Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi Distance

515 miles•829 km•16.4 hours

Driving distance and route information from Dar es-Salaam, Tanzaniato Nairobi, Kenya. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

515.07 mi

(828.93 km)

⏱️16h 23m

Via T26 → T35 → T2 → T21

T26 → T35

🔄

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

582.04 mi

(936.71 km)

⏱️18h 57m

Via T26 → T35 → T2 → T13

T26 → T35

📏 Straight-line distance: 418 miles (673 km)

See crow flies distance →

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Complete Driving Guide: Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

515 mi

829 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

16.4 hours

984 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

69 L

$104 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointDar es-Salaam, Coastal Zone

DestinationNairobi, Nairobi County

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed2+ countries

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed51 km/h

Straight-line Distance673 km

Route Efficiency81%

Toll RoadsNo tolls expected

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	515 mi (829 km)	16.4 hours	51 km/h	❌ No
Alternative 1	582 mi (937 km)	18.9 hours	49 km/h	❌ No

Complete Journey Overview: Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi

The road journey from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi spans approximately 515 miles (829 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 16.4 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects Coastal Zone, Tanzania with Nairobi County, Kenya, traversing across international borders between Tanzania and Kenya. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.

The fastest driving route from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi follows the T26 → T35 → T2 → T21 corridor, maintaining an average speed of approximately 51 km/h. This corridor avoids toll roads, keeping out-of-pocket cost limited to fuel and incidentals. Travelers also cross the international border from Tanzania into Kenya; allow time for customs and ensure passports are valid.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

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Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 21 gallons (69 liters) of fuel for this 515 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.

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Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 18.9 hours.

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Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.

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Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.

💰 Cost Estimation Guide

Fuel Cost (approximate)$72

Toll Costs$0

Vehicle Wear & Tear (total, ~$0.25/mi)$129

Total Trip Cost$201

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

16.4 hours

515 miles

✈️

By Plane

0.8 hours flight

673 km direct

🚌

By Bus

21.3 hours

Multiple stops

More routes from Nairobi

View all distances from Nairobi →

Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the driving distance from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

The driving distance from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi is 515 miles (829 km) by the fastest route, which follows T26 → T35 → T2 → T21. The straight-line ("as the crow flies") distance is 673 km — driving distances are typically 20-40% longer than straight-line because roads must navigate around terrain and built environment.

How long does it take to drive from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

The drive from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi takes approximately 16h 23m of continuous driving at an average speed of 51 km/h. With a 15-minute rest stop every two hours, plan on roughly 18.9 hours of total trip time. Add additional time for traffic, weather, or border crossings.

What is the fastest route from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

The fastest driving route from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi is 515 miles (829 km) via T26 → T35 → T2 → T21, taking about 16h 23m. This corridor follows the major highway connection between the two cities and is optimized for travel time.

Are there alternative routes from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

Yes, 2 routing options exist between Dar es-Salaam and Nairobi. Alternatives have similar total distance but use different road segments — useful if the primary corridor has heavy traffic or construction.

Does the route from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi include tolls?

No, the fastest driving route from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi stays on toll-free public roads. Alternative routes may use different segments — check each route's summary above.

How much fuel does it take to drive from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

A standard car at 30 mpg uses approximately 17 gallons (69 liters) of fuel for the 515-mile (829-km) drive from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi. At $3.50 per gallon that is roughly $60 in fuel cost; less efficient vehicles or higher local fuel prices will increase this proportionally.

How do I navigate from Dar es-Salaam to Nairobi?

Use the "Open this route in your nav app" buttons above the journey guide to launch turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze. Each link pre-fills Dar es-Salaam as the origin and Nairobi as the destination, so navigation begins as soon as the app opens.