Kilimanjaro International Airport serves the Arusha and Moshi region, the main gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa.
Located between the two cities, it is the departure point for most organized safaris in northern Tanzania.
How to get to Kilimanjaro International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to JRO
Parking near Kilimanjaro International Airport
A small parking area is located directly in front of the terminal.
Rates align with standards for a safari-oriented tourism hub.
How to get to Arusha from JRO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, though most visitors use 4x4 vehicles with drivers organized by safari tour operators.
Requirements are limited to a driver's license, passport, and credit card.
Hotels near Kilimanjaro International Airport
Boma la Ngombe, next to the airport
Kia Airport Lodge is about 4 km from the terminal, 4-5 minutes by car; Catherine Home is about 14 km away, 15-20 minutes, in the same Boma la Ngombe area between the airport and Moshi.
Best for: Night or dawn flights and same-day safari departures, when every kilometre less toward the terminal counts.
- No risk from traffic, almost absent on this rural road outside the two cities
- Useful for those arriving late at night on intercontinental flights or needing to leave at dawn for a safari
- A rural area with no shops or restaurants outside the properties: dinner is wherever you sleep
- Far from both Moshi and Arusha, best avoided if staying more than one night in the area
Recommended hotels
- Kia Airport Lodge About 4 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle running around the clock on request; designed specifically for those arriving or departing at awkward hours who don't want to face the road to Arusha or Moshi. View availability
- Catherine home near kilimanjaro international airport JRO A family-run homestay near Boma la Ngombe, about 14 km from the terminal; reviews mention the owner, Catherine, as especially attentive in arranging the transfer and tuk-tuk for those with a dawn flight. View availability
Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro
About 40 km from the airport, 45-60 minutes by car; no direct bus from the terminal, only taxi or a transfer arranged by the lodge or trekking operator.
Best for: Those climbing Kilimanjaro or who want to stay closer to the mountain, with the park gates an hour or less away compared with Arusha.
- A closer starting point for Kilimanjaro's access gates than Arusha
- A smaller, less touristy town than Arusha, with a centre you can walk around
- Fewer upscale hotels and fewer safari operator offices than in Arusha
- Connections toward the Serengeti and Ngorongoro still go through Arusha
Arusha, the gateway to safaris
About 55-60 km from the airport, 60-90 minutes by car depending on traffic; no direct bus, only taxi or a private transfer arranged by the hotel or operators.
Best for: Those organising a safari toward the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire who want the widest choice of hotels and agencies, accepting an hour or more from the airport.
- The greatest concentration of safari operators and agencies for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
- More choice of upscale hotels and restaurants than Moshi
- The longest transfer among the areas in this guide, best avoided for those arriving late at night
- Further from Kilimanjaro's gates than Moshi
Recommended hotels
- Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel In the heart of Arusha, 750 metres from the centre: opened in 1894, it is among East Africa's oldest hotels, now run by Marriott; gardens, outdoor pool and the Parachichi restaurant. View availability
- Gran Meliá Arusha On Simeon Road, in an 18-acre coffee and tea plantation with views of Mount Meru; reviews particularly mention the buffet breakfast and the scenery. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, the main gateway to northern Tanzania's safari routes, handles seasonal tourist traffic.
Those flying international flights would do well to allow 3 hours in advance.
Map of Kilimanjaro International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is the airport close to Kilimanjaro?
It is the main air gateway for climbing Kilimanjaro, as well as for safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, located between Arusha and Moshi.
Q. Is the transfer included in safari packages?
Generally yes, most visitors arrive with a safari or climb already organized, with the transfer included by the tour operator.
Q. Is it better to stay in Arusha or Moshi?
Moshi (30-45 minutes) is more convenient for those climbing Kilimanjaro; Arusha (45-60 minutes) is the classic base for Serengeti and Ngorongoro safaris.
Q. How much does a transfer from the airport to Moshi cost?
Roughly 30-50 USD to Moshi (corrected from a previous underestimate of 10 USD), 55-75 USD to Arusha; always agree on the price before setting off.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
