Travel Tips for Bus Travel between Arusha to Dar es Salaam



Posted: Thursday, May 11, 2006

by
Jumart.net

To travel from Arusha to Dar es Salaam is easiest by air, however, this will cost about US$200 per person. The cheapest alternative is to travel by bus, which is never advised by tour operators. However, it need not be a nightmare as there are some good companies operating in Tanzania .

The most well known bus company must be the Scandinavia Express. They operate probably the best, safest and most comfortable transport between the two cities it is, of course, the most expensive private bus option - at US$25 per person - and to book in advance is essential. In Arusha the offices for Scandinavia have moved to Kilembero Market – which is close to the Shoprite supermarket. Scandinavia have recently been in huge debt and have had some of their buses seized by the police this has made the headlines in the East African news papers. It has also made booking in Advance more essential as the fleet is depleted.

The ‘Dar Express’ bus service comes a close second to Scandinavia or maybe an equal first place. They have different classes of busses and when at the booking Office – which is situated close to the Kimahama Bookshop [about 500m up hill from the Arusha Stadium] – it is essential to say you want the first class bus which should cost about US$18 per person. Dar Express are, without doubt, my favourite company and I would recommend this company above all others. However, some of the coaches do not have a toilet - although this may in fact be a blessing – as you travel in the African heat [and especially if you are sat toward the rear of the bus] a toilet may not seem such a luxury after most of the passengers have taken advantage of the service. The smell can become quite overpowering and the journey is a long one – about ten hours.

If you opt for the cheaper end of the market, most busses leave from the Bus Station close to the ‘Stadium’. Buffalo seem to be a favourite but they travel too fast. Speed is not a good thing as in places the road is single carriageway, it winds and there are hills slowly slowly is the best way to ensure you get from Arusha to Dar es Salaam alive.

I would recommend either Fresh Coach or Amazon Coach – the ticket price must be negotiated and do not pay more than US$10 per person. The last of each of these coaches leaves Arusha Bus Station at 8 am sharp. Tickets are usually sold by freelance workers and as the commission is good – the more they charge the more pay they take home – competition is fierce. If you are a westerner then you will be targeted and you will be surrounded by enthusiastic ticker touts. This experience is not for the faint hearted. Hang onto your luggage and watch out [as you would as a tourist anywhere in the world] for pickpockets.

Fresh coach and Amazon travel to Dar es Salaam at a more leisurely pace and they are safer than the full steam ahead express buses.

If you want to leave Arusha and travel by bus to make the ferry crossing to Zanzibar in a single day - I would suggest leaving Arusha around 6 am to ensure you are in Dar es Salaam by 2pm. That gives you a good couple of hours to get from the Bus Station into town and to the ferry, buy your ticket.
Ian Williamson works with community projects in Tanzania and promotes fair trade art through http://www.jumart.net/african-art.html - he has worked and lived in Tanzania since 1999 primarily working with community groups. If you have enjoyed this article please link to it, and feedback welcome to juamrt.info@gmail.com
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Terri Foster
from Victoria, B. C. Canada 76 days 11 hours ago.
Hello, I am a single woman wanting to go from Arusha via bus and connect with the ferry to Zanzibar on the same day.....does the Dar Express accomplish that and do you think it is reasonably safe........I haven't travelled in Africa yet.....lots in India/SE Asia and avoid buses when possible......prefer the trains but it seems to me the bus is the way to travel in Tanzania.
» left by Ian 76 days 9 hours ago.
The Dar Express [Luxury] it is tight to get to Dar and get the last ferry to Zanzibar. Ensure you get the first bus out of Arusha - there are flights from Arusha to Zanzibar this is a much better option!
» left by Monika A.
from Slovenia 73 days 20 hours ago.
Hello!

Me and my friend are coming to Dar es Salaam on 12th of december at 3am with plane and we would like to go to Arusha the same day. I read that you should book your bus ticket in advance, and we would like to know how can we do this, becouse bus companies don't have any web pages. Or you think it is possible to get tickets without booking them?
» left by Ian 73 days 17 hours ago.
You cannot buy a ticket in advance from outside Tanzania - you will have to buy on the day from the bus station. Get on a Dar Express bus - December will be busy. The journey is a long 8 to 10 hours. To fly in and then to take this bus journey will not be pleasant! It would be better to fly! Especially if you have not travelled before in Africa. The bus station in Dar is not a good place. My advice is don't do this - fly to Arusha.
» left by Monika A.
from Slovenia 73 days 15 hours ago.
Yes, I think we are going to take a plane.

Thank you very much for you answer.
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