AFCON 2027 is split across three nations, and for many fans that means crossing between Kenya and Tanzania at some point in their trip — whether you are flying into Nairobi before continuing to Dar es Salaam, or based in Tanzania and travelling up to Nairobi for a Talanta Stadium match. This guide covers the route in both directions: Tanzania to Nairobi, and Nairobi to Tanzania.
The Route at a Glance
| Method | Journey time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1–1.5 hours | $110–290 USD | Time-pressed fans, match-day travel |
| Bus / shuttle | 13–19 hours | $26–60 USD | Budget travellers, those wanting the overland experience |
| Bus via Arusha (split journey) | 2 days with a stopover | Similar to direct bus + 1 night | Fans also visiting Arusha matches or the Serengeti |
The two cities are roughly 820km apart by road, connected by the Namanga border crossing — the main and most reliable route between Tanzania and Kenya, running along the Arusha–Nairobi highway.
Dar es Salaam to Nairobi
By Flight
The fastest option. Direct flights between Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, with several daily departures on Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and Precision Air.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight time | ~1–1.5 hours |
| Typical cost | $110–250 USD one way |
| Frequency | Several flights daily |
| Airlines | Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Precision Air |
By Bus
The budget option, and the one most fans planning to also see Arusha or the Tanzania-Kenya border region will consider. Direct buses depart from Dar es Salaam’s Ubungo bus terminal, typically once daily, with the journey taking 14 to 19 hours depending on the operator and border delays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 14–19 hours |
| Cost | TZS 80,000–150,000 (~$26–60 USD) |
| Departure point | Ubungo Intl Bus Terminal, Dar es Salaam |
| Operators | Dar Lux, Tahmeed, Simba Coach, Marangu Luxury Shuttles |
| Route | Dar es Salaam → Moshi/Arusha → Namanga border → Nairobi |
Tip from experienced overland travellers: consider splitting the journey by stopping overnight in Arusha or Moshi rather than doing the full 15+ hour bus ride in one go. This also lets you combine your Nairobi trip with Arusha’s AFCON 2027 matches or a Serengeti safari extension along the same route.
Nairobi to Dar es Salaam
The reverse journey works the same way, with departures from Nairobi’s bus station rather than Ubungo.
| Method | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~1.5 hours direct | $290–420 USD | Multiple daily Kenya Airways departures |
| Bus | ~15–19 hours | $12–35 USD | Dar Express and other operators, once daily |
| Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Zanzibar | Direct flight available | Varies by season | Skip Dar es Salaam entirely if heading straight to Zanzibar matches |
If your AFCON 2027 itinerary starts in Nairobi and you are heading to Zanzibar rather than mainland Dar es Salaam, check flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport direct to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — this can save you a full transfer through Dar es Salaam.
The Namanga Border Crossing
Namanga is the busiest and most used crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, sitting directly on the Nairobi–Arusha highway. It is the crossing every Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus route uses.
- Process — disembark from your bus, walk through immigration on the Tanzanian side, then again on the Kenyan side, before re-boarding
- Typical time at the border — 45 minutes to a few hours depending on queues and how many buses arrive at once
- Visa on arrival — both Kenya eTA and Tanzania visa requirements should ideally be sorted before you travel, not at the border. See our Tanzania eVisa guide for the Tanzania side.
- Yellow fever certificate — required at all Tanzania entry points if arriving from an endemic country, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. If you are crossing from any of these, carry your yellow card. See our health guide.
- Best time to cross — early departures from either city generally mean reaching the border before the busiest midday queues
Which Way Should You Travel?
| Your situation | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Flying internationally, no Tanzania direct option | Fly into Nairobi, then short hop or bus to Dar es Salaam |
| Based in Tanzania, attending one Nairobi match | Fly Dar es Salaam to Nairobi and back — bus is too long for a single match trip |
| Want to see Arusha and the Serengeti too | Bus or drive, splitting the journey with a stop in Arusha |
| Tight on budget, flexible on time | Overland bus via Namanga — by far the cheapest option |
| Heading to Zanzibar, not mainland Tanzania | Check Nairobi Wilson Airport direct to Zanzibar flights first |
If You’re Stopping in Nairobi Along the Way
Whichever direction you are travelling, a stop in Nairobi is worth more than just a transit point if your schedule allows. Kenya’s Talanta Stadium (60,000 capacity) is hosting AFCON 2027 group stage and knockout matches, located in the Jamhuri Grounds area roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As of mid-2026 the stadium is in its final construction phase, targeting completion by the end of July 2026.
If staying overnight, Westlands is the most convenient area — close to the airport, safe, and well served by restaurants. Hotels like Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands, JW Marriott Nairobi and Villa Rosa Kempinski cover a range of budgets.
If you have a few free hours, Nairobi National Park — the only national park located inside a capital city — is a genuine half-day safari option between flights or buses.
Practical Notes for Crossing Between Kenya and Tanzania
- Currency — Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) are different currencies. Exchange or withdraw locally on each side rather than carrying leftover cash across.
- SIM cards — a Kenyan Safaricom line will not work in Tanzania and vice versa. Buy a local SIM on each side — see our Tanzania SIM card guide.
- Time zone — both countries are East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3), so no adjustment needed.
- Visas are separate — your Kenya entry requirement and Tanzania eVisa are two independent applications. Sort both before you travel.
For the complete guide to attending AFCON 2027 in Tanzania — tickets, accommodation and match day tips — visit our practical info page. For Tanzania’s match schedule visit our fixtures page. For all AFCON 2027 stadiums across the three host nations visit our stadiums guide. For flights into Tanzania from further afield visit our flights guide.
Travel times, costs and route information sourced from Bookaway, Rome2Rio, Holidify and verified overland travel guides as of 2026. Prices fluctuate by season and operator — confirm current fares before booking. Stadium information sourced from Pulse Sports Kenya and Daily Nation as of May 2026.