Dar es Salaam Airport uses 2 terminals connected by a covered walkway (approx. 180 metres).
Overall, the airport area is relatively small and very clear.
- Terminal 2 - an old and cramped building is used for all domestic flights within Tanzania (including flights to Zanzibar)
- Terminal 3 - a modern building used for all international flights
Book a hotel near Dar es Salaam airport
Transfer between flights
Dar es Salaam is quite an important transfer point, especially for flights to Zanzibar, but thanks to Air Tanzania, international transfers can also take place here.
Below we describe the situation if you have a guaranteed transfer (i.e. both flights are booked in one booking) or you are travelling with hand luggage only and have already generated a boarding pass for the connecting flight.
International <-> International
The transfer is very simple and quick. When you get off the plane, follow the "Transfer" sign which will lead you to the security checkpoint for transfer passengers only.
After that you will be in the departure gate area.
- Average transfer time - 20 to 40 minutes
- Transfer baggage - will be transferred automatically
International <-> Domestic
When transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight or vice versa, you must always leave the transit area, go outside to the public area, go to the second terminal approximately 200 metres away and check in again.
The distance between the terminals is a maximum of 5 minutes walking distance.
When changing from an international to a domestic flight, you must always collect your baggage and check it in again.
On a reverse transfer from domestic to international, the baggage may be automatically transferred. However, always check this situation when you check in at your point of departure.
- Average transfer time - 45 to 90 minutes
- Baggage on transfer - you must collect and re-check-in
Domestic <-> Domestic
There are flights from Dar es Salaam to many domestic Tanzanian destinations, and several airlines offer guaranteed connections here.
After you get off the plane, you have to walk down to the baggage reclaim room.
From here, follow the "Transfer" sign which will lead you to the security checkpoint for transfer passengers only. From here, take the escalator to the departure area.
- Average transfer time - 15-25 minutes
- Transfer baggage - will be transferred automatically
Overnight stay at the airport - opening hours
International Terminal 3 is open 24/7, but there are virtually no comfortable seats in the public area to spend the night.
The earliest you can usually get through security is 4 hours before departure.
Hotels near the airport
There are currently no hotels directly next to the terminals.
The nearest hotel, which offers its own free airport transfer service, is about 3 km towards the centre of Dar es Salaam.
