HOW TO GET FROM KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO ARUSHA

Driving along dirt tracks is a regular occurrence when getting from A to B in Tanzania. You will see tons of interesting wildlife on your journey / Image: @damianpatkowski

If you have plans to embark on a wild and wonderful adventure along the Northern Tanzania safari circuit, you'll likely touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Seeing as the city of Arusha is the primary gateway to many national parks on the circuit, you'll need to figure out how to get there from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Luckily, there are a handful of options for getting from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha. Since we have run many safaris in this part of Tanzania, we know all the modes of transport covering this route, so we have you covered. As you can expect, each traveler has unique needs and preferences, but there are enough options to cater to visitors of every taste.

In this guide, we've detailed all the information you need to know about the transport options for traveling from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha.

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If you visiting Arusha National Park - you will marvel at the staggering amounts of giraffe that call this park their home / Image: @moseslondo

  1. Where Is Arusha?

Arusha is a Tanzanian city in the northeast of the country, situated in the administrative region of the same name. Lying around 350 km from Serengeti National Park, 170 km from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and 30.5 km from Arusha National Park, it's no surprise that Arusha is a popular starting point for safaris in the north of the country.

2. How Many Hours Is It From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

On average, the drive from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Of course, this can be longer during peak hours when the roads can become congested. That said, it's rare for the journey to take any more than 1 hour and 30 minutes.

3. What's the Distance From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

If you've been wondering how far Kilimanjaro Airport is from Arusha, you might be surprised to find that only a little over 50 km separates the two. This can vary slightly depending on your route, but generally, it's a relatively short trip.

4. Methods of Transport to Get to Arusha from Kilimanjaro

When it comes to deciding how to get from Kilimanjaro to Arusha, there are four options available to you. The most widely-used modes of transport are taxis and private transfers, though airport shuttles and, in some cases, flights are alternatives worth considering.

Busy streets in Arusha are to be expected during peak hours. Make sure you factor this in when traveling from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha / Image: @hugoramos

5. Getting From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Kilimanjaro Airport regardless of the time of your landing; you'll find taxis parked in the designated taxi rank outside at pretty much any hour.

With a taxi from Kilimanjaro to Arusha, the drive takes anywhere between an hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. Most taxis can carry four passengers, but it may be less for any party with quite a lot of luggage. You'll also find larger vehicles like minivans and jeeps, so you usually won't have trouble securing a taxi even if you're traveling in a big group.

Though it's unlikely, unlicensed taxi drivers can sometimes frequent the area outside the arrivals section at Kilimanjaro Airport. Because of this, we suggest making sure your driver has their details and credentials clearly displayed before you agree to start the journey.

How Much Is a Taxi From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

Predicting the cost of a taxi from Kilimanjaro to Arusha is tricky. Most official taxis have meters installed inside, but many drivers prefer to offer fixed prices instead, so expect to get your haggling hat on once you've grabbed your bags.

While it's advisable to only travel with drivers who agree to use the meter so that you get a fair price, it can be challenging to get them to do so; you're pretty much at their mercy. As such, fares can vary considerably but often range from TZS 81,750.00 ($30) to TZS 136,250.00 ($50), but it depends on the driver you get.

Drivers in Tanzania are generally friendly and welcoming. Taxi or private transfer is the preferred way to travel from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha / Image: @yanick_folly_229

6. Getting From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by Private Transfer

Another option is to take a private transfer from Kilimanjaro to Arusha. You might find that your hotel or tour company takes care of this for you, but if not, there are plenty of local providers who offer these services, too.

Many visitors prefer private transfers as it takes away the stress of finding a driver willing to offer a reasonable fare or use the taximeter. On top of that, you'll typically have a chance to sort out the payment beforehand, and you won't need to waste any time negotiating with drivers, which is a big plus if you've arrived late at night.

How Much Is a Private Transfer From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

In some cases, if your transfer is included in your hotel rate or tour package, you won't need to pay any additional fee for this trip. Other than that, though, the prices of private transfers vary significantly between companies.

Because they tend to be more favorable options compared to traditional taxis, there's a chance you'll pay more for the added comfort and convenience. Prices average around TZS 136,250.00 ($50) but can be higher or lower depending on the transfer company and your party size.

7. Getting From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by Shuttle Bus

Traveling from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by shuttle is also popular among visitors. Several companies provide this shared service, and most have numerous departures each day, taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the city.

Both Precision Air and Fastjet have shuttles from Kilimanjaro to Arusha, and you'll often find other drivers and operators offering shuttles from right outside the terminal. Even though multiple companies run these shuttles, they can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so it might be best to book in advance directly with one of the companies to secure your spot.

For the most part, the Kilimanjaro to Arusha shuttles are well-organized and efficient. However, the exact departure times are subject to change. If you arrive during a quieter period, you may need to wait until the van fills up for the driver to leave, which can inconvenience anyone who wants to make the most of their time. Moreover, shuttles tend to stop at fixed spots in the city rather than directly at your hotel, so it might not be a suitable option if you've got a lot of luggage with you.

How Much Is a Shuttle Bus From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

At present, taking an airport shuttle from Kilimanjaro to Arusha will set you back about TZS 10,000.00 ($3.70). This price is charged per passenger, but some drivers may have a set fee for the entire vehicle, regardless of how many people are on board.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that each provider may have different prices, and some may charge add-on fees for your baggage.

Mini buses and motorcycles are often sighted on roads and dirt tracks in Tanzania, here are two navigating their way past each other in Africa.

8. Getting From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by Flight

The fourth and final way to travel is to fly from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha Airport. This 15-minute journey is by far the fastest option, but due to Arusha Airport's small size, flights are few and far between.

Regional Air is one of the airlines servicing this route. They only have a handful of planes making this trip each month, and some months have no scheduled flights at all. Auric Air is another airline that flies from Kilimanjaro to Arusha but mostly offers flights on request.

As a result, taking a flight between the two airports is only worth considering if you're planning to charter a plane.

How Much Is a Flight From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

With Regional Air, flights from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha Airport cost around TSZ 286,125.00 ($105) per person, with added fees for luggage. If you decide to charter a plane, the total price could be upwards of several million Tanzanian Shillings or a few thousand U.S. Dollars. The fare you'll pay will depend on a multitude of factors, including the number of passengers, time of year, and airline you choose.

A heard of magnificent Elephants meander through pastures in Kilimanjaro National Park / Image: @mcramblett

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha?

Kilimanjaro Airport is not in Arusha, as it's located in the Kilimanjaro region, which is home to Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro (a Tanzanian trek everyone should experience), and it neighbors the Arusha region.

Which Airport Is Better to Fly Into, Kilimanjaro or Arusha?

For most visitors, it's much more convenient to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport. This is because it's bigger and better connected than Arusha Airport. There are significantly more direct flights to Kilimanjaro Airport, which is the closest airport to the city of Arusha and handles both domestic and international arrivals.

Arusha Airport is unsurprisingly much closer, at just 8 km away from the center of Arusha. However, only a small number of flights operate in and out of this airport, and it's often only a viable option for anyone interested in chartering a plane.

Overall, Kilimanjaro Airport is the better option for international travelers visiting northern Tanzania.

What's the Best Way to Travel From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

The best option for getting from Kilimanjaro to Arusha will depend on your specific requirements, but a private transfer is the most comfortable way to travel. Many hotels and tour operators will arrange these transfers for you, but booking your own is easy, too. What's great about selecting this option is that everything is typically organized and paid for in advance.

Make Your Way From Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha With Ease!

The distance from Kilimanjaro to Arusha might be short, but there are plenty of ways to travel between the two. You can take your pick from taxis, private transfers, shuttle buses, and even flights, all of which will take you to the city where your animal-spotting expedition will begin!

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