Getting Around Arusha
Arusha is Tanzania's northern safari capital and gateway city, sitting on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. It's a compact, busy city where most visitors get around by minibus, taxi, or on foot, and where a little local know-how goes a long way. Here's how the main options work in practice.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Arusha has no metro, tram, or light rail network, and no suburban commuter rail for getting around town. The only rail service of note is the long-distance line operated by TRC, which runs an overnight service from Dar es Salaam via Moshi. The train from Arusha to Moshi takes a few hours, and tickets are quite cheap. Arusha railway station sits southeast of the city centre. For day-to-day movement within the city, rail simply isn't part of the picture.
Buses and Public Transport
The main mode of public transport in Arusha is the daladala — the ubiquitous minibuses that ply all the main routes in town. They are very cheap, and the government regulates all pricing of transportation in Tanzania, with prices listed on the sides of the daladala for each distance or stop covered. You are not obliged to pay above that price.
- How they run: Daladalas operate on fixed routes and depart when full, so they can be very crowded. Routes are not formally mapped or signposted for tourists — locals navigate by destination, so ask your hotel staff or a local for guidance on which one to take.
- Paying: Fares are paid in cash to the conductor. Keep small denominations of Tanzanian shillings ready, as vendors often cannot make change.
- Hours: They generally run from around early morning until roughly 9:00 PM.
- Stops: Tell the conductor your destination when boarding; they call out near stops, or you signal — passengers shout "shuka" — to get off.
- Routes: They cover all the main city areas, including the City Centre, Njiro, Usa River, Sakina, the Stadium, and Tengeru. The central bus station is a major hub.
- Safety: Accidents involving daladalas are frequent and usually with serious consequences for passengers. Pickpocketing is also common, but can be easily avoided by sitting with bags on your lap and not keeping valuables in your pockets. Daladalas are not wheelchair accessible and are not practical with heavy luggage.
For short city trips, bajaji (three-wheeled tuk-tuks) are quicker and more comfortable than daladalas and work well for small groups. Fares are negotiable, so agree the price before boarding. Bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) are the fastest option on congested roads but carry the highest accident risk, riders often lack helmets, and many travel advisories advise against their use.
For longer journeys, Arusha is a major transport hub with connections throughout the country. Privately run coaches serve Nairobi, Dodoma, Babati, Morogoro, Tanga, Mbeya, Singida, Tabora, Mpanda, Kigoma, Mwanza, Bukoba, Iringa, and Dar es Salaam. Some companies offer first-class tickets that are slightly more comfortable, though standards are generally comparable with most African bus services. Especially on long-distance trips, it's usually wise to take one of the better companies and buy your ticket at least a day in advance. There are also shuttle buses between Arusha and Moshi that are more comfortable than the coaches.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful and cheap, but they have no meters — you should always agree on a price before leaving for your destination. Licensed taxis are typically white with a green stripe or yellow license plates, and can be hailed on the street, found at designated stands near hotels and attractions, or arranged through your hotel. Remember that fuel is expensive in Tanzania, so drivers try to cover their costs every way they can.
Ride-hailing apps are a good alternative and offer more transparency. Bolt is the most widely used in Arusha, while Uber has more limited coverage; there are also local WhatsApp-based taxi groups. Payment is via a linked credit card in the app or in cash to the driver, and driver tracking lets you verify the driver and vehicle details before you get in. To use the apps you'll need data, so getting a Tanzanian SIM card on arrival is worthwhile. Hotel staff can also recommend trusted drivers, and it's sensible to pre-arrange an airport taxi the evening before an early flight.
Walking
The city centre is compact and walkable within roughly a short radius of the Clock Tower, with main attractions and restaurants within walking distance. The Cultural Heritage Centre grounds are also walkable. Areas generally considered safe in daylight include the City Centre, Njiro, and Sakina, but caution is advised when walking alone after dark beyond the main streets.
Beyond the centre, walking is less practical. There is limited dedicated bicycle infrastructure and city cycling can be hazardous, though guided rural cycling — for example in coffee-growing areas — is safer. Guided walks are available in Arusha National Park (with an armed ranger) and around Lake Duluti. There is no city-wide bicycle-sharing program, though some accommodations and local operators offer rentals or guided bicycle tours.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Arusha is served by two airports, and which one you use depends on where you're flying from.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): This is the airport for international air travellers, located east of the city roughly halfway to Moshi. It provides both international and domestic flights, with regular services from Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Nairobi. A taxi ride into the city costs around US$50, but many airlines run a shuttle service that is either free or around US$10 — worth checking with your carrier before you fly. Visas on arrival are available here, payable in US dollars (small bills and coins are not accepted); there is an ATM and a currency exchange office immediately outside the arrival hall if you need cash. It's wise to pre-arrange your transfer to avoid overcharging at arrivals.
- Arusha Airport (ARK): This is a regional air hub on the western outskirts of the city, very close to town, and it only runs domestic flights — mostly from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam — plus charters. Because it sits right by the city, transfers are short and straightforward.
Practical Tips
- Carry small-denomination Tanzanian shilling notes for transport and markets.
- Secure valuables on your lap rather than in overhead bins or pockets, and avoid displaying them.
- Tanzania drives on the left-hand side of the road. Main roads are generally paved but potholed and variably maintained, and night driving is strongly discouraged due to poor lighting and unlit vehicles.
- Car hire is possible, though most companies prefer to provide their own drivers. Self-driving requires an International Driving Permit plus your national license, and 4x4 vehicles are essential for national parks. Self-driving safaris are generally not recommended for foreign tourists — hiring a safari vehicle with a driver/guide is advised, and safari operators typically collect from hotels at no extra charge.
- Infrastructure for travellers with mobility challenges is limited and public transport is not accessible; private taxis or pre-arranged transfers are the better option, and accessible services should be booked well in advance.
- Useful apps include Bolt, Google Maps, and Maps.me.