Mwanza, Tanzania, is served by Mwanza International Airport (MWZ), a railway station connected to the central line, a modern bus terminal, and a significant port on Lake Victoria.
Mwanza International Airport (MWZ) is approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from Dar es Salaam (DAR) with airlines such as Precision Air and Air Tanzania, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes. Round-trip fares from Dar es Salaam can start from $182, with one-way options from $124. Booking flights at least a month in advance is often recommended for better prices.
Mwanza is connected by the central line railway system, offering services to destinations like Tabora, Kigoma, and Dar es Salaam. A direct train from Dar es Salaam takes approximately 38 hours and costs between $14 and $26. A new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line is under construction, aiming to significantly reduce travel times between Dar es Salaam and Mwanza once fully operational, potentially bringing the journey down to around 19 hours 50 minutes with fares around $33.
The city's modern bus terminal facilitates connections to various parts of Tanzania. Bus journeys from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza typically range from 14 to 20 hours. Fares generally fall between $21 and $80, depending on the operator and service class.
Mwanza's port on Lake Victoria provides regular ferry services. The MV New Victoria operates between Mwanza and Bukoba via Kemondo Bay on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with arrivals between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Ticket prices for this service range from Tsh 21,000 for third class (approximately $8) to Tsh 55,000 for first class (approximately $21). Cars can also be transported on this ferry for around $20. Newer, larger vessels like the MV Mwanza Hapa Kazi Tu, launched in 2023, are intended to serve various Lake Victoria routes, including Bukoba, and potentially international routes to Uganda (Portbell, Jinja) and Kenya (Kisumu).
Car rental services are available from companies such as Europcar and Vic Consult Tours & Safaris, with pick-up points including Mwanza Airport. Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options are offered, requiring a full driving license held for at least 12 months for drivers aged 22-65.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
