Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam

   Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam Road Distance 823 km
   Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam Aerial Distance 666 km
  Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam Travel Time 13 hr 33 mins

How to reach Dar-es-salaam from Nairobi

The easiest way to travel from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam is by air. There are direct flights between Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). Major airlines such as Kenya Airways, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania operate multiple flights daily. 

Knowing The Details

1. Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam by Flight
2. Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam by Road
3. Popular Routes to Dar-es-salaam
4. Popular Routes from Nairobi
5. Places to Visit in Dar-es-salaam
6. Hotels in Dar-es-salaam

Dar-es-salaam Travel Packages

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1. Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam by Flight

The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it the quickest and most convenient option. Flights typically cost between USD 150 and USD 350, depending on the season, airline, and how early you book your ticket.

Traveling by air is more efficient compared to overland routes, which can take upwards of 12 to 16 hours by bus or car due to the 820 km (510 miles) distance, border crossings, and road conditions.

Flight Details
Major Airlines: Several airlines offer direct flights from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, including Kenya Airways, Precision Air, Jambojet, and Air Tanzania. These airlines operate daily flights between the cities.
Flight Frequency: Flights operate frequently throughout the day, so you can choose between morning, afternoon, or evening departures.

Kenya to Tanzania Visa: If you are traveling from Nairobi, Kenya, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, you will need a visa for entry into Tanzania. Ensure that you have a multiple entry visa for Kenya.

eVisa: To avoid waiting at the airport, you can apply for an eVisa before your trip through Tanzania's official immigration website. The process usually takes around 2-3 working days to complete. The eVisa fee is also USD 100, and it is valid for a single-entry visit of up to 90 days.

Travel Documents
Passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Tanzania.
Yellow Fever Vaccination: It is recommended to carry proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination, especially if you are arriving from or have traveled through a country with a high risk of Yellow Fever. You may be asked to present this certificate upon arrival in Dar es Salaam.

2. Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam by Road

Distance
The road distance between Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is approximately 820 kilometers (510 miles). The journey typically takes 14 to 18 hours, depending on road conditions, traffic, and border-crossing delays.

Route

The most common route is via the A104 Highway, passing through Namanga, the border town between Kenya and Tanzania. From there, you enter Tanzania and continue along the B1 Highway, which leads you directly to Dar es Salaam.

Bus Travel
Taking a bus is a popular option for road travel between the two cities. Several companies operate on this route:
  • Tahmeed Coach
  • Modern Coast
  • Spanish Coach
  • Simba Coach
These buses provide long-distance services between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam and operate daily.

Duration: The trip typically takes around 15 to 17 hours, depending on the time spent at the border.
Cost: Ticket prices for buses range from KES 3,500 to KES 6,500 (approximately $24 to $45 USD), depending on the level of comfort and class chosen (e.g., standard or VIP).

Border Crossing at Namanga

The Namanga border post is the primary crossing point on this route. Both Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities operate at the border, and travelers will need to go through customs and immigration processes.

Visa Information
Visa for Kenya and Tanzania: If you are traveling between Kenya and Tanzania, you will need a visa unless you are from an East African Community (EAC) member country, in which case, free movement is allowed. For others, a visa can be obtained either in advance or on arrival at the Namanga border.
Kenya & Tanzania EAC Tourist Visa: You can obtain the East African Tourist Visa, which allows you to travel freely between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for up to 90 days. This multi-entry visa costs $100 USD and can be applied for online or upon arrival.

Road Conditions
The roads on this route are generally in good condition, though there may be rough patches closer to the border. Once in Tanzania, the roads are paved and relatively smooth until you get to Dar es Salaam. Be prepared for some congestion, especially near urban centers and the border crossing itself.

Popular Routes to Dar-es-salaam

Important Routes Time Taken Distance
Nairobi to Dar-es-salaam 13 hr 33 mins 823 km
Zanzibar to Dar-es-salaam 2 - 3 hrs

Popular Routes from Nairobi

Important Routes Time Taken Distance
Nairobi to Mombasa 7 hr 57 min 483.5 km
Nairobi to Eldoret 5 hr 51 min 312 km
Nairobi to Lake Naivasha National Park 1 hr 49 min 90.4 km
Nairobi to Dar-Es-Salaam 13 hr 33 mins 823 km
Nairobi to Arusha 4 hr 32 min 272.3 km
Nairobi to Malindi 8 hr 19 min 497.1 km