Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR) 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of travelers have reported that it is chaotic and disorganized, and the facilities on offer are very basic and often out of date.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 apparently under development.
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<div class="rxbodyfield">There are no shuttle services, but taxis are available to cart passengers between the two terminals. Terminal one caters for general aviation and charter services, while terminal two caters for international airlines, regional and scheduled flights.</div>
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The airport is located 8 miles (13km) southwest of Dar es Salaam.
Airport 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.
Bus: City bus stops are a five-minute walk from the airport. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes to the city center.
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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.
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.
Other facilities: No information on Wi-Fi access is available at this time.
Disabled facilities: Wheelchairs are available at the airport. Services for disabled travelers are provided by the Ground Handling Company (tel: +255 (0)22 284 4611/9). Contact them for more information.
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