How to get to Kilimanjaro
Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, code JRO, which operates 24 hours a day. Moshi is about 45 km away, a transfer of 45 to 60 minutes. Arusha is about 50 km away, 60 to 75 minutes. Arusha Airport (ARK) is a different airport, so check the code when you book.
Treks start at the park gates, not at the airport. The climbing access points are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho via Londorossi and Rongai in the north, with Mweka used for the descent. Your operator arranges the transfer from town to the gate, and Machame Gate is about 50 minutes from Moshi by road. If you have not booked yet, compare the available Kilimanjaro treks.
From the airport to Moshi or Arusha
Your options once you land.
| Option | Time | Cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-arranged transfer | Moshi 45–60 min, Arusha 60–75 min | – | Your hotel or operator books it. Easiest after a long flight. |
| Shared airport shuttle | Similar to a transfer | TZS 10,000 | Waits in front of the terminal and goes to Moshi or Arusha. Ask your hotel for current departure times, especially for late arrivals. |
| Taxi | Similar to a transfer | Agree the fare first | The taxi stand is in front of the terminal. |
| Parking at JRO | – | TZS 2,000 per entry plus TZS 1,000 per hour | Open 24 hours, 7 days. There is no discount for stays under an hour. |
For most trekkers on a package, a pre-arranged transfer is the simplest choice. The shuttle suits you if you travel on a tighter budget.
Our pick: picked up at the airport
Our take: this Machame trek starts with an airport pick-up.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kilimanjaro treks and tours with transfers
Multi-day climbs, day hikes and trips from Moshi, with live prices, inclusions and availability.
Arusha, safari parks and Zanzibar
Distances are rough guides for road travel starting from Arusha.
| From Arusha to | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Moshi | 85–100 km | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Tarangire | About 110 km | About 2 hours |
| Ngorongoro Crater | About 190 km | About 3.5 hours |
| Serengeti National Park | About 340 km | About 5.5 hours |
These are not distances from a Kilimanjaro gate, and park end points vary, so ask your operator for the exact transfer. See also the Kilimanjaro and safari page and how to reach the Serengeti from Arusha. Direct flights between JRO and Zanzibar take about 1 hour 20 minutes. Check the current timetable before you plan around them.
Visas for Tanzania
Standard tourist visas for four common passports. Check the current fee and rules before you apply.
| Passport | Visa type | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Ordinary, single entry | $50 |
| Austria | Ordinary, single entry | $50 |
| United Kingdom | Ordinary, single entry | $50 |
| United States | Multiple entry, even for a single tourist visit | $100 |
An ordinary visa is valid for up to 90 days, and the US multiple-entry visa for up to 12 months. You can apply for an eVisa online or buy a visa on arrival. More on the process is in the Tanzania visa guide.
Insurance and yellow fever
Two entry rules to check before you fly.
Compulsory travel insurance
Since October 2026, visitors to the mainland pay $44 for entry insurance valid up to 92 days, bought through the NIC. Visitors to Zanzibar use the ZIC, and one policy is enough if you visit both. Foreign residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt. This is separate from your own cover, so check that your private policy also covers trekking at altitude and mountain rescue. More on that is under how hard Kilimanjaro is.
Yellow fever
Proof of vaccination is required if you arrive from a risk country or have transited there for 12 hours or more. The vaccine must be given at least 10 days before, and one dose is valid for life. Ask your doctor or a travel medicine clinic what applies to you. Arriving directly from a country that is not at risk, without such a transit, does not trigger the requirement under those rules. Children under 1 year, people over 60 and those with a medical certificate are exempt. Confirm the current rule before you fly.
Getting to Kilimanjaro: frequently asked questions
Which airport do I fly into for Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which operates 24 hours a day. Do not confuse it with Arusha Airport (ARK).
How far is Moshi from the airport?
About 45 km, a transfer of 45 to 60 minutes. Arusha is about 50 km away, 60 to 75 minutes.
Is there a bus or shuttle from JRO?
A shared airport shuttle waits in front of the terminal and goes to Moshi or Arusha for TZS 10,000. Ask your hotel for current departure times before you rely on it for a late arrival.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most visitors do. German, Austrian and British passport holders use an ordinary single-entry visa at $50, and US citizens a multiple-entry visa at $100. You can apply for an eVisa or buy one on arrival.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
Only if you arrive from a risk country or have transited there for 12 hours or more. Check the current rule for your route before you fly.
Is this the official Kilimanjaro National Park website?
No. This is an independent guide with no connection to Tanzania National Parks, the national park or any climbing operator.