# Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

> Dar es Salaam, TZ · 12 km (7.5 mi) SW of Dar es Salaam

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/dar
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/dar.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: DAR
- **ICAO**: HTDA
- **Timezone**: Africa/Dar_es_Salaam
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 3
- **Passengers**: 2.8M/yr
- **Hub for**: Air Tanzania
- **Official site**: https://www.daressalaamairport.com/en/dar_es_salaam_international_airport.php

## Overview

## Welcome

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is where safari-hop domestic flights meet long-haul international jets in surroundings that feel generations apart. Terminal 3, a sleek installation handling most international traffic, contrasts starkly with Terminal 2's old-school vibe, accommodating local flights. This dichotomy is part of the charm and challenge, as frequent travelers focus on timing and navigation rather than amenities to ensure smooth connections between the city, the older Terminal 2, and the modern Terminal 3.

## At a glance

Located 12 km (7.5 mi) southwest of Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International manages around 2.8 million passengers annually through its three terminals. Notable for its dual-role as a hub for Air Tanzania, the airport combines a mix of domestic and international flights, sitting comfortably on two runways. The layout requires strategic planning for those connecting between different types of flights, particularly for travelers embarking on safari adventures.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal 1 serves as the gateway for smaller general aviation and charter flights, seldom included in the average traveler's itinerary. Most passengers will find themselves navigating between Terminal 2, primarily handling domestic flights, and Terminal 3, which caters to international travelers. Terminal 3 is a modern facility, generally uncrowded, allowing a leisurely 10-15 minute walk from Terminal 2. However, efficient passage often requires exiting and re-clearing security, so allow ample time for such maneuvers.

## Getting to and from the city

Traveling the 12 km distance to the airport can fluctuate between 30 to 60 minutes, especially along Nyerere Road, known for its unpredictable traffic patterns. Options include Dar es Salaam Airport Taxis, Uber, and Bolt rideshares. Hotel shuttles can bundle transfers with room stays. If budget consciousness is key, rideshare services are generally more economical than traditional taxis, particularly during off-peak hours. Caution is advised when checking vehicle details to ensure correct pickups at busy times.

## Traveller essentials

With varying terminal conditions, particularly in Terminal 2, prepping for some discomfort might be wise. Facilities such as ATMs are generally functional, but smaller Tanzanian Shilling notes are recommended for ease of transaction. Be attentive with electronic devices and passports in congested areas. While public Wi-Fi exists, patchiness is a known issue, with lounges providing more reliable connectivity, justifying lounge passes where feasible for serious connectivity needers.

## Dining & shopping highlights

At DAR, dining and shopping are noticeably centered within Terminal 3. Options like Kilimanjaro Restaurant and Victoria Bar offer a blend of local and international tastes. For a quick snack, Kahawa Coffee Shop caters to caffeine seekers. Terminal 2 houses smaller cafès like Coffee Corner. Duty-free shopping is primarily within Terminal 3, with Tanzanite Jewellers and Kilimanjaro Duty-Free present to entice souvenir hunters.

## Lounges

Julius Nyerere has extensive lounge options primarily in Terminals 2 and 3. The VIP Lounge in Terminal 2 charges $30 for entry, while the Independent Lounge in Terminal 3 offers admission for $25. Priority Pass holders often rely on their membership perks for access to Terminal 3's facilities, which are notably superior to Terminal 2's offerings in both amenities and reliability of services such as Wi-Fi.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Terminal 3’s big glass windows provide great plane-watching views during quieter hours. Don't forget your camera.

- **Time:** Arrive at least 3 hours prior to your international flight to tackle unpredictable check-in and security lines.

- **Avoid:** Leaving terminal meals until late night; many options in Terminal 3 will be shuttered despite the 24-hour operating reputation.

- **Local:** For a taste of Tanzania, try the local cuisine in Terminal 1 and grab a Tanzanian Snack Bar bite.

- **Money:** Uber is usually cheaper than taxis if you’re leaving DAR late at night; always confirm your fare ahead of boarding.

- **Quiet:** Experiencing crowds in Terminal 2? Take a peaceful 10–15 minute walk to Terminal 3 for more breathing space.

- **Carrier:** International and domestic departures are in separate terminals; plan a 3-4 hour buffer to manage the walk and security re-clearance.

## Terminals (3)

- **Terminal 1**
  Terminal 1 is primarily used for General Aviation.
- **Terminal 2**
  Terminal 2 is the main international terminal for JNIA.
- **Terminal 3**
  Terminal 3 is under construction and will significantly increase capacity.

## Dining (15)

- **Coastal Deli** — 2
- **Coffee Corner** — 2 · Café · Coffee Shop · $
- **Flamingo Restaurant** — 2
- **International Bistro** — 2 · International · Bistro · $$
- **Jet Fuel Coffee** — 3
- **Kahawa Coffee Shop** — 3
- **Karibu Café** — 2
- **Kilimanjaro Restaurant** — 3
- **Local Cuisine Restaurant** — 1 · Local · Tanzanian · $$
- **Safari Bistro** — 2
- **Sky Bar** — 3 · Bar · Lounge · $$$
- **Spice Kitchen** — 2
- **Tanzanian Snack Bar** — 1 · Fast Food · Local · $
- **Taste of Tanzania** — 3
- **Victoria Bar** — 3

## Lounges (14)

- **Air Tanzania Lounge** — 1 · Air Tanzania Business Class, Priority Pass
- **Business Class Lounge** — 3 · Business Class Passengers
- **Domestic Premier Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, airline elites
- **Executive Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, pay-per-use
- **Independent Lounge** — 3 · Day Pass · $25
- **Karibu Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, Priority Pass
- **Priority Pass Lounge** — 3 · Priority Pass
- **Safari Club Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, business class
- **Serengeti Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2, airline-operated
- **Sky Lounge** — 2 · Sky Team Members, Priority Pass
- **Twiga Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, pay-per-use
- **Uhuru Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, invitation-only
- **VIP Lounge** — 2 · VIP Services, Day Pass · $30
- **Zebra Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, walk-in access

## Shops (20)

- **Airlink Mobile** — 3
- **Beach & Bush Outfitters** — 2
- **Beauty Corner** — 3
- **Coffee & Spice Traders** — 2
- **Duty Free Shop** — 1 · Duty Free
- **Electronics Store** — 2 · Electronics
- **Fashion Boutique** — 2 · Fashion
- **Kids World Toys** — 3
- **Kilimanjaro Duty Free** — 3
- **Luggage Point** — 2
- **Maasai Craft Market** — 2
- **Safari Souvenirs** — 3
- **Savanna Books & News** — 3
- **Serengeti Art Gallery** — 2
- **Souvenir Shop** — 1 · Souvenirs
- **Swahili Styles** — 3
- **Tanzanite Jewellers** — 3
- **TechZone Electronics** — 3
- **Travel Essentials Store** — 3 · Travel Essentials
- **Travel Stop Convenience** — 3

## Parking (10)

- **Accessible Parking** — Accessible · $15.00/day, $2.00/hr · next to terminal
- **Economy Parking Lot** — Long-stay
- **Long Stay Parking** — Long stay · $10.00/day, $1.00/hr · 0.5 mi
- **Premium Parking Zone** — Short-stay
- **Remote Parking** — Remote · $5.00/day, $0.50/hr · 1 mi
- **Short Stay Parking** — Short stay · $15.00/day, $2.00/hr · next to terminal
- **Staff Parking Area** — Permit only
- **Terminal 2 Car Park** — Surface parking
- **Terminal 3 Car Park** — Covered parking
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · $30.00/day, $5.00/hr · next to terminal

## Ground transport (12)

- **Airport City Coach** — Bus
- **Bolt Dar es Salaam** — Rideshare
- **Airport Shuttle Bus** — Bus · 60 min
  Check schedule for departures.
- **Hotel Shuttle Dar es Salaam Serena** — Hotel shuttle
- **Hotel Shuttle Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam** — Hotel shuttle
- **Intercity Coach to Morogoro** — Coach
- **Nyerere Road City Bus** — Bus
- **Private Airport Transfer by Tour Operator** — Car service
- **Uber** — Rideshare · 30-45 min
  Rideshare services are available via app.
- **Hotel Shuttle Services** — Shuttle · 30-60 min · $50 (room + roundtrip transfer bundle, example case)
  Check with your hotel for availability.
- **Dar es Salaam Airport Taxi** — Taxi · 30-45 min
  Available 24/7 at the airport.
- **Uber Dar es Salaam** — Rideshare

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Terminal 3’s big glass windows provide great plane-watching views during quieter hours. Don't forget your camera.
- _Time_: Arrive at least 3 hours prior to your international flight to tackle unpredictable check-in and security lines.
- _Avoid_: Leaving terminal meals until late night; many options in Terminal 3 will be shuttered despite the 24-hour operating reputation.
- _Local_: For a taste of Tanzania, try the local cuisine in Terminal 1 and grab a Tanzanian Snack Bar bite.
- _Money_: Uber is usually cheaper than taxis if you’re leaving DAR late at night; always confirm your fare ahead of boarding.
- _Quiet_: Experiencing crowds in Terminal 2? Take a peaceful 10–15 minute walk to Terminal 3 for more breathing space.
- _Carrier_: International and domestic departures are in separate terminals; plan a 3-4 hour buffer to manage the walk and security re-clearance.