Step-by-Step Guideline: Arusha To Nairobi Bus Full Review
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The Arusha to Nairobi bus is usually the last item on your safari vacation. If you are taking a border-crossing safari tour like I did. Then, on the last day, you would need to head back to Nairobi from Arusha.
The Arusha to Nairobi distance spans approximately 270-280 kilometers by road, and it is usually around a 4 to 5-hour drive. The best value option is to take the daily shuttle from Arusha to Nairobi or the other way round. The one-way cost is around 25 USD. The usual departure time is 8 am (same for Arusha / Nairobi), and you will arrive in Nairobi (or Arusha) around 2 pm daily.
While there are a number of providers online for the shuttle, there is limited information for by step-by-step guideline. Thus, I am writing this Arusha to Nairobi (Nairobi to Arusha) bus review for your information.
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Cheap, Reliable And Effective
The shuttle bus is your best option for the Arusha to Nairobi journey. It is the most commonly used option for locals and tourists alike. I also used that during my last safari trip in Tanzania.
Bus / Shuttle Is Not Only The Cheapest But Also The Best option
When considering travel from Arusha to Nairobi, the bus or van shuttle emerges as the top choice for most travelers, especially budget-conscious ones, due to its balance of cost, convenience, and experience. Reliability is also the key, given we want a great conclusion to our vacation after the great safaris we did in Tanzania, like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Compared to other modes, it stands out for affordability and accessibility. For instance, there is no direct train from Arusha to Nairobi, as rail infrastructure in this region focuses on coastal routes like Nairobi to Mombasa, leaving buses as the primary ground public transport.
By private car, the Arusha to Nairobi by road journey covers about 271 km and takes a 4 – 5 hour drive. You would probably save 30 minutes to 1 hour by skipping the waiting time for other customers at the pick-up point / at the border point. However, the cost would also exponentially increase for 10x. For example, as I shared in the Bolt usage guideline in Arusha, usage of Bolt for border crossing would cost you at least 200 USD as compared to ~ 25 USD for the shuttle.
Driving is not recommended for first-time visitors. The road is very bumpy from Arusha to Nairobi, and it is a 4-hour drive.
Flights offer speed, with an Arusha to Nairobi flight time around 1-2 hours direct from Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) to Nairobi (NBO), but total door-to-door time, including check-ins, can stretch to 4-5 hours. The cost of the course is at least 200 USD +. So in short, you spend pretty much the same time without any cost savings.
For that usage of the shuttle bus is the best-valued option for its cost, reliability, and fixed schedule.
Booking of the Bus
Booking your Arusha to Nairobi bus ticket is straightforward and can be done online for peace of mind, especially during busy tourist seasons. Platforms like 12GO aggregate options from multiple operators, allowing you to compare Arusha to Nairobi bus fare and schedules in one place. The cost ranges from 20 USD to 35 USD, depending on the provider.
On the platform, choose the ones with “Best Seller” or “Recommended” and good review scores. Dealing with the shuttle vendor directly is usually tricky in Africa, so selecting one with a good review score on the platform is a good strategy.
During my last visit, I used Impala Shuttle (One of the best-reviewed ones on 12GO) for the shuttle service from Arusha to Nairobi.
The shuttle departs from the pick-up point around 8 am, arriving at the border around 10 am and finally arriving in Nairobi around 2 pm.
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Select The Top Rated Vendors
There are multiple shuttle bus vendors available on 12GO. You should select the one with either “Recommended” or “Best Seller”. Impala Shuttle is one of the options recommended.
The Journey
The Arusha to Nairobi bus time typically clocks in at 5-6 hours, offering a mix of comfort and adventure. Starting with the morning departure around 8:00 AM from your pickup in Arusha, the shuttle heads north on the A104 highway, passing through picturesque savannas and Maasai villages. The first leg to the Namanga border takes about 2-2.5 hours, arriving around 10:30 AM.
At the border, procedures are straightforward but can take 1 hour and are a bit eye-opening. Before you get into the immigration center, the whole bus passengers will need to lay down bags for sniffer dog checks (a quick security measure). You also need to carry all the bags for the border crossing.
Then you can proceed to immigration for X-ray security baggage scan, passport stamping, and visa checks if needed. The Kenyan side is just literally at the next counter. Bus waits for all passengers before continuing, ensuring no one is left behind.
Post-border, the journey resumes through the Kenyan plains, and you will arrive drop-off point in Nairobi around 2 pm. The same goes for the Nairobi – Arusha Bus Shuttle journey.
Finally, you should know that the arrival time is dependent on traffic, border crossing, and multiple factors. So make sure you have sufficient time before your flight.
The Pick Up Point
Taking Impala Shuttle as an example, the departure point in Arusha is at the “Kijenge Supermarket Complex, Philips Road, Arusha”. It is the Impala shuttle office and is open daily at 6 am. So you can arrive early to avoid the last-minute rush.
Also remember to fill in your passenger details again once you are on the bus. This is important to make sure the bus driver will wait for you after border crossing.
For Nairobi – Arusha, the departure point is at the ground floor of the Parkside hotel building along Monrovia Street.
The Drop Off Point
The drop-off point for most of the vendors, including Impala shuttle, is on the ground floor of the Parkside hotel building along Monrovia Street. Some vendors provide multiple drop-off points; you can check with the bus driver on the day.
You will arrive at the drop-off point at around 2 pm. There will be a lot of local taxi drivers waiting at the drop-off point. I recommend you use Uber instead in Nairobi, given that it is a lot more convenient and can avoid being scammed.
If you still have some time in Nairobi before your flight, you could use the remaining time to visit the Giraffe Center or other icons in Nairobi.
For Nairobi – Arusha, the departure point is just the same as the pick up point.
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Remember To Reserve Sufficient Buffer Time
Usually, you shall arrive in Nairobi before 2 pm, if you are taking the shuttle bus at 8 am. However, there are multiple uncontrollable factors, including traffic, border crossing time or even the border crossing time of other customers would affect your arrival time. So you should reserve a buffer time for your itinerary.
More About Border Crossing
If you are on the return trip to Kenya, the Namanga border crossing point should be familiar to you. Usually, the border crossing time would be around 1 hour. Although the Tanzanian and Kenyan counters are just next door, you should expect a long queue at the crossing.
So you should prepare your visa document and yellow fever certificate in advance. There are also toilets and exchange stores at the border points in case you need them. For usage of the shuttle, you should always take a photo of the shuttle bus, so that you can identify your bus easily once you cross the border.
Arusha To Nairobi Bus Review: The Best Border Crossing Option
In conclusion, the Arusha to Nairobi bus is budget-friendly and offers the best value for travelers seeking an authentic East African experience without breaking the bank.
With costs under $35, 5-6 hour durations, and reliable services like Impala, it outshines pricier flights or self-drives. I took the shuttle bus for my return from Arusha to Nairobi during my last visit and totally recommend it!
🦒🦒🦒 Kenya – Tanzania Border Crossing Bus Is Available! ✅
A Great Conclusion To Your Safari Adventure
After all the great safaris in previous days, a safe and reliable return from Arusha to Nairobi left me with a great memory of my East African vacation. In that, I highly recommend the shuttle service to you!
Frequently Asked Questions About Arusha To Nairobi Bus
What is the Arusha to Nairobi distance?
The distance is about 270-280 km by road via Namanga.
How long is the Arusha to Nairobi bus time?
It takes 5-6 hours, including border crossing.
What is the Arusha to Nairobi bus fare?
Fares range from $21-35, depending on the operator.
Is there the cheapest bus from Arusha to Nairobi?
Yes, basic minivans start at $21 via platforms; you may check 12GO for more.
What about the Nairobi Arusha shuttle bus options?
There are multiple departure times on 12GO for selection.
How to handle border crossing on the bus?
You need to get off the bus with your luggage and get on again after the border crossing.
Is driving from Arusha to Nairobi better?
It saves time (3-4 hours) but costs more in fuel and requires border navigation. Also, the road can be dangerous.
Are there flights from Arusha to Nairobi?
Yes, 1-2 hour flights cost over 200 USD.
Can I book the Arusha to Nairobi bus online?
Yes, via 12Go
