How to get around Tanzania
Navigating Tanzania is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
For traveling between cities in Tanzania, several options cater to different budgets and time constraints. Buses offer an affordable and widely used mode of transport, connecting major urban centers such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Mbeya. Typical fares for long-distance bus journeys range from TZS 23,000 to TZS 55,000, with some companies providing comfortable coaches featuring air conditioning.
Train travel presents a budget-friendly and scenic alternative, with routes connecting Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and Mwanza, as well as the TAZARA line extending to Zambia. However, train services can be slow and subject to delays.
For swifter journeys, domestic flights are available, linking major cities, national parks, and islands like Zanzibar. While more expensive, domestic flights typically cost between $50 and $300, or $70 to $150 on average for popular routes, providing a time-saving solution for covering vast distances.
Ferries are the primary means of transport between mainland Tanzania and its islands, with trips from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar typically taking 2-3 hours and being more economical than flying.
Travel Within Cities
Within Tanzanian cities, a range of transport options are available. Dala-dalas, shared minibuses, are the most economical choice for short to medium distances. Fares typically start around 500 TZS ($0.22) in cities, while in Zanzibar, short trips cost 400 TZS and longer island distances are around 2,000 TZS. Be mindful that dala-dalas can be crowded, and luggage may incur an extra charge (500-1,000 TZS).
Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) offer a quick and inexpensive way to navigate urban areas and congested routes. Fares should be negotiated beforehand, and while efficient, they carry higher safety risks. Tuk-tuks, also known as bajaji, provide a budget-friendly option for small groups (2-3 people) on short city trips, with prices starting from approximately 2,000 TZS.
Taxis are widely available in major cities and offer more comfort and privacy. Fares are typically negotiated before the journey; expect a starting price of around 5,000 TZS with an additional 4,000 TZS per kilometer. A 5km ride might cost around 25,000 TZS. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also accessible in some larger cities, providing a convenient booking method.
