HOW TO GET FROM NAIROBI TO ARUSHA
The city of Nairobi. An ideal place to start your safari in Kenya and Tanzania / Image: @soph_
Nairobi's International Airport is a major hub for travelers worldwide, with numerous daily international flights departing and taking off. It is a popular starting point for those planning safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. Because Nairobi is just across the border from Tanzania’s main and most popular collection of National Parks, otherwise known as the northern circuit - foreign travelers love to fly to Nairobi as it's so easy to get to Arusha in Tanzania.
Thinking about flying into Nairobi to explore Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti or perhaps Ngorongoro Crater? The good news is that it's very easy to get from Nairobi to Arusha, as Arusha is known for being the famous gateway to the world's most popular National Parks. There are a great selection of transportation options on offer, from affordable to expensive.
Within this helpful article, we will tell you all about this route, which transportation options are available, getting through the Kenya Tanzania border crossing, choosing the best transport option for a smooth adventure. We will also cover what parks and attractions are best to visit near Nairobi as well as near Arusha so that you can make the most of both cities.
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A herd of elephants meander through Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is extremely close to Arusha, making for an ideal safari spot / Image: @ray30
Where is Nairobi and where is Arusha?
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya and is located in the southern part of the country, very close to the Tanzania / Kenya border. Arusha in Tanzania is located at the north-eastern part of the country, just south of the Kenya Tanzania border crossing.
Nairobi and Arusha both have access to incredible National Parks that are positioned by them, making both locations very attractive to visit. Nairobi sits right by the Maasai Mara National Reserve as well as Amboseli National Park. The Maasai Mara Reserve is situated atop of the vast Serengeti which interconnects and plays an important role with the Great Migration.
Arusha has many wonderful National Parks and attractions by it - the most famous being Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater as well as Tarangire.
Head from Arusha to Nairobi to explore the renowned Amboseli National Park, where graceful elephants roam / Image: @hgudka97
2. Why is Nairobi to Arusha a popular route?
Nairobi to Arusha is an extremely popular route because many international travelers fly directly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport which is a hub for flights landing from all over the globe. Once you land, you can choose a form of transportation to get to Arusha to start your safari. As Nairobi sits very close to the border of Tanzania, it's an ideal place for many people to fly into without needing a layover or to avoid the hassle of switching flights. Many people choose Nairobi / Arusha, even if it means crossing the Kenya Tanzania border. Aside from Jomo Kenyatta Airport, the only other international airport in Tanzania is Dar Es Salaam which is much further away.
Image: @kydroon
3. Nairobi to Arusha distance
The Nairobi to Arusha distance isn't as far as you might think, even though you are crossing countries. Most people prefer to travel by 4 wheels instead of flights as it's just more convenient but the drive in itself is just over 4 hours to complete. The distance is around 272 km which is just under 170 miles.
The incredible Maasai Mara National Reserve is right across the border in Kenya and is accessible from the majestic Serengeti. Why not discover both? / Image: @elcarito
4. Methods of transport to get from Nairobi to Arusha
There is a small selection of ways you can choose to get from Nairobi to Arusha.
Shuttle Buses
Most travelers who fly into Nairobi will opt to travel by shuttles to Arusha from Nairobi. These shuttles travel directly to Arusha and back to Nairobi. The shuttle buses are a popular choice by tourists and are also inexpensive too. Typically shuttles operate once daily from each location. They take around 4-5 hours each way depending on traffic conditions. Prices to book a one way journey is approximately $30 US and is easily booked online.
A Local Bus
A local bus is another option, however the bus from Nairobi to Arusha is generally used by locals and can get extremely busy. A seat is not always available, so this option can be slightly unpredictable. It is however the cheapest option out of all, but it's one most tourists choose not to take. Unlike shuttle buses that will guarantee a seat as well as pick you up from hotel locations, you will have to find out when and at what times the buses depart which can be challenging especially if you are new to the city.
Flying
There are no direct flights from Nairobi to Arusha Airport, however there are direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport. Kilimanjaro Airport being only an hour's drive away from Arusha. The plane ride is just under an hour long which will get you there the fastest. You might be wondering, how much is a flight from Nairobi to Tanzania? Generally it can cost between $150 to $350 US Dollars depending on if you are flying one way or return.
If you opt to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport, taxis are extremely affordable. A taxi from the airport to your hotel in Arusha typically costs around $18-$25 US dollars.
Renting a Car
Renting a car in both Tanzania and Kenya are available for foreign travelers. You will need to make sure that the rental car is fine to be dropped off in a different country before you book. As well as make sure to get all the paperwork you need to cross the border. Typically you will need a valid drivers license, passport with current visa to both Tanzania and Kenya, proof of residence as well as money to pay for the rental. A good idea is to make sure that when you do drop the rental off that you are able to get transportation to your hotel thereafter.
How to get from Nairobi to Arusha? A local Tanzania Bus is one option and very authentic / Image: @m_camper
5. Do I need documents or visas when crossing the border?
The Kenya Tanzania border crossing requires you to have all necessary documents when crossing.
If you are traveling from Nairobi to Arusha, here are the documents you need to cross the border to Tanzania:
At least 6 months validity left in your passport
Gender ‘X’ marked within passports is not accepted
Blank passport pages
Tourist Visa Required for Tanzania
Vaccinations / Yellow Fever Vaccination Proof is required
If you are traveling from Arusha to Nairobi, here is what you need for the Kenya Tanzania border crossing:
At least 6 months validity left in your passport
2 blank pages within your passport
Tourist Visa required for Kenya
Vaccinations / yellow Fever Vaccination
If you are traveling to Tanzania and Kenya to explore both locations, plan ahead of time to make sure you have all the paperwork that you need. Even though we try to write our articles with as much accuracy as possible, some rules on entering these countries are subject to change so we urge you to research to get up to the minute information so that you can cross the border without any problems.
Arusha and Nairobi are the gateways to some of the worlds best safari parks. Cheetah's are just some of the mesmerising wild animals you will encounter / Image: @traveleroohlala
6. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best National Parks to see near Nairobi Airport?
There are so many incredible places to visit near Nairobi Airport. If you only have a day and like wild animal sanctuaries, we recommend heading to the David Sheldrick Trust - A haven for elephants and rhinos. If you have longer to spare and are looking to safari in one of Kenya's most popular parks then head to the Maasai Mara National Reserve which is around 4 hours drive away from the Airport. Alternatively, Amboseli National Park is legendary in Kenya and is only around 3 hours to get there by car.
What are the best National Parks to visit near Arusha?
Arusha is a wonderfully centralized city that is well connected to so many incredible National Parks. Some are near and some parks are further away. Our favorites that are closest to Arusha are Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. Arusha National Park is a great option if you only have a day to go on a safari and is also home to 4 of the Big 5.
Explore The Best Tanzania and Kenya National Parks Now!
Now that you have all the relevant information to visit Kenya and Tanzania, as well as making your way through the Kenya Tanzania border crossing - all you have to do is book your ticket!
If you have any further questions about Tanzania safaris, locations of the border crossing - get in touch with our travel team and we will be happy to help you.
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