Planning a trip from Nairobi to Arusha? You’re in for an amazing journey through East Africa’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re heading to Tanzania for a safari adventure, climbing Kilimanjaro, or exploring the cultural heritage of Arusha, getting there from Nairobi has never been easier or more affordable.
Bus shuttle service is the most reliable and budget-friendly way to travel the approximately 274 kilometers between these two vibrant cities. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside, past traditional villages, and across the famous Namanga border crossing – all while enjoying comfortable transport and professional service.
Private Car/Driving If you prefer complete control over your schedule and a little extra comfort, driving takes approximately 4.5 hours and costs $25-$350 depending on whether you rent a car or use our private transfer service.
Flying Commercial flights start from $180 but are rarely used for this short distance. When you factor in airport arrival times, check-in procedures, transport to and from the airport, the relatively short flight time is rarely worth the hassle, shuttles prove much more practical and economical.
Why Choose Bus Transport for Your Nairobi-Arusha Journey
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
Riverside Shuttle: Your Trusted Travel Partner
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: Starting from £16
Our competitive pricing starts from just £16, 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 the best rates and guarantee your seat on your preferred departure date. Prices may vary based on demand and season, but our commitment to affordable, quality service remains constant.
Travel Schedule and Journey Time
We operate daily departures with two convenient time slots:
- Morning departure: 08:00 from Nairobi, arriving in Arusha at 13:30
- Afternoon departure: 14:00 from Nairobi, arriving in Arusha at 19:30
The total journey time is approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes, including border crossing procedures. This timing accounts for:
- Pickup from various Nairobi hotels (starting around 07:00 for morning 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.
Comprehensive Service Inclusions
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Service
We provide convenient hotel pickup in Nairobi starting around 07:00 for our morning 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.
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!
The Namanga Border Crossing
The Namanga border crossing may initially appear daunting for first-time travelers, but its really fairly straightforward. Our experience drivers will put you on the right direction at the border. We allow time to 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 (obtained online or at border)
- Yellow fever certificate (if traveling from yellow fever endemic areas)
For further advice regarding the crossing: Read Here
Airport Connections and Special Services
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 is waiting for your outside arrivals at Paul’s Cafe 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 short taxi ride from there.
Alternative 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.
Easy Online Booking Process
Booking your Nairobi to Arusha journey is simple and secure through our online platform. Visit tickets.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 cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- PayPal for international security
Book your Nairobi to Arusha ticket by visiting our main booking page where you can see current availability and secure your seat instantly.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Journey
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
Why Riverside Shuttle Is Your Best Choice
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
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind
- Multilingual staff to assist international travelers
- Flexible booking options with easy cancellation policies
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 our unbeatable starting price of £16, 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.