Getting There and Away

A zebra stands amidst lush greenery in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro region, showcasing natural beauty.
Dmitry Limonov, Pexels

Moshi is well-connected through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as the primary air gateway, located approximately 40 kilometers from the city. The city also features a central bus station, facilitating both intercity and local travel.

Flights:

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest major airport.

  • From JRO, taxis or private transfers to Moshi typically cost around €25 (approximately $27 USD) for up to four passengers and take about 55 minutes.
  • Shared shuttles offer a more economical option from JRO, with fares starting at €4 (approximately $4.30 USD) per traveler and a travel time of around 1 hour.
  • Flights from Dar es Salaam (DAR) to JRO are available, with the road distance being about 555 kilometers.
  • Flying into Nairobi, Kenya (NBO), while potentially cheaper, requires an additional 8-hour bus journey to Moshi, plus a Kenyan transit visa.

Buses:

Buses are a common and affordable mode of transport to and from Moshi.

  • Journeys from Dar es Salaam to Moshi typically take 8 to 10 hours, with costs ranging from TZS 20,000 (around $8-10 USD) for standard seats to TZS 40,000-50,000 (around $17-22 USD) for luxury or VIP options.
  • Travel between Arusha and Moshi is frequent, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Fares for local buses can be as low as TZS 3,000 (around $1.5-2 USD), while shuttle minivans may range from $10 to $25.
  • Buses from Nairobi to Moshi generally take about 8 hours and cost around $30.

Trains:

Passenger train service operates between Moshi and Arusha, running twice weekly. This journey typically takes around 2 hours, though historically longer times have been reported, and service can be prone to delays.

Local Transport & Car Rentals:

  • Within Moshi, taxis are readily available; it is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey, with most short trips costing a few dollars.
  • Local minibuses, known as 'Daladalas,' are an extremely cheap way to travel within Moshi and to nearby villages, with fares usually less than a dollar.
  • For those desiring more flexibility, hiring a private Land Cruiser with a driver can be arranged, typically costing around TZS 100,000 (approximately $39 USD) per day.