How do I get from Nairobi to Arusha?

1. Shared Shuttle Bus

• Impala Shuttles (www.impalashuttles.com) (www.impalashuttles.com)

  • Schedule: Daily departures at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM from Nairobi.
  • Fare: ~$30 USD per person one-way (Nairobi to Arusha).
  • Pick-up Points: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at Paul’s Café or Costa Café (Terminal 1A/1E), Parkside Hotel (Monrovia Street, Nairobi CBD), or major Nairobi hotels like Hilton, Serena, or Norfolk.
  • Drop-off Points: Arusha city center hotels (e.g., Brac Offices Arusha Impala Shuttle Main Bus stop) or designated points like Saba Saba Hotel.
  • Features: Air-conditioned buses, reclining seats, mineral water provided, and experienced drivers. They stop briefly at Namanga for visa processing.
  • Booking: Online via their website, WhatsApp (+254 710 354 845), or call for last-minute bookings (up to 2 hours before departure).
  • Reviews: Reliable and punctual, though not luxurious. Some users note it’s used more by locals than tourists, offering good value compared to private drivers ($500 each way).

• Jkia private Transfers to arusha

  • Schedule: Daily departures at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM from Nairobi.
  • Fare: £28 ($35 USD) per person one-way.
  • Pick-up Points: Parkside Hotel (main station, report by 7:25 AM for 8:00 AM departure), JKIA (arrive/depart 8:30 AM or 2:30 PM), or major Nairobi hotels (pick-up around 7:00 AM).
  • Drop-off Points: Arusha hotels (e.g., Mezalluna Hotel, main station) or central locations. No direct drop-off at Arusha Airport (taxi required).
  • Features: Comfortable seating, luggage allowance (2 bags + 1 backpack, max 30kg per bag), and hotel pick-up/drop-off included.
  • Booking: Online via tickets.riverside-shuttle.com or contact form on their website.
  • Reviews: Praised for convenience and scenic views, though border crossing can feel complex due to multiple queues.

• Luxury bus Shuttle

  • Schedule: Daily departure at 8:00 AM (guaranteed) and 2:00 PM (not guaranteed).
  • Fare: ~$30 USD per person (reflects ~2500-3000 KES, ~$25-30 USD).
  • Pick-up Points: JKIA, Nairobi city hotels, or Jevanjee Gardens/Parkside Hotel.
  • Drop-off Points: Arusha city hotels or designated points.
  • Features: Air-conditioned, comfortable seats, professional drivers. Stops at Namanga for immigration.
  • Booking: Online via their website, WhatsApp (+254 710 354 845), or call (+254 727 377 771).
  • Reviews: Reliable and comfortable, with hotel drop-offs adding convenience. Locals recommend it for reliability.

• Marangu Luxury Shuttles

  • Schedule: Daily departures at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Fare: $25 USD per person one-way (Nairobi to Arusha).
  • Pick-up Points: JKIA (Mombasa Road), Parkside Hotel (Monrovia Street), or Nairobi hotels.
  • Drop-off Points: Arusha city hotels or Mezalluna Hotel.
  • Features: Air-conditioned vans with reclining seats, power doors, and luggage assistance. Crosses Namanga or Loitokitok border.
  • Booking: Online via their website, call/WhatsApp (+254 727 377 771).
  • Reviews: Rated highly for comfort and professional service, ideal for tourists.

Shared Shuttle Tips

• Cost: Fares range from $25-$35 USD per person one-way, significantly cheaper than flights or private transfers.
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours, including a 30-60 minute stop at Namanga for immigration. Private cars are faster (4 hours).
• Border Crossing:
  • Visas: Tanzania visas can be obtained at Namanga (~$50 USD for most nationalities). Kenya requires an e-Visa in advance (apply at www.evisa.go.ke). (https://www.nairobiarushashuttlebus.com/) (http://www.evisa.go.ke). (https://www.nairobiarushashuttlebus.com/))
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required for re-entry to Kenya from Tanzania. Carry your vaccination card.
  • Immigration: Expect three queues at Namanga’s one-stop border post. Drivers assist, but it can be slow.
• Booking: Book at least 1 day in advance to secure a seat. Online booking is convenient with PayPal, credit cards, or M-Pesa.
• Luggage: Most shuttles allow 2 bags + 1 backpack (max 30kg total). Confirm with the operator.
• Safety: Shuttles are generally safe, with well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers. Regular users report no major issues.
• Comfort: Buses are clean but not luxurious. Expect basic amenities like water and biscuits on some services.

2. Private Transfer

• Marangu Luxury ShuttleS

  • Vehicles: Saloon cars (3 pax), 6-8 seater vans, 18-22 seater minibuses.
  • Cost:
    • Nairobi to Arusha: $250 USD (3-7 pax), $300 USD (10 pax), $320 USD (22 pax).
    • Nairobi to Moshi: $300-$350 USD (3-22 pax).
  • Features: Door-to-door service, air-conditioned vehicles, professional driver/guides, luggage assistance, and flexible schedules.
  • Booking: Call/WhatsApp (+254 727 377 771) or online.
  • Travel Time: ~4-5 hours to Arusha (faster than shared shuttles due to no extra stops).

• Impala Shuttles (www.impalashuttles.com) (www.impalashuttles.com)

  • Vehicles: Cars, vans, or minibuses for 3-25 pax.
  • Cost: ~$300-$400 USD for a private van (1-6 pax) from Nairobi to Arusha.
  • Features: Pick-up from JKIA, Nairobi hotels, or any location; drop-off at Arusha hotels or specific addresses. Includes meet-and-greet at airports.
  • Booking: Online, WhatsApp (+254 710 354 845), or call.
  • Reviews: Reliable for group travel, with professional service.

• Nairobi Arusha Shuttle Bus (www.nairobiarushashuttlebus.com) (www.nairobiarushashuttlebus.com)

  • Vehicles: 3-22 seater coaches (semi-luxury to luxury).
  • Cost: $300-$550 USD depending on group size and vehicle type.
  • Features: Private transfers with customizable pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned vehicles, and professional drivers.
  • Booking: Online or WhatsApp (check website for contact).
  • Reviews: Over 10 years of operation, praised for reliability and fleet maintenance.
• Arusha Shuttle Bus (www.arushashuttle.com) (www.arushashuttle.com)
  • Vehicles: 8-33 seater vans and buses.
  • Cost: ~$250-$350 USD for a private van (3-22 pax) to Arusha.
  • Features: Airport transfers, flexible schedules, and comfortable vehicles.
  • Booking: Online via their reservation form or contact directly.

Private Transfer Tips

• Cost: Starts at ~$250 USD for a small group (3 pax) and increases with group size or vehicle type. More expensive than shared shuttles but cost-effective for groups.
• Travel Time: ~4-5 hours, as there are no stops for other passengers.
• Flexibility: Choose your pick-up time and location (e.g., JKIA, hotels, or private addresses). Some operators offer stops for sightseeing en route.
• Comfort: More spacious and luxurious than shared shuttles, with personalized service.
• Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially for peak seasons (e.g., July-October for safaris). Provide flight details for airport pick-ups.
• Border Crossing: Same as shared shuttles (visas at Namanga, yellow fever card required). Drivers assist with immigration.

3. Practical Considerations

• Best Time to Travel: Morning shuttles (8:00 AM) are recommended to avoid evening traffic and ensure daylight arrival.
• Visa Requirements:
  • Tanzania: Visa on arrival at Namanga ($50 USD, single-entry) or apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz.
  • Kenya: E-Visa ETA permit required in advance (~$51 USD, apply at www.evisa.go.ke).
• Health: Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for crossing from Tanzania to Kenya.
• Currency: Carry USD for fares and visas, as it’s widely accepted. Kenyan Shillings (KES) or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) may be needed for small expenses.
• Luggage: Shared shuttles have weight limits (~30kg total). Private transfers offer more flexibility.
• Safety: Both shared and private options are generally safe, with reputable operators maintaining vehicles and employing experienced drivers. Avoid unofficial taxis or unmarked vehicles.
• Scenic Route: The journey offers views of the countryside and occasional wildlife sightings, making it a pleasant alternative to flying.

4. Booking Process

• Online: Most operators (Impala, Riverside, Ngurdoto, Marangu) offer secure online booking with PayPal, credit cards, or M-Pesa. Websites provide schedules and fare details.
• WhatsApp/Phone: Contact operators directly for instant confirmation or last-minute bookings. Common numbers:
  • Impala Shuttle Ltd/Nairobi Arusha Shuttle Bus: +254 710 354 845
  • Marangu: +254 727 377 771
• In-Person: Purchase tickets at bus stations (e.g., Parkside Hotel in Nairobi or Impala Shuttle Arusha in Arusha) 1-2 days in advance.
• Confirmation: You’ll receive a boarding ticket or confirmation via email/WhatsApp +254710354845. Provide flight details for JKIA pick-ups.

• Budget Travelers/Solo: Choose a shared shuttle (e.g., Impala or Riverside) for affordability and reliability.
• Groups/Families: Opt for a private transfer (e.g., Arusha Shuttle or Impala shuttle) for comfort, flexibility, and cost-sharing.

6. Alternative: Flying

7.  Nairobi Arusha Shuttle Bus Services Cost

• A 2025 post mentions Ngurdoto Shuttle charging 2500 KES ($25 USD) for Nairobi to Arusha, cheaper than Impala’s Shuttle 2500 KES / 25$ (~$19 USD). The Namanga border crossing took ~2 hours.

8. Final Recommendations

• Top Shared Shuttle: Impala Shuttles or Riverside Shuttle for reliability, frequent departures, and good reviews.
• Top Private Transfer: Marangu Luxury Shuttles for comfort, competitive pricing, and professional service.
• Book Early: Secure seats 1-2 days in advance, especially during peak seasons (July-October).
• Prepare for Border: Have USD for visas, yellow fever card, and passport ready.
• Contact: Use WhatsApp for quick responses (+254 710 354 845 )

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