Dar es Salaam International Airport is also known as Julius Nyerere International Airport after Tanzania’s first president, and serves Tanzania’s largest city and capital Dar es Salaam.
While the airport is relatively small, a lot of travellers have reported that it is chaotic and disorganised, and the facilities on offer are very basic and often out of date. One complaint in particular is the lack of signage – it is difficult to know which gate you are meant to be at.
Standing in long lines at this airport should not come as a surprise, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the airport – Dar es Salaam is very hot, and the airport’s air-conditioning seldom works.
If you are flying into Dar es Salaam International, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find your way around (and to get to the airport, as traffic in the area is also notoriously bad) – and try to avoid long layovers there, if possible.
A new terminal and taxiway are under development.
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There are no shuttle services, but taxis are available to cart passengers between the two terminals. Terminal 1 caters for general aviation and charter services, while terminal 2 caters for international airlines, regional and scheduled flights.
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The airport is located 13km (8 miles) southwest of Dar es Salaam.
Bus: City bus stops are a five-minute walk from the airport. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes to the city centre.
Taxi: The estimated taxi fare into the city is US$35, and the journey to the city can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Taxis charge by location, traffic conditions and time of day, as well as distance. It is advisable to negotiate a rate before setting off on your journey, as the cabs are not metered.
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Free car parking is available in front of the terminal buildings.
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Money and communications: There are banks and a bureau de change at the airport, as well as a post office.
Luggage: Porters are available.
Conference and business: There is a conference room for hosting meetings, seminars and training. A business lounge and secretarial services are also available. Contact the information desk for details.
Other facilities: No information on wi-fi access is available at this time.
Shopping: There is not a lot on offer at Dar es Salaam International Airport, aside from a few token duty-free shops, a gift shop or two with African trinkets and curios, and a pharmacy.
Food and drink: There is not much on offer at the airport in the way of food and drink, either. Reportedly, there are three restaurants at the airport: one in the public area, and two in the departures hall.
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