Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around Tanzania.

National Trains [Reli]

TAZARA for long distances — The Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) operates sleeper trains between Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, covering 1,860 km over 40+ hours. Book weeks ahead through their website or local stations; cabins with beds and meals are reasonably priced and popular with budget travelers.
Central Line coastal route — Tanzania Railways Corporation runs the Central Line from Dar es Salaam inland to Morogoro and Iringa. Trains are slow but scenic and cheap; expect delays of several hours and minimal comfort, so pack water and snacks.
Train strikes occur without warning, particularly around wage disputes. Confirm departure times 24 hours before travel and have a backup plan ready.
Book in person or online — Reserve seats at railway stations or through the TRC website to guarantee availability; tickets are cheap but trains fill quickly during holidays.

Dar es Salaam rapid transit — The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) in Dar operates dedicated lanes with buses every 10–15 minutes; fares are 600–1,500 TSh and payment is via card or cash at stations.
Daladala minibuses — These shared minibuses are the backbone of city transport in Dar, Arusha, and other towns; they depart when full, cost 300–1,000 TSh per ride, and are crowded but reliable.
Keep valuables secure and avoid traveling after dark; petty theft on crowded buses and minibuses is common, especially in Dar es Salaam.
Long-distance coaches — Companies like Dar Express, Kilimanjaro Express, and Coastal Travel run air-conditioned buses between major cities; book online or at terminals one day ahead and expect bumpy roads outside main highways.

Uber and Bolt in major cities — Both apps operate in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mbeya with GPS tracking and fixed fares; rates are 2–3 times higher than street taxis but safer and transparent.
Street taxis and negotiation — Yellow taxis are everywhere; always agree on a fare before entering or use ride-hailing to avoid overcharging by 50–100%.
Unmarked taxis and unofficial pickups pose safety and robbery risks; use registered yellow taxis or apps only, especially at night and near airports.
Tourist taxis at airports — Pre-book taxis through hotels or tour operators to get fair rates; airport queues have set fares posted, typically 15,000–25,000 TSh from Dar to city center.

International Driving Permit and insurance — You need a valid IDP and a Tanzania driving license (obtainable at the police) or rental company license; third-party insurance is mandatory and included in rentals.
Roads outside main highways are unpaved, potholed, and dangerous in rain; night driving is extremely risky due to poor lighting, reckless buses, and wildlife. Avoid traveling after sunset unless on the A7 highway.
Car rental companies — Hertz, Avis, and local agencies operate in Dar, Arusha, and Zanzibar; expect to pay $40–80 per day for a basic vehicle. Book in advance and inspect the car thoroughly.
Police speed traps and checkpoints are frequent; keep documents and insurance visible. Fines for speeding or seatbelt violations are 50,000+ TSh but often negotiable.
Fuel and maintenance — Petrol stations are sparse outside cities; fill up before long drives and carry water and a spare tire. Mechanics are cheap and widely available but quality varies.

Julius Nyerere International (DAR) — Tanzania's largest airport serves international flights; allow 2–3 hours for check-in and expect queues during peak hours. Domestic terminals are separate and faster.
Domestic flights with Precision Air and Coastal Aviation — These carriers connect Dar, Arusha, Zanzibar, Mbeya, and Kigali; fares are $80–200 for one-hour flights and baggage limits are strict (15 kg checked).
Flights are frequently delayed or cancelled without notice; confirm 24 hours before departure and have flexibility in your itinerary, especially in rainy season (April–May).
Airport transfers — Taxis from DAR to city (15 km) cost 15,000–25,000 TSh; pre-book through your hotel or use Uber/Bolt to avoid overcharging at the taxi stand.
Yellow Fever certificate — If arriving from endemic countries, you may be asked for proof of vaccination; carry your vaccination card or expect potential issues at immigration.

Dar–Zanzibar ferry — Multiple operators (Azam Marine, Sea Star) run ferries taking 1–2 hours; book online or at terminals, fares are 25,000–60,000 TSh depending on class, and departures are usually twice daily.
Lake Victoria ferries — Ferries connect Mwanza, Bukoba, and Uganda/Kenya; journeys are long (12–36 hours) and basic but cheap; book at ports and bring your own food and bedding.
Safety standards are poor; life jackets are rarely available and ferries occasionally capsize. Avoid overcrowded sailings and rough seas, and consider flying if budget allows.
Zanzibar inter-island boats — Small motorboats connect Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia islands; these are scenic but slow and subject to weather cancellations; negotiate fares or book with tour operators.

Buy tickets in person or online — Book long-distance buses and trains on operator websites, at terminals, or through travel agents; buying online saves hassle and guarantees seats during busy periods.
Scammers sell fake tickets at bus stations; buy only from official counters or verified apps, never from touts outside terminals.
BRT card in Dar — Get a rechargeable card at BRT stations to pay for buses quickly; top-ups are available at kiosks and fare discounts apply for frequent travelers.
Tourist passes for attractions — National parks require permits (payable at gates or through tour operators); book Kilimanjaro climbs weeks in advance as quotas fill quickly and price increases with season.

Buy SIM cards at arrival — Vodacom and Airtel are the main providers; buy SIM cards at airport kiosks, convenience stores, or street vendors for 2,000–5,000 TSh with no deposit required.
Data plans and top-ups — Daily data bundles (1–2 GB) cost 3,000–8,000 TSh and top-ups are available via *codes or at any shop displaying provider logos; 4G coverage is good in cities but spotty in rural areas.
Internet can be slow and unreliable, especially outside Dar and Arusha; download offline maps before traveling and allow extra time for communication.
WhatsApp and local calls — Calls and SMS are expensive ($0.20+ per minute to international numbers); use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber over WiFi or data instead, which are cheap and reliable.
WiFi at hotels and cafes — Most hotels, restaurants, and malls offer free WiFi but speeds are variable; coffee shops in city centers are reliable spots for working online.