Getting There & Getting About
International Airports
- Dar es Salaam (DAR): 15 km from city.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Full list of airports in Tanzania with associated airport codes >
Internal Transport
There are a number of airlines that run regular services to all main towns, and several charter companies that can provide transport to the many bush airfields or airstrips, which can be particularly useful for travelling to national parks. All visitors flying from Zanzibar to destinations within Tanzania must pay a departure tax.
There is a ferry crossing from Zanzibar to Pemba Island, and Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are connected by hydrofoil, catamaran and air-conditioned ferry services. Both Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika have steamer services, with the former calling at the ports of Bukoba, Musoma and Mwanza.
Rail links include routes to northern Tanzania and Zambia, and there is also a daily service from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika and Mwanza on Lake Victoria.
Although often expensive, self-drive car hire is available in major cities. Chauffeured cars are also available. The country has a good network of all-weather and tarmac roads connecting all major towns; however, minor roads are often of poor quality, becoming passable only with 4-wheel-drive vehicles during the long rains in April and May. Due to the dangers of wild animals, cattle and goats on the road, it is not advisable to drive at night.
There are inexpensive, intercity buses, such as the one that connects Dar es Salaam to Arusha, Morogoro and Moshi. However, it is best to avoid bus travel during the April/May rains.
Buses and minibuses also operate within Dar es Salaam on a flat-fare basis; however, services are often crowded. Taxi services can also be hired - it is always best to choose an authorised vehicle however.