Tanzania by Train
Trains - Tickets - RoutesA Travel Guide For Train Travel In Tanzania.
Here you will find information for Tanzania about trains, routes, tours, connections, where to buy train tickets, and more.
Useful Information
Population: 58 million
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings
Language: Swahili, English
Capital: Dodoma
Country code: +255
Time zone: Eastern Africa Time
Train Companies
The rail network in Tanzania is operated by the state-owned company Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) as well as the Tanzania & Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
Copyright: RAILWAYHERO
Train Tickets
You cannot book train tickets online. Check timetable and fares online on Tazarsite and book by phone or buy tickets at the station.
Rail Passes
There are no rail passes available for Tanzania.
TrAIN tYPES
Ordinary*
- 1st class sleeper: 2-berth compartment
- 2nd class sleeper: 6-berth compartment
- 2nd class (2 x 2 seats)
- 3rd class* (padded bench seat 2 x 3 seats)
- Restaurant car
Express / Deluxe
- 2nd class sleepers
- 2nd class (2 x 2 seats)
- 3rd class (padded bench seat 2 x 3 seats)
- Restaurant car
*On some routes the Ordinary service may only have 3rd class seating – please confirm your train and your options with the ticket office.
TAZARA Train connects the cities Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia
Rovos Rail – Pride of Africa
Rovos Rail – Of Two Oceans
Blue Train
Routes
Frequently Travelled Routes In Tanzania
National
| From > To |
Duration (h) |
Changes | Transport |
| Dar Es Salaam to Dodoma | 14:40 | Direct | Train |
| Dar es Salaam to Mbeya | 28:29 | Direct | Train |
| Dodoma to Kigoma | 25:56 | Direct | Train |
| Dar Es Salaam to Mwanza | 49:00 | Direct | Train |
International
| From > To |
Duration | Changes | Transport |
| Dar Es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia | 28:29 | Direct | Train |
| Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar | 2:00 | Direct | Ferry |
Tanzania travel routes
Main Train Stations
- Dar es Salaam
- Mbeya
- Kigoma
- Dodomo
- Mwanza
Good to know
Best Time To Travel To Tanzania
We recommend travelling to Tanzania during the dry season as more activities will be available and the roads are less likely to be flooded in national parks. Depending on the reason for the visit, a certain time of year may be best for you in particular.
If you’re wanting to witness the great migration of over 2 million zebra and wildebeests, you’ll want to plan that for June and July and to be in the western Serengeti. If wanting to just go on a safari in general, plan on visiting during Tanzania’s longest dry season from June to October. Keep in mind safaris can book out up to a year in advance, especially during the busy season of June to September. Enjoy the northern safari circuit including Arusa national park, Rift Valley and Lake Manyara National Parks, or the southern circuit including Selous and Ruaha National Park.
If wanting to summit the tallest mountain in Africa, Kilimanjaro is best climbed anytime from January to February or June to October. If wanting to witness the large bird migration, visit during March, November or December during the rainy season. April and May are often too rainy to be able to spot wildlife.
Rainy Season: March to May, November to December
Dry Season: June to October, January to February
Busy Season: June to September
Accommodation In Tanzania
Booking
The best place to find cheap hotels for is to book by www.booking.com. There you will find a large selection of cheap hotels, hostels, and apartments. > BOOK HERE
Hostelworld
If you are looking for a low budget accommodation, then go on www.hostelworld.com. They have the best choice of cheap hostels for backpackers and low budget travelers. > BOOK HERE
Guidebooks For Tanzania
Travel with a guidebook ease your journey to find best sights and things to do. Buy it on Amazon.
