How to get from Nairobi to Arusha in 2026: The Complete Traveler's Guide

Bus shuttle service offers unbeatable value and convenience compared to other transportation options. While flying might seem faster, when you factor in airport transfers, check-in times, and costs, our direct shuttle service often proves more efficient and significantly more economical.

Our Toyota Coaster 22-seater buses provide the perfect balance of comfort and affordability. These modern vehicles are specifically designed for long-distance travel in East Africa, featuring comfortable seating, air conditioning, and ample storage space for your luggage.

Key Advantages of Shuttle Bus Travel:

• No airport hassles – Door-to-door service from your Nairobi hotel to your Arusha destination
• Scenic route – Enjoy stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kilimanjaro
• Border crossing assistance
• Flexible luggage allowance – Generous space for safari gear and souvenirs
• Daily departures – Multiple options to fit your schedule

At Riverside Shuttle, we specialise in comfortable, reliable transport between Kenya and Tanzania. Our service has been connecting travelers with their East African adventures for years, and we understand exactly what you need for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Our Pricing: Fares from £28 (about $37)

Our competitive fares start from £28 (about $37), making us one of the most affordable options for quality transport between Nairobi and Arusha. This incredible value includes:

• Professional driver service
• Border crossing assistance
• Hotel pickup in Nairobi
• Comfortable seating in our Toyota Coaster vehicles
• Generous luggage allowance

Book early to secure your seat on your preferred departure date. Our commitment to affordable, quality service remains constant.

We operate daily departures with two convenient time slots:

• Morning departure: 08:00 from Nairobi, arriving in Arusha at around 13:40
• Afternoon departure: 14:00 from Nairobi, arriving in Arusha at around 19:30

The total journey time is approximately 5½–6 hours, including border crossing procedures. This timing accounts for:

• Pickup from Nairobi hotels (07:00 for the morning departure, 13:00 for the afternoon departure)
• Travel to Namanga border
• Immigration and customs procedures
• Rest stop shortly after the border crossing
• Final leg to Arusha with drop-off at your accommodation

What to Expect During Your Journey

Your comfort is our priority throughout the entire trip. Our Toyota Coaster buses are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, and large windows perfect for photographing the spectacular scenery along the way.

Rest stops are strategically planned to ensure you can stretch your legs, grab refreshments, and use clean facilities. Our drivers are experienced professionals who know the route intimately and ensure a smooth, safe journey.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Service

We provide convenient hotel pickup in Nairobi at 07:00 for our 08:00 departure and 13:00 for our 14:00 departure. Our pickup service covers most hotels in Nairobi city center and nearby areas. Our main station is located at Parkside Hotel, but we’ll collect you from your accommodation to save you the hassle of getting to our departure point. If you’d rather meet us there, be at Parkside Hotel by 07:25 for the 08:00 departure or 13:25 for the 14:00 departure.

In Arusha, we provide drop-off service to hotels and lodges within the city center. If you’re staying outside the main area, we’ll arrange the most convenient drop-off point and can help coordinate onward transport.

Generous Luggage Allowance

Each passenger is entitled to:

• 2 main bags (maximum 30kg each)
• 1 backpack or carry-on
• Additional small personal items

This generous allowance means you can pack everything you need for your safari, trekking adventure, or extended stay in Tanzania without worrying about excess baggage fees. You could even bring your bike – just let us know in advance.

The Namanga Border Crossing

The Namanga border crossing may initially appear daunting for first-time travelers, but it’s really fairly straightforward. Our experienced drivers will point you in the right direction at the border. We allow time for all passengers to go through immigration and customs procedures. The border procedures can take from between 15 - 45 minutes depending on the day.

Essential documents you’ll need:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Tanzania visa if required for your nationality – apply online for an eVisa before you travel (recommended), or get a visa on arrival at Namanga if your nationality is eligible
• Yellow fever certificate (if traveling from yellow fever endemic areas, or if you have spent more than 12 hours in Nairobi – check the official requirements before you travel)

For further advice regarding the crossing: Read Here

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Transfers

Need to catch a flight from JKIA? We offer flexible connections to Nairobi’s main airport. Our airport service leaves at 08:30 and 14:30 from Paul Cafe, outside Terminal 1 arrivals – please be there 20 minutes before departure – and we have a team in the airport to assist you.

Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport Options

While we don’t provide direct service to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport, we can drop you at convenient locations where taxi connections are readily available. For Kilimanjaro International Airport specifically, we recommend booking to/or from Moshi, where we drop you at a convenient point to take a short taxi ride from there.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer directly there.

For travelers with specific airport requirements, our team can arrange specialized transport solutions to meet your needs.

Booking your Nairobi to Arusha journey is simple and secure through our online platform. Visit riverside-shuttle.com to:

• Check real-time availability
• Select your preferred departure time
• Choose your pickup location in Nairobi
• Specify your Arusha drop-off point
• Make secure payment online

Multiple Payment Options

We accept various payment methods to make booking convenient for international travelers:

• Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) through secure card checkout
• Airtel Money – switch the currency to TZS on the booking form (M-Pesa is not available yet)

Book your Nairobi to Arusha ticket by visiting our main booking page where you can see current availability and secure your seat instantly.

What to Pack for the Trip

Dress comfortably for the 5-6 hour journey with layers to accommodate changing temperatures. The route takes you from Nairobi’s higher altitude to lower, warmer areas near the border, then back to Arusha’s moderate climate.

Essential items to carry:

• Valid travel documents in easily accessible bag
• Snacks and water for the journey
• Camera for spectacular scenery shots
• Light jacket for air-conditioned bus
• Small amount of local currency or USD for border fees

Health and Safety Considerations

We prioritise your health and safety throughout the journey. Our vehicles undergo regular maintenance, and our drivers are professionally trained for long-distance travel in East African conditions.

Health precautions to consider:

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date
• Carry any personal medications
• Stay hydrated during travel
• Use sunscreen for window-side seating

Our reputation is built on reliability, comfort, and exceptional customer service. We understand that your journey from Nairobi to Arusha is often the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime East African adventure, and we’re committed to starting that experience on the right note.

What sets us apart:

• Daily reliable departures – We operate every day of the year
• Professional drivers with extensive cross-border experience
• Modern Toyota Coaster fleet maintained to international standards
• Multilingual staff to assist international travelers
• Flexible booking options – free date changes up to 12 hours before departure and a clear cancellation policy

Ready to book your journey? Visit our booking platform today to secure your seat on our comfortable, reliable shuttle service. With departure times at 08:00 and 14:00 daily, and fares from £28 (about $37), your East African adventure begins with Riverside Shuttle.

Contact our customer service team if you have any questions about luggage, pickup locations, or special requirements. We’re here to ensure your journey from Nairobi to Arusha is comfortable, affordable, and memorable for all the right reasons.