Getting from Arusha to Dar es Salaam

About the ride from Arusha to Dar es Salaam

When traveling the 625 kilometer (388 mile) distance between Arusha and Dar es Salaam, you have two options to make the journey:

• Taking a daylight bus that will take you to Dar es Salaam in about 11 hours
• Hopping on a plane that takes a little more than 2 hours to arrive in Dar es Salaam

The bus takes a lot more time to get to Dar es Salaam, but the tickets are far more affordable compared to airfares. When it comes to bus journeys, there are no overnight options available, but you’ll still have reclining seats.

 

What is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam is a coastal town, and the popular Zanzibar island is just one ferry ride away. That’s why the best time to visit Dar es Salaam is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. This part of Tanzania has two distinctive wet seasons. One of them takes place in November and December, and the other one lasts from March to April. Even though summertime has the best conditions, you can also visit in January and February and have an amazing time.

 

What to see when traveling from Arusha to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is a coastal city, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The city has a few good beaches, such as Coco Beach, Bakhresa Beach, and Mbali Public Beach. You can spend days relaxing on these beaches, but they are city beaches. If you’re looking for a really tranquil place, where you can escape the bustling city, consider paying a visit to Mbudya Island. Just a short boat ride away, you’ll find pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and great seafood!

Travelers who are looking for an authentic experience in Dar es Salaam should visit Kivukoni Fish Market, where you can find a mixture of all things Tanzania has to offer. Another great place for buying authentic souvenirs is the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, which is best known for wooden sculptures and carvings. Don’t be afraid to bargain while you’re buying here!

If you want to learn more about Tanzanian history and culture, the perfect place to visit is the National Museum and House of Culture. Some things to see are fossils, statues, and carvings. However, the museum hosts a collection on the history of the slave trade and colonialism. While it might be a somber experience, this is an essential part of Tanzanian history.

Once you get tired of Dar es Salaam, and in need of some breathtaking views, you can visit the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, which is located 5 hours outside of the city. There are many great hiking trails and beautiful sights here, making the park the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

 

How to get from Arusha to Dar es Salaam

Taking a bus

Hopping on a bus between Arusha and Dar es Salaam is an affordable and convenient way to make the journey between the two cities. Even though the journey lasts for about 11 hours, the buses don’t travel overnight. They depart from Arusha early in the morning (before 6:00 am), and they arrive in Dar es Salaam before 5:00 pm.

However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to sleep during your ride. The buses have reclining seats so that you can be comfortable during your trip. Buses also have A/C, TVs, toilets on board, charger sockets, and there might be WiFi (if you’re lucky enough). The driver will make several toilet and rest stops during the trip.

 

Taking a flight

Taking a plane from Arusha and Dar es Salaam is a quick and convenient way to get from one city to another. The plane takes just a bit over 2 hours to arrive in Dar es Salaam, but the tickets can be a lot more expensive compared to the bus tickets. Prices range from $70 per ticket to $220. All planes have A/C, and a snack and soft drink are provided.