Taxis in Arusha
Arusha taxis are plentiful and make getting around the city easy and stress-free. Although Arusha has public transport, it can be quite confusing and inconvenient for visitors who are unfamiliar with the minibus system, making taxis a popular option for tourists. Many Arusha taxi services accept pickup requests over the phone, but you can also hail a cab from the street, use a ride-sharing app, or walk to a taxi rank.
You’ll notice that Arusha’s taxi fleet consists primarily of sedan cars and minivans. As several cab companies operate in the city, not all taxis look the same, but many are white and feature either black and orange stripes or a single green stripe. Always look out for the ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof and check that the driver’s details and registration are on display. Many taxis in Arusha offer fixed rates rather than metered fares, especially for routes like Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha city center.
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How much is a taxi in Arusha?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM JRO TO ARUSHA CITY CENTER | 30 € | 30 € | 60 MIN |
| FROM ARK TO ARUSHA CITY CENTER TO CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER | 13.90 € | 13.90 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM ARUSHA CITY CENTER TO CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER | 8.30 € | 8.30 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM ARUSHA CITY CENTER TO ILBORU | 7.60 € | 7.60 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM ARUSHA CITY CENTER TO MOSHI | 113.30 € | 113.30 € | 100 MIN |
Arusha taxi prices
Arusha taxi prices can be tricky to determine, as many drivers opt to work off of fixed fares rather than using a meter to calculate the cost. As such, you should always agree on a fare with your driver before starting a trip if they aren’t offering you a metered ride.
Here are the Arusha taxi rates to give you a rough idea of how much a cab will cost:
Base fare: €1.30 (TZS 3,750)
Price per km: €1.40 (TZS 4,000)
Bear in mind that these prices can vary considerably between companies and drivers. Additionally, some operators may charge extra depending on the size of the vehicle, the time of day, and any excess luggage.
On average, an hour-long Kilimanjaro Airport taxi to the city will cost around €30 (TNS 88,463), while an Arusha Airport taxi to the center will set you back approximately €13.90 (TNS 40,970) for a 20-minute drive.
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How to get a taxi in Arusha
Arusha taxis are readily available, and it typically takes just a few minutes to secure a ride. Among the easiest ways to find a cab is to hail one from the street, but you’ll usually find taxis operating in busy areas and close to touristy pockets of the city. Alternatively, it’s possible to book a ride over the phone with a local operator or order a cab online using an Arusha taxi app.
Airports, bus stations, shopping malls, and tourist attractions are some of the most popular places to get a taxi in Arusha. No matter where you get a taxi from, always check that your driver’s credentials are visible to ensure you’re traveling in a licensed cab.
How to get a taxi from Kilimanjaro Airport
Arusha taxis serve Kilimanjaro Airport day and night, and you’ll be able to find a mix of different-sized vehicles here, from sedan cars to minivans and minibusses.
Kilimanjaro Airport taxis depart from directly outside of the Arrivals Hall, and more often than not, drivers will approach you as you exit the terminal.
How to get a taxi from Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport taxis are available from right outside the terminal building, with most drivers parking in the lot outside the airport.
In most cases, a range of standard and large taxis operate from here, but it tends to be easier and quicker to find sedan cars.
How to get a taxi from the Central Bus Station
The Central Bus Station is one of the busiest areas in Arusha, meaning there are almost always plenty of taxis here. Most cabs are standard-sized cars or small minivans, and you’ll find most of them parked outside the entrance to the station.
How to get a taxi from AIM Mall
There’s often a handful of standard taxis outside the main entrance to the AIM Mall, and it’s also relatively easy to hail a cab from nearby. Inside the mall, you’ll spot an Arusha taxi service that can arrange a ride for you if you can’t find a suitable vehicle outside.
How to get a taxi from the Cultural Heritage Center
Because the Cultural Heritage Center is among the most tourist-centric spots in Arusha, it’s common to see taxis parked nearby. If you don’t see any cabs in the parking lot, walk towards the main road, and you’ll be able to flag one down from here.
Most popular Arusha taxi apps
The numerous taxi apps in Arusha make it super simple to order a cab from any point in the city. If you don’t want to negotiate a price or would prefer to pay by card, using an Arusha taxi app is a great option.
Some of the most widely used taxi apps include Uber, Bolt, and inDrive. It’s essential to note that with these apps, you may face long waits for rides at peak times.
Pre-booking a cab with a private transfer company like Welcome Pickups is the best way to avoid these waiting times, especially if you’re short on time. It’s particularly convenient if you’re heading to the airport or traveling as a family or group.
Useful Arusha taxi numbers
Rather than walking to a taxi rank or waiting on the street to flag down a taxi, you might prefer to call a cab and wait inside for your driver to arrive. You can contact a local provider yourself or ask your hotel to order one for you. Some operators charge pickup fees for these bookings, so it can sometimes be a costly option.
Below, you’ll find some Arusha taxi numbers for reputable companies:
Lema Taxi Arusha: +255 (755) 678 970
Tarimo Taxi Service: +255 (756) 595 945
Fred Taxi Arusha: +255 (787) 569 981
Booking your Arusha taxi in advance
When you want to maximize your time in the city, pre-booking your Arusha taxi is your best bet. This way, you won’t need to worry about uncertain fares, extensive waiting times, and figuring out public transport.
With Welcome Pickups, you’ll not only have the option to pre-book your ride, but you’ll also enjoy exceptional service and guaranteed, competitive prices.
Arusha taxi tips
- Always ask your driver before starting a journey whether they'll be using the meter or if they're going to run the meter.
- Many drivers will be happy to negotiate the fare, but it's important to ensure the price you pay is fair for both parties.
- As most taxis in Arusha can't accept card payments, you'll need to have cash on hand.
- Fares usually must be paid in Tanzanian Shillings. Some drivers may accept U.S. Dollars, but be careful you're getting a fair exchange rate if you choose to pay this way.
- Not all taxi drivers speak English, so it's a good idea to have your address written down.
Wheelchair-accessible taxis in Arusha
Unfortunately, most Arusha taxis aren’t wheelchair-accessible, though they’ll usually store fold-up wheelchairs in the trunk for free. If you require an adapted vehicle with supports, ramps, and straps, it’s advisable to arrange your transport in advance.
Operators like Mateves Taxi Service have suitable vehicles for passengers with reduced mobility in their fleet.
Safety and complaints for taxis in Arusha
Arusha taxis are generally very safe, offering travelers a reliable and efficient service. However, like in any destination, scams, overcharging, and unsafe driving can happen from time to time. If you’re dissatisfied with your Arusha taxi service, there are a few ways to proceed. Firstly, take note of the driver’s name, ID number, and license plate number. From here, you can reach out to the driver’s taxi company or get in touch with the local authorities by calling +255 (719) 481 500 or visiting a police station.