For the thousands of Kenyan fans travelling to Dar es Salaam for AFCON 2027, the journey between East Africa’s two biggest cities is one of the first things to plan. The good news: there are four ways to make the trip, covering every budget and every preference. This guide covers all of them — with realistic costs, journey times and the things nobody tells you until you are already on the road.
Option 1 — Fly (Fastest)
The quickest way from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam is a direct flight — approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in the air. Kenya Airways, Precision Air and Jambojet all operate this route. During the AFCON 2027 tournament period, expect prices to be significantly higher than normal and flights to sell out weeks in advance.
Book as early as possible. A return flight booked 3–4 months ahead typically costs $120–200 USD. The same flight booked two weeks before the match can be $350–500 USD or more. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi connects to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam — both are well served by taxis and ride-hailing apps on arrival.
Best for: Anyone who values time over money, or is making the trip just for a single match.
Option 2 — Bus (Most Popular)
The overland bus between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam is the most popular choice for East African travellers — and for good reason. It is comfortable, affordable and gives you a genuine sense of the landscape between the two countries. The journey takes approximately 12 to 14 hours depending on the operator and border wait times.
The main operators are Dar Express, Kampala Coach and Modern Coast. All depart from central Nairobi and arrive at the Dar es Salaam bus terminal. Tickets cost approximately $30–50 USD each way. Book at least a week in advance during the tournament — these coaches fill up fast.
Buses cross the Tanzania border at Namanga or Holili/Taveta. Both crossings are straightforward for AFCON fans holding a valid Tanzania eVisa or PAMOJA multi-entry visa. Have your passport, eVisa approval letter and return ticket accessible — border officers will ask for all three.
Pro tip: Book a window seat on the left side of the bus travelling south — you get a clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro as you pass through Arusha, weather permitting. It is one of the great travel moments in East Africa.
Best for: Budget-conscious fans, first-time visitors to East Africa who want to see the landscape, and anyone with a flexible schedule.
Option 3 — SGR Train to Mombasa + Ferry (Scenic Route)
This is the route for fans who want an experience rather than just a journey. Take the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway) from Nairobi to Mombasa — a 5-hour journey on Kenya’s modern express train costing approximately $15–25 USD. From Mombasa, take a ferry across to Likoni or catch a direct bus connection south along the Kenyan coast to the Tanzania border at Lunga Lunga / Horohoro. Cross into Tanzania and continue by bus or shared taxi to Dar es Salaam.
The total journey takes around 14 to 18 hours including connections, but the SGR train itself is genuinely excellent — air conditioned, comfortable seats, reliable WiFi and a dining car. The coastal road through Mombasa and into Tanzania is beautiful.
Best for: Fans who want to combine the trip with time in Mombasa, or who enjoy train travel and coastal scenery.
Option 4 — Drive (For the Adventurous)
The overland drive from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam covers approximately 850km and takes 10 to 12 hours in good conditions. The main route goes via Arusha on the A104, crosses into Tanzania at Namanga, continues through Arusha and Dodoma, and arrives in Dar es Salaam from the north.
This route is paved and in reasonable condition throughout. A 4WD is not necessary for this specific journey. You will need a valid driving licence, proof of vehicle insurance valid in Tanzania, and your passport with Tanzania eVisa for the border crossing. Fuel is available throughout — fill up before border crossings where prices may be less predictable.
Best for: Groups of four or more splitting fuel costs, fans who want complete flexibility on timing and stopovers, and those adding AFCON to a longer East Africa road trip.
Border Crossing — What to Know
Regardless of how you travel, you will cross from Kenya into Tanzania at one of several border points. The busiest for this route are Namanga (on the Nairobi–Arusha highway) and Lunga Lunga (on the coastal route). During AFCON 2027, expect significantly higher volumes than normal at all crossings.
- Have your Tanzania eVisa approval printed or clearly saved on your phone
- Carry your return ticket or onward travel proof
- Have your accommodation confirmation for Tanzania
- Yellow fever certificate is required if you have recently visited an endemic country
- The PAMOJA multi-entry visa ($100 USD) is strongly recommended if crossing between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda during the tournament
Border wait times during normal periods are typically 30 to 90 minutes. During peak AFCON match days, allow considerably longer — experienced travellers suggest crossing at least 5 to 6 hours before kick-off if you are cutting it close.
Getting Around Dar es Salaam Once You Arrive
Whether you arrive at the airport, the bus terminal or the ferry port, the easiest way into the city is Bolt or Uber. Download both apps and set up your account before leaving Nairobi — you will want them working immediately on arrival. The DSM bus terminal is in Ubungo, approximately 15km from the city centre and 20km from Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
For fans staying in Msasani, Masaki or Oyster Bay — the main tourist and hotel districts — a Bolt from the bus terminal costs approximately $8–15 USD depending on traffic. Dar es Salaam traffic is famously congested during rush hours (7–9am and 5–8pm). If your bus arrives during these windows, factor in extra journey time.
Practical Summary
| Option | Journey Time | Cost (one way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Fly | ~2 hours | $60–250 USD | Speed, convenience |
| 🚌 Bus | 12–14 hours | $30–50 USD | Budget, atmosphere |
| 🚂 SGR + coastal | 14–18 hours | $25–45 USD | Scenic experience |
| 🚗 Drive | 10–12 hours | Fuel + tolls | Groups, flexibility |
Whichever route you choose, book early — AFCON 2027 will bring an unprecedented volume of football fans into Tanzania and transport between the co-host cities will be under real pressure during match weeks. The earlier you sort your travel, the better your options and the lower your costs.
For everything you need once you arrive in Dar es Salaam — stadiums, fan zones, where to stay and what to eat — visit our complete Dar es Salaam city guide. And for visa and border crossing details, see our full practical info page.