Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Dar es Salaam Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
We were not allowed inside the Airport lobby so we had to stay outside. Security is OK but you have to have a tireless fight with mosquitoes. – rowlandmichael
DAR Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport.
What to Expect
Dar es Salaam Airport (Code: DAR) has three terminals: Terminal 1 (primarily charter and private flights), Terminal 2 (domestic flights) and a recently completed Terminal 3 (international flights).
Travellers have encountered a range of issues here, including dirty bathrooms, poor air conditioning, long security processes (arrive early), uncomfortable seating, and even a cockroach at a landside eatery – so dine at your own risk. Facilities include a few basic eateries and some duty-free shops, though none are open 24 hours. Free WiFi is available in most areas. Economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge, which several reviewers say is worth it. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.
Sleeping in Dar es Salaam Airport
We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews, but generally, travellers report feeling safe, and that limited seating is armrest-free. Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service for a fee. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info, or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dar es Salaam Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Dar es Salaam Airport:
- Transit Motel Ukonga – No airport shuttle. » Check Rates
- Transit Motel Airport – Airport transfers are available for a fee. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Dar es Salaam Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there is a lounge that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or using a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge and how you can gain access with an economy class ticket!
- Tanzanite Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
- CIP Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside. International and transit flights only. Hours: open 24 hours. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass.
- Twiga Business Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside. International and transit flights only. Hours: open 24 hours.
Related Pages: Dar es Salaam Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
At the time of this update, there were no confirmed 24-hour food concessions. Food is available in the Departures Lounge. There is nothing available in the Arrivals area.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
A reader tells us, “In terminal 3, on the first floor you can find plugs for mobile charging in the gates area.”
Showers
A reader tells us free showers are in the new terminal, on the 1st floor behind the Bistro Bar. Hours: open 24 hours. (Cubalibre84 / January 2020) Another reader says, “I want to add that the showers are located behind security control, between gates C3 and C4 on level 2. The sign says ‘Toilet’ only. There is no shower gel, so make sure to pack a small bottle (<100ml) or a chunk of soap.” (Pumbaa80/March 2023)
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Dar es Salaam Airport. A reader tells us there was WiFi in the baggage claim and “probably” the rest of the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? Two ATMs are Landside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans.
Currency Exchange – Yes
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-Free shopping is available. At the time of this update, we did not have information about more shops.
Medical Services – The Airport Medical Unit provides medical services. Hours and Location: unknown.
SIM Cards – A reader tells us, “you can buy a SIM card from Vodacom just outside between terminal 3 and terminal 2 buildings.”(March 2024)
[/mks_accordion_item]
Bus
Bus stops are within 1 km of the airport terminals. Connections can be made to a variety of places in Dar es Salaam.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Shared-Ride Shuttles
Travel as the locals do! Shared-ride minivans called “daladala” run along the main road in front of the airport. Ensure the one you hire is heading to your destination before you hop in!
Taxis
Fixed-rate taxis are available outside the terminal, in the ground transportation area, and can be identified by their green ribbons and TAA logo. Cheaper rates are available from taxis on the main road in front of the airport, but for safety reasons, it is best not to attempt this at night.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.