Distance 471 km (294.4 miles) | |
Price range US$ 23-US$ 704 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 10m-11h | |
Earliest Departure 21:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 10h
Cheapest bus: US$ 23
When traveling the 625 kilometer (388 mile) distance between Dar es Salaam and Arusha, you have two transportation options to choose from:
The bus journey is longer than the flight to Arusha, but the bus tickets are significantly more affordable compared to airfares. Even though the bus journey is long, there are no sleeper options available.
Arusha is a bustling town that sits at the foothills of Mount Meru. Surrounded by Tanzanian wildlife, the city is a unique mixture of urban and rural sights. Start your Arusha adventure with some coffee! Did you know that coffee is one of Tanzania’s largest exports? Thanks to that, you’ll find some really tasty coffee around here. You don’t have to end your adventures at the coffee shops, you can also visit plantations and find your ideal roast.
Even though most hikers visit Arusha in order to climb the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, there are also many more routes that are suitable even for those who aren’t at their top level of fitness. The Marangu route starts just an hour outside of the town, and it’s a one-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike. You’ll walk through forests of eucalyptus trees, you’ll see birds and colobus monkeys.
If hiking is not your kind of adventure, then maybe Chemka Hot Springs will be a great place for you to explore. An hour and a half outside of the city, you’ll find the fresh, naturally-warmed water surrounded by mountain scenery and eucalyptus forest.
Back in the city, you can spend some time learning about Tanzanian history in the Arusha Natural History Museum, where you can find out more on numerous topics. Some of them are the origins of humankind, Tanzania’s fossil history, the lives of insects, the country’s colonial times, and see some amazing wildlife photography.
Taking a bus
Taking a bus to Arusha from Dar es Salaam is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities. The journey lasts for about 11 hours, and buses don’t travel during the night. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to catch up with your sleep during the journey. The buses have reclining seats, A/C, toilets on board, charger sockets, and there might be WiFi. The driver will make a few toilet and rest stops during your ride.
The bus usually departs from Dar es Salaam early in the morning and arrives in Arusha before 5 pm.
Taking a flight
If you’re looking for a faster way to get from Dar es Salaam to Arusha, hopping on a plane is the perfect choice for you. The plane ride lasts for just a bit over 2 hours to arrive in Arusha. However, you should keep in mind that airfares can get a lot more expensive than bus tickets. Prices range between $70 per ticket and $220. All planes have A/C, and soft drinks are provided.
You can visit Arusha at any time of the year, and enjoy many attractions that are not weather-dependent. You can visit markets, historical and cultural sites. Some of the most common things to do around Arusha are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru with Uhuru Trails. However, these activities are weather-dependent and you can’t do them at all times of the year.
There are two times of the year when hiking conditions are good. The first one is from June to October. Due to the timing of summer vacations, this is also the peak climbing season, and there will be more trekkers on the mountain. The second time of the year is from January to March. There will be fewer tourists at this time of the year, but it will be a bit cooler compared to summer, and there may be snow on the mountains.
Based on 11 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Dar es Salaam to Arusha
Lila L.
Shekilango Bus Stop
Kilimanjaro Express Booking Office - Dar es Salaam
Ubungo Bus Terminal
Riverside Bus Stop
Abood Bus - Dar es Salaam
Arusha - Any hotel
Kilimanjaro Express Bus Stand - Arusha
Arusha Central Bus Station
Arusha - Hotel List
Makao Mapya Bus Stand
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