Transit NL

Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)

I only got to spend a couple of days in Tanzania, so take the information on this page with a grain of salt. 

The new SGR train network in Tanzania is actually quite good! 

The trains are fast, safe, electric, and run on time. 

The line is quite limited currently. When I visited in 2025, it only ran between the former capital and largest city Dar Es Salaam and the current capital Dodoma. 

The train took a few hours and was very comfortable. 

There are a few trains per day, but they do sell out so try and reserve a seat early if you can. 

There is an online booking portal, but it currently only accepts m-pesa for payment, much like other countries in the region. 

Security is tight at the station and on the train, and water bottles aren’t allowed on board, similar to an airplane. 

For more information about the SGR and tickets see here on the Tanzania Railways Corporation’s official website. 

​Note that business class fares can be pricey, but they offer airplane like business class seats. 

TAZARA

Sadly, when I visited, the iconic TAZARA train connecting Zambia and Tanzania wasn’t operating. 

The line is nearly 2,000km long and was built 50 years ago with Chinese money. 

Some reports suggest that the trains started running again in 2026, though you’ll have to check this for yourself. Information can be sparse online. 

​Tickets are only sold by phone or at the station, so make sure to arrive a few days in advance if possible. 

The Man In Seat 61 has some more information about this train, and is a great resource for railway information in general. 

MGR & Ferries

Tanzania also has an older Metre Gauge Railway. 

The lines connect Mwanza, Arusha, Moshi and Kigoma with Dar Es Salaam, with various stops along the way. 

Schedules are sparse, with some trains only running once a week, so keep that in mind. 

More information can be found here.

​Note that the website can be very finnicky. I would check at the local station to be sure. 

I am planning a trip to the area next year. If this happens, I will update this section. 

From Mwanza, you can also connect via ferry to Uganda and possibly Kenya as well. 

Busses

The bus system in Tanzania is vast and covers pretty much the whole country. 

Fares are cheap and booking isn’t required. 

Note that online schedules are rarely accurate. 

We booked a ticket for an 8am journey, and found out it had been cancelled, with the next trip at 2pm. No refunds provided! 

Try Tahmeed Express to get from Mombasa or Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam. We used them and thought it was quite comfy!