Arusha Airport (ARK) is an important domestic airport in northern Tanzania and a key hub for travelers visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and other safari destinations. While most international travelers arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport is commonly used for domestic flights to safari parks across Tanzania.
Located just a few kilometers from Arusha city center, the airport offers quick access to northern Tanzania’s famous wildlife areas.
If you are planning a safari, start with the complete Tanzania Safari Guide.
Where is Arusha Airport?
Arusha Airport is located on the western side of Arusha city in northern Tanzania.
Approximate distances from the airport:
• Arusha city center: 8 km (15 minutes)
• Kilimanjaro International Airport: 50 km (about 1 hour)
• Tarangire National Park: 120 km (about 2 hours)
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 190 km (about 3–4 hours)
Because of its location, Arusha Airport is often used for safari departures to northern Tanzania’s national parks.
You can learn more about the safari starting point in the Safari from Arusha Guide.
Arusha Airport Code
The airport code for Arusha Airport is: ARK
When booking domestic flights within Tanzania, you will see ARK used for Arusha Airport.
Difference Between Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport
Many travelers confuse Arusha Airport with Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Main international airport
• Located between Arusha and Moshi
• Handles long-haul international flights
Arusha Airport (ARK)
• Domestic airport
• Used mainly for safari flights
• Located inside Arusha city
You can read more in the Kilimanjaro Airport Guide.
Airlines That Operate at Arusha Airport
Several domestic airlines operate flights from Arusha Airport to safari parks and other destinations.
Common airlines include:
• Coastal Aviation
• Auric Air
• Regional Air
• Flightlink
• Air Excel
These airlines mainly operate small aircraft that connect Arusha with remote safari airstrips.
Popular Domestic Routes from Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport is one of the main departure points for safari flights across Tanzania.
Popular routes include:
• Arusha → Serengeti National Park
• Arusha → Ngorongoro / Manyara
• Arusha → Tarangire
• Arusha → Zanzibar
• Arusha → Ruaha National Park
• Arusha → Selous (Nyerere National Park)
Flying from Arusha allows travelers to reach safari parks quickly and avoid long driving times.
Arusha Airport to Safari Parks
Many safari itineraries begin in Arusha and continue by road or air to the national parks.
Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: about 2 hours
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.
Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 3–4 hours
Ngorongoro is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations.
You can read more in the Ngorongoro Crater Guide.
Arusha to Serengeti National Park
Distance: 300+ km by road
Many travelers choose to fly from Arusha Airport to Serengeti airstrips to save time.
Facilities at Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport is a small domestic airport but offers basic services.
Facilities include:
• Small departure lounge
• Check-in counters for domestic airlines
• Parking area
• Taxi services
• Small cafés or refreshment stalls
Because the airport mainly handles small aircraft flights, check-in procedures are usually fast.
Arusha Airport Transfers
Most travelers take a taxi or arranged transfer from Arusha Airport to their hotel or safari lodge.
Typical travel times:
• Arusha Airport → Arusha town: 15 minutes
• Arusha Airport → Kilimanjaro Airport: about 1 hour
• Arusha Airport → Moshi: about 1.5 hours
If you are starting a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, you may continue to Moshi. Learn more in the Moshi Kilimanjaro Trekking Base.
Best Time to Arrive at Arusha Airport
For domestic flights it is recommended to arrive:
• 1–2 hours before departure
Flights are usually small aircraft with limited passenger capacity, so check-in is typically quick.
Combining Arusha Airport With Safari
Arusha Airport plays a major role in northern Tanzania safaris.
Many travelers follow a route like:
• Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
• Transfer to Arusha hotel
• Safari departure by road or flight
• Return to Arusha or fly to Zanzibar
After safari, many visitors continue their trip to Zanzibar.
To plan this combination read Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airport do you fly into for Arusha?
International travelers usually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then transfer to Arusha.
Is Arusha Airport international?
No. Arusha Airport mainly handles domestic flights within Tanzania.
How far is Arusha Airport from Kilimanjaro Airport?
The distance is about 50 km, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour.
Can you fly from Arusha to Serengeti?
Yes. Several domestic airlines operate flights from Arusha Airport to multiple Serengeti airstrips.
Final Thoughts
Arusha Airport is a key domestic aviation hub for northern Tanzania and an important gateway to some of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations. While international travelers typically arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha Airport is where many safari journeys truly begin.
Its proximity to the city and frequent safari flights make it one of the most convenient airports for travelers exploring Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and other parks.
Before planning your safari trip, also read the complete Tanzania Safari Guide, the Kilimanjaro Airport Guide, and the Best Time to Visit Tanzania.
