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Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere Layover Guide (DAR)

What are you looking for in DAR?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) is an international airport located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It’s situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1954. Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and a key commercial hub in East Africa. It’s known for its vibrant culture, coastal charm, and access to beautiful beaches and nearby islands, offering a unique blend of work and leisure.

Can you leave Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Transit passengers at Dar es Salaam (DAR) may stay airside without a visa. To leave the terminal during a layover, you must hold a valid Tanzanian visa or secure an online e-Visa/visa on arrival well in advance before departure. Failure to do so will deny you entry into the country. (more info)

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• National Museum and House of Culture Discover Tanzania’s rich heritage through fascinating exhibits featuring fossils, colonial artifacts, cultural displays and fine art in a beautifully restored colonial-era building overlooking the Indian Ocean; informative guided tours available. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or shuttle bus to city centre then short walk)
• Kariakoo Market Immerse yourself in one of East Africa’s largest bustling markets, bargaining for fresh produce, spices, textiles and handcrafted souvenirs while mingling with friendly vendors amidst vibrant sights, sounds and aromas. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi (~25 min))
• The Slipway Waterfront Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade at The Slipway, browse boutique shops, enjoy ocean views, sample international and Tanzanian cuisine at restaurants and sip freshly brewed coffee overlooking the harbour. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min))
• Coco Beach (Oyster Bay) Relax on the sandy shores of Coco Beach, swim in warm Indian Ocean waters, savour street-food favourites like samosas and maize, watch locals play football, unwind in laid-back coastal ambience. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~25 min) or daladala)
• Village Museum Step back in time at the Village Museum’s traditional huts, watch Maasai and Chaga cultural dance performances, explore gardens and learn about indigenous architecture, crafts and folklore interpreted by guides. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min))
• Mwenge Woodcarvers Market Browse the lively Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, meet talented artisans creating intricate ebony and mahogany sculptures, purchase unique souvenirs directly from makers and observe carving demonstrations showcasing traditional techniques in a friendly atmosphere. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~25 min))
• Askari Monument & City Centre Admire the historic Askari Monument at Nkrumah Roundabout, learn about Tanzania’s colonial past, explore surrounding shops and cafés, and enjoy a brief guided walking tour highlighting architectural landmarks and photo opportunities. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min) or public bus)
• Street Food Tasting Tour Embark on a vibrant street food tasting tour through city alleys, sample mishkaki skewers, vitumbua rice cakes, urojo soup and fresh tropical juices served by friendly vendors on bustling streets. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: taxi (~20 min))

Things to Do in Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Dar es Salaam Airport offers two main lounges in Terminal 3: the CIP Lounge and Twiga Business Lounge. Both operate 24/7, providing complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and newspapers. Access is granted via select airline tickets, lounge memberships, or one-time fee. Shower facilities are available for a refreshing reprieve. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Julius Nyerere International Airport cater to various budgets. Transit Motel Airport, adjacent to the runway, offers basic rooms. The nearby Amani Airport Lodge provides en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, shuttle service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upscale options like Serena Hotel and Slipway are a short taxi ride away, offering restaurants. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Julius Nyerere International Airport has no dedicated sleep pods or rest zones. Seating in departure lounges offers limited recline and no privacy. Overnight travellers often find benches near gates in Terminal 3 after security. Lighting remains on round-the-clock, and noise levels can be high. Bringing a travel pillow is recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Julius Nyerere International Airport. Simply connect to the ‘Airport Wi-Fi’ network and follow the browser-based login portal. Speeds are adequate for email and messaging but may drop during peak times. Additional internet cafes are located in the baggage claim area, charging per hour for printing.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards for Vodacom, Airtel and Tigo are sold at kiosks in the arrivals hall. Prices start around TZS 2,000. Registration with passport and photo is mandatory. eSIM plans can be purchased online via providers like Rent’n Connect, delivering 4G/5G access instantly upon QR code activation. Coverage is seamless nationwide. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: An official taxi rank is located outside the arrivals hall offering metered ‘parking taxis.’ Expect fixed fares to city centre ranging from TZS 25,000–35,000. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber operate. Always agree on price or meter usage before departure. Taxis accept cash in TZS; credit cards are rarely accepted.

Train: Dar es Salaam’s commuter rail TRC line serves Julius Nyerere Airport via Karakata station, operating three morning and three evening runs daily. The service links to Central Station in about 45 minutes. One-way tickets cost around TZS 600. Seats are limited; booking in advance is recommended. (more info)

Bus: Public buses and coaches connect Julius Nyerere International Airport to the city centre and Ubungo Bus Terminal. Bus stops are located 500 m from Terminal 1 and 1 km from Terminal 2. Fares to downtown cost about TZS 400 per person (regulated by SUMATRA). Services run from 05:00 to 23:00 daily. (more info)

Shuttle: Many hotels offer prepaid shuttle services between Julius Nyerere International Airport and city hotels. Common providers include Serena, Slipway and Hyatt Regency, with fixed rates around TZS 50,000 per person trip. Shuttle buses depart promptly upon request, requiring advance booking. Shared minibuses operate at competitive rates on limited schedules; seats limited.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar, Thrifty and Sixt have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Drivers must present a valid international licence and credit card for deposit. Rates start at approximately TZS 80,000 per day, inclusive of basic insurance; GPS optional. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking is available adjacent to all terminals at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Rates begin at TZS 2,500 per hour for short-stay and TZS 10,000 per day for long-term. Both covered and open-air lots are monitored by security patrols. Payment is cash only at exit kiosks at each lot’s gate.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Julius Nyerere International Airport does not operate official luggage lockers. Short-term storage services may be available through trusted third-party providers in the baggage claim area. Passengers should inquire at airline transfer desks. Alternatively, city hotels offer luggage holding for guests. Carry a lock; storage availability and fees vary by operator. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks