Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

Overview

Officially known as Julius Nyerere International Airport after the first president of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam International Airport is located just outside of Dar es Salaam and is the primary gateway for travellers to Tanzania.

The airport is relatively small, processing only 1.2 million passengers each year on flights to and from destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Despite its small size, the facility squeezes in a lot of chaos, including long and disorganised queues and a frustrating lack of signage. Passengers should also be prepared for an uncomfortable lack of air-conditioning.

Dar es Salaam International Airport is currently undergoing an expansion however, so there is hope that the new terminal will have better facilities.

Location

The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of Dar es Salaam.

Getting to the city

Most large hotels offer airport pick-up services and it is a good idea to arrange these when possible. Taxis are almost always available. It is also possible to rent a car.

Time

Local time is GMT +3.

Contacts

Tel: +255 (0)51 284 3403.

Car rental

Car hire companies operate at the airport.

Airport Taxis

Taxis can be easily hailed from outside the terminal building but few of these have meters so it is best to negotiate on a price first. The journey to the city can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Transfer between terminals

Transferring between the terminals is not usually required but can be done on foot or by taxi.

Facilities

The airport has a post office, banks, a bureau de change, restaurants, bars, a Business Lounge, a duty-free shop, gift shop, travel agent, and tourist help desk. Facilities are available for disabled travellers.

Parking

There is a car park in front of the terminal buildings.

Departure Tax

US$ 30 for international flights and US$ 5 for domestic flights.

Website

www.taa.go.tz

Airlines

Flights to Dar es Salaam International Airport are available on British Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air India, SWISS, Air Malawi, Emirates, Gulf Air, LAM-LA de Mozambique, Oman Air, ATCL, Precision Air, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Yemenia.

Internet

Wifi is available in some areas.

Business Lounges

There is a conference room available, as well as a business lounge and secretarial services.

Dar es Salaam International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.