Most international visitors to northern Tanzania land at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, often called KIA), between Moshi and Arusha. The good news: the drive from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha is short, straightforward and, on a clear day, comes with views of Kilimanjaro itself. Here is everything you need to know, including the options if you arrive another way.
Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha: distance and travel time
The airport is roughly 50 km east of Arusha. Allow about an hour by road to the city, a little more at rush hour or if you are heading to the western side of town, where our hotel is. Late-night arrivals usually make good time, because the roads are quiet.
| Route | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Arusha city | About 50 km | About 1 hour |
| Arusha Airport (ARK) to A1 Hotel and Resort | About 7 km | 15–20 minutes |
| Arusha city centre to A1 Hotel and Resort | About 8 km | 20–30 minutes |
| Nairobi to Arusha by shuttle bus | About 270 km | 5–6 hours, including the border |
Ways to get from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha
Pre-booked hotel transfer (the easy option)
A driver waits in arrivals with your name on a sign, helps with your bags and takes you straight to the door. After a long flight this is worth every shilling. Send us your flight number when you book your stay and we will arrange it. If your flight changes, just message us so the driver can adjust.
Airport taxi
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Agree the fare before you set off, and make sure the driver knows exactly where you are going. For us that is “A1 Hotel and Resort, Burka Olasiti, off Ndorobo Road”.
Shared shuttles
Scheduled shuttle buses run between the airport and Arusha, timed around major flights. They are cheaper than a private car but slower, because they drop several passengers. Good for solo travellers on a budget.
Car hire
Possible, though most visitors do not need a car in Arusha, and safari vehicles come with drivers. If you do hire one, remember Tanzania drives on the left.
What to expect when you land at Kilimanjaro Airport
Kilimanjaro International is a calm, manageable airport. Most people are through in well under an hour, although several wide-body flights landing together can stretch the queues. In order, you will:
- Health check. Have your yellow fever certificate ready if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
- Immigration. Show your e-visa approval (or buy a visa on arrival, if your nationality allows it) and have your fingerprints and photo taken.
- Baggage reclaim and customs. Usually quick. Keep receipts for any new electronics you are carrying.
- Arrivals hall. ATMs, currency exchange and SIM card desks are here. Your driver will be waiting outside with a name sign.
Tip for night owls: many European and Gulf flights land in the evening or late at night. If you are one of them, skip the hunt for a taxi and pre-book your transfer — you will be in bed sooner, and the drive is easier when someone else knows the way.
Arusha or Moshi: which base is better?
Kilimanjaro Airport sits roughly halfway between Moshi and Arusha. Moshi, to the east, is the usual base for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha, to the west, is the gateway to the safari circuit: Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti all start from here, and it is where most safari companies are based. If your trip is about wildlife rather than summits, staying in Arusha saves you an hour of driving on your first safari morning — and if you stay on Arusha’s western side, near the airport and the road towards the parks, you save even more.
Arriving at Arusha Airport (ARK)
Arusha Airport is the small domestic airport on the western side of the city. It handles flights to the Serengeti airstrips, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. It is only about 7 km from A1 — usually 15 to 20 minutes — which makes our hotel a handy base for early safari flights. Our shuttle can meet you there too.
Coming from Nairobi
Many travellers combine Kenya and Tanzania. Shared shuttle buses run daily between Nairobi and Arusha through the Namanga border post, usually in five to six hours. You will need to clear immigration on both sides, so keep your passport, visa and yellow fever certificate (if required) handy. Short flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport are the faster alternative.
Arrival tips
- Visa: apply in advance on the official Tanzania e-visa portal where possible, and carry a printed copy.
- Cash and SIM: withdraw some Tanzanian shillings and buy a local SIM card at the airport (bring your passport).
- Night arrivals: pre-book your transfer, and let your hotel know your landing time. Our front desk is open 24 hours.
- Luggage: soft bags fit best in safari vehicles and light aircraft — handy to know before you pack.
Finding A1 Hotel and Resort
We are on Off Ndorobo Road in Burka Olasiti, on the quiet western side of Arusha, close to Arusha Airport and the road west towards Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. Our contact page has a map and our phone and WhatsApp numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha?
About an hour by car to the city, a little longer at rush hour or to the western side of town.
How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Arusha?
Roughly 50 km by road.
Can my hotel arrange a transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport?
Yes. A1 Hotel and Resort arranges transfers from both Kilimanjaro International and Arusha Airport. Send your flight details when you book.
Is Arusha Airport the same as Kilimanjaro Airport?
No. Kilimanjaro International (JRO) handles most international flights. Arusha Airport (ARK) is a smaller domestic airport on the western edge of Arusha, used for safari and domestic flights.
How do I get from Nairobi to Arusha?
By shared shuttle bus via the Namanga border, which takes around five to six hours, or by a short flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Arriving for AFCON 2027? Read our full AFCON 2027 Tanzania guide, then send us your dates.
