Dar es Salaam Airport Guide

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.

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.

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.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dar es Salaam Airport Guide.

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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.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the 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.
Transit Motel Airport – Airport transfers are available for a fee.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Dar es Salaam Airport on Expedia.

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.

Terminal 1

CIP Lounge – Location: Airside, Terminal 1, in the waiting area. Hours: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (rate not published) • Lounge membership programs.

Terminal 3

Twiga Business Lounge – Location: Airside, Terminal 3, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate C4. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes (quiet area/day beds). Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (from $35 USD) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

CIP Lounge – Location: Airside, Terminal 3, after Immigration, toward Gate C6. Hours: open 24 hours. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs • Credit Card rewards programs.

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.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Two ATMs are available landside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available. Information about additional retail shops is limited.
Medical Services – An Airport Medical Unit is available. Hours and exact location are not confirmed.
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)

Dar es Salaam Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Mozambique • Air Seychelles • Air Tanzania • Air Uganda • Egyptair • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Ewa Air • Fast Jet • Fly Dubai • Kenya Airway • KLM • Malawian Airlines • Oman Air • Precision Air • Proflight • Qatar Airways • RwandAir • South African Airways • Swiss • Turkish Airlines.
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Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

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

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: 2026-02-12

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.