: Priority Pass
• Max stay: 3 hours
• Children: Under 2 admitted free

Airline/Business Lounges

Twiga Business Lounge (Terminal 3, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate C4)

• Access: Business class passengers on select airlines, or purchase at the door from $35 USD
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: Showers, quiet area with day beds, food and drinks, WiFi

Tanzanite Lounge (Terminal 2)

• Location: Departure hall
• Access: Business/first class passengers, access card holders, or pay-per-use
• Hours: 24/7
• Amenities: WiFi, bar/snacks, television, international press

Access Summary

Lounge	Terminal	Access Methods	Best Feature
CIP Lounge	T3	Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass	Massage chairs, 24/7
Twiga Business	T3	Business class, day pass ($35)	Showers, day beds
Tanzanite	T2	Business class, day pass	Domestic travelers
CIP Lounge	T1	Priority Pass	Charter/VIP terminal

Hotels near DAR range from budget transit lodges to city-center business hotels. There is no on-site hotel within the terminal, but several options are within a 10-minute drive.

Near the Airport

• Airport Transit Lodges: Budget option with complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle and buffet breakfast. From ~$40/night.
• Triniti Airport Hotel: 3-star hotel with restaurant and bar. Walking distance from the airport.
• Hotreef Hotel: 2.7 km from the airport, basic but convenient.

City Center Hotels

For longer stays or more comfort, Dar es Salaam's Msasani, Masaki, and Oyster Bay neighborhoods offer a wider range of dining and entertainment, 30-50 minutes from the airport.

• Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro: Waterfront luxury hotel in the city center. From ~$150/night.
• Holiday Inn Dar es Salaam City Centre: Business district location. From ~$100/night.

Average prices near the airport: $30-60 USD for double rooms.

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's commercial capital and largest city, a sprawling port city on the Indian Ocean coast with over 5 million residents. While most visitors use it as a transit point, the city rewards those who spend a day or two exploring.

For Long Layovers (6+ hours)

• Coco Beach (Oyster Bay): Popular waterfront area, 30 min from airport. Local food vendors, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
• Slipway Shopping Centre: Waterfront complex in Msasani with restaurants, craft shops, and a cinema. 35 min from airport.
• National Museum and House of Culture: Tanzanian history from prehistoric fossils to independence. 25 min from airport. Entry TZS 10,000 (~$4 USD) for non-residents.

Day Trips from Dar es Salaam

• Zanzibar: 20-minute flight or 2-hour ferry from Kivukoni. Stone Town, spice tours, pristine beaches. Ferry: TZS 35,000-85,000 (~$14-34 USD) one way with Azam Marine.
• Bagamoyo: Historic slave-trade port town, 65 km north. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half-day trip.
• Pugu Hills: Forest reserve 20 km from the city. Walking trails and wildlife, easy half-day trip.

Gateway to Tanzania

DAR is the starting point for some of East Africa's top destinations:

• Zanzibar (ZNZ): 20-minute flight, beaches and Stone Town
• Selous/Nyerere Game Reserve: 45-minute flight, Tanzania's largest protected area
• Ruaha National Park: 90-minute flight, remote wildlife viewing
• Mafia Island: 30-minute flight, whale sharks and diving
• Kilimanjaro (JRO): 75-minute flight, Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro access
• Arusha: 75-minute flight, Northern Circuit safari hub

Air Tanzania and Precision Air operate domestic routes from Terminal 2 to all these destinations.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Hot and humid year-round (25-32°C / 77-90°F). Long rains: March-May. Short rains: November-December. Light clothing is essential.
• Language: Swahili is the primary language. English is widely understood in tourist areas. "Habari" (hello) and "Asante" (thank you) go a long way.
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants is appreciated. Small tips (TZS 2,000-5,000) for services.
• Safety: Use rideshare apps at night. Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas. Keep valuables out of sight.
• Malaria: Present in Dar es Salaam and coastal Tanzania. Consult a doctor about prophylaxis before travel.
• Visa: Most nationalities require a visa. E-visas are available through immigration.go.tz and recommended over visa on arrival to save time at immigration.
• Power outlets: Type D and Type G (British 3-pin). Voltage: 230V. Bring a universal adapter.