Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha: all ways to travel

Getting from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha is easy — you can travel by car, bus, plane, or helicopter. We'll cover all the options and give you the best recommendations for travelers in Tanzania.

How to get from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, you’ll likely fly into Kilimanjaro Airport. It is conveniently located in the north of the country, near Mount Kilimanjaro and popular national parks. Most safari tours begin in Arusha, the tourism capital of the country.

How far is Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport?

The distance from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha is 50 km (31 mi).

How to get from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Arusha:

• Take a taxi from Kilimanjaro Airport
• Book an airport transfer in advance with your safari operator
• Take a shared shuttle bus
• Book a private flight or helicopter from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha Airport.

The most reliable option is to book an airport transfer with a local company in advance. You can do this through your tour operator or hotel.

Should you choose taxis or private transfers?

Most travelers will be choosing between taking a taxi and booking a private transfer with their hotel or tour operator.

How much is a taxi from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?

Accredited taxi drivers are available at the airport. They’ll take you to Arusha for $50. The ride is safe, but don’t expect a high level of comfort.

If you’re traveling with Altezza Travel, you can book an airport transfer with us for $80. For that price, we’ll provide a safe and spacious Toyota Alphard with comfortable seats and air conditioning. The back of the vehicle has plenty of room for luggage. Our professional driver, dressed in uniform, will meet you, assist with your bags, and escort you to your hotel. During the trip, you’ll have Wi-Fi and bottled water.

Our drivers strictly follow the road rules and never exceed the speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph). Every car is equipped with a GPS tracker, so we monitor the speed.

We recommend traveling in a car specifically booked for your trip. This ensures you’re picked up on time, you won’t have to share space with other travelers, the journey to Arusha will be safe, and the vehicle will be reliable.

We don’t recommend renting a car, as there are no reliable rental companies providing safe vehicles in northern Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha by bus

Public transport in Tanzania is limited. While there are comfortable buses between cities, there’s no convenient bus service from Kilimanjaro Airport. However, sometimes you can find shuttle buses near the terminal that run between the airport and Arusha.

Their major downside is that there’s no set schedule — the buses wait until they’re full, and they frequently stop to pick up more passengers along the way. This means it’s hard to predict when they’ll be at the airport, when they’ll depart, or when they’ll arrive in the city. Keep in mind that you’ll need to get from the drop-off locations to your hotel on your own. In Arusha, you can use apps like InDrive and Bolt to call a taxi. There may not be many drivers available, and you might need to negotiate.

The advantage of shuttle buses is the low price, around $4.

Travel time by shuttle bus will take around 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hr 30 min).

If you’re traveling with luggage, it can be uncomfortable, as the shuttle bus may be crowded, and some passengers may carry large bags or groceries. This experience is only suitable for light backpackers ready for African adventures. We recommend booking a transfer car for everyone else.

Airplane and helicopter transfers between airports.

Many guidebooks mention domestic flights to Arusha. Local airlines claim they offer occasional flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha Airport. In reality, hardly anyone actually flies between these two airports.

There’s little point in flying to Arusha, as the drive is faster and always available, unlike the flights.

You can book a private flight in advance if you’re willing to pay for a personal flight or if you're traveling with a large group. The cost depends on many factors and usually amounts to several thousand US dollars.

Another option is a helicopter transfer. You can book a helicopter ride from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha Airport or directly to your hotel if it has a helipad. For example, you can fly to Legendary Lodge.

How to get from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport?

Returning to Kilimanjaro Airport from Arusha after your trip is also quite straightforward. The best option is to book a private transfer. Getting a taxi is another alternative.

If you’ve entrusted your journey to Altezza Travel and are staying at a hotel in Arusha, we’ll arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport and back for you by default. However, if you have other preferences, please share them with your manager, and they will provide you with all available options.

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