
TAZARA Railway Station
A historic 1860km railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia, offering a unique adventure through Africa's heart.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trains are rarely on time.

TAZARA Railway Station
Best Time
Trains are rarely on time.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1860km railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia, offering a unique adventure through Africa's heart.
"Embrace the journey, not the schedule; delays are part of the TAZARA adventure!"

⏳ Expect Significant Delays
Journeys can take much longer than scheduled. Build buffer time into your plans!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Smart
Buy water and snacks at stops; train food is pricier.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The TAZARA Line Itself
A historic 1860km railway connecting Dar es Salaam to Zambia, built with Chinese aid.

Dar es Salaam Station Architecture
Dar es Salaam
Impressive traditional Swahili architecture at the main station.

Cross-Continental Adventure
Experience a unique journey through diverse landscapes and cultures across two African nations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Journey, Not the Schedule
Pack Smart for Extended Travel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Expect Significant Delays
Journeys can take much longer than scheduled. Build buffer time into your plans!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Smart
Buy water and snacks at stops; train food is pricier.
🛏️ Consider 1st Class Sleeper
Recommended for comfort if your journey extends to multiple nights.
🤝 Make New Friends
Fellow travelers can be great company during long delays.
Train traveling experiences
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Expect Significant Delays
Journeys can take much longer than scheduled. Build buffer time into your plans!
💧 Stay Hydrated & Snack Smart
Buy water and snacks at stops; train food is pricier.
🛏️ Consider 1st Class Sleeper
Recommended for comfort if your journey extends to multiple nights.
🤝 Make New Friends
Fellow travelers can be great company during long delays.
🎟️ Keep Your Ticket
Ask to keep your ticket as a souvenir from Dar es Salaam.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers praise the TAZARA Railway for its unique adventure and cultural immersion, despite significant and frequent delays. The historic line offers a glimpse into local life and diverse landscapes, making it a memorable experience for those who embrace slow travel. However, the state of some cabins and the unreliability of schedules are noted drawbacks.
"If you are local, please make sure you account for possible delays!
The train departed Mbeya on Thursday, 04:00 AM, 14 hours after it was supposed to leave on Wednesday, 14:00. It was supposed to arrive in Dar es Salaam on Thursday at 12:10 PM, however we were delayed and arrived at 04:30 AM on Saturday! What was scheduled to be a 22 hour journey took 50 hours. I was 100% prepared for this however, as so should you be.
1st Class Sleeper cost 50,000 which I would recommend if you end up sleeping 3 nights on the train like I did. Food is available and costs between 5,000 and 7,000 per meal. If you don't have much money, the train makes frequent and extended stops in towns and villages where you can buy much cheaper food and drink, it easy to get dehydrated so make sure you are drinking and buying plenty of water.
Lastly, make some friends! When the train is inevitably delayed for 20+ hours, you will have nothing to rely on except the good company of your fellow travellers. Keep each other and your luggage safe. If you are travelling here from other countries (Europe, America, Asia, etc) I could not recommend this more. Yes you will be tired, sleepy, and a bit sweaty afterwards but you won't find experiences like this anywhere else. Good luck!"
Sam Morse-Brown
"Book the Tazara train only when you are not on a strict schedule since the train is bound to delay. I loved the food on the train. It was very delicious. What I didn’t like was the state of the cabins. They surely can improve. The train ride was to take 24hrs from Mbeya to Dar Es Salaam but we ended up taking 29/30hrs. It was a long painful ride."
Abwire Ojiambo
"Enormous train station with traditional Swahili architecture. Pretty close to both the airport and central Dar es Salaam.
Note of advice: if Dar is the last stop on your TAZARA journey, although they normally take the ticket from you, if you ask to keep it, you can normally keep it as a souvenir!"
Sean Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
TAZARA Railway Station is conveniently located close to both the airport and central Dar es Salaam. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to reach the station.
While specific bus routes can vary, the station's central location means it's generally accessible via local public transport options within Dar es Salaam. It's advisable to ask locals for the most current routes.
The TAZARA Railway is the primary train route connecting Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. The journey is long and prone to significant delays, so it's best suited for those who enjoy slow travel.
The scheduled journey is around 22-24 hours, but actual travel times can be much longer, often extending to 30-50 hours or more due to frequent delays.
Like any major transport hub, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be booked at the station. Some sources mention services that can help you secure tickets for different classes. It's crucial to book in advance if possible, but be aware that schedules are not always reliable.
The TAZARA train offers various classes, including 1st Class Sleeper, which is recommended for longer journeys or if you anticipate significant delays.
A 1st Class Sleeper ticket from Mbeya to Dar es Salaam costs around 50,000 TZS. Prices can vary depending on the route and class.
While it might be possible, it's advisable to book in advance if you can, especially if you have specific class preferences. Be prepared for potential schedule changes.
There is typically no entrance fee to access the TAZARA Railway Station. Fees are associated with purchasing train tickets for travel.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main station in Dar es Salaam features impressive traditional Swahili architecture. It's a large station that serves passengers traveling to various destinations, including Mbeya, Morogoro, and all the way to Zambia.
While specific amenities can vary, you can expect booking services and potentially waiting areas. It's advisable to bring your own entertainment and comfort items due to the nature of the journeys.
Absolutely! The TAZARA Railway offers a unique opportunity to capture diverse landscapes and cultural scenes. The journey itself, from the station's architecture to the passing scenery, is very photogenic.
Embrace the delay as part of the adventure! Connect with fellow travelers, explore nearby areas during extended stops, and ensure you have provisions.
Yes, if Dar es Salaam is your final stop, you can often ask to keep your ticket as a souvenir, even after it's collected.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food is available on the train, with meals typically costing between 5,000 and 7,000 TZS.
The train makes frequent and extended stops in towns and villages where you can purchase much cheaper food and drinks.
Reviews suggest the food on the train is delicious. However, it's always a good idea to supplement with your own snacks and water.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally recommended, especially to save money and ensure you have preferred items.
While the station is a hub for travel, dedicated dining facilities might be limited. It's best to rely on food available on the train or at stops along the route.
📸 📸 Photography
The traditional Swahili architecture of the station itself is a prime subject. Look for interesting angles of the trains, platforms, and the bustling activity.
You can capture diverse landscapes, rural villages, local life, and the unique experience of African train travel. The journey is a visual story.
Generally, yes, but be mindful of other passengers' privacy and avoid taking photos in sensitive areas. Always be aware of your surroundings.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially of individuals without their consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking 1st Class Sleeper cabins for more space and comfort, which can be crucial for children needing rest. While the journey is long, it can be an educational experience, offering children a unique glimpse into different cultures and landscapes. Encourage them to interact with other passengers and observe the world passing by.
💰 Budget Travelers
The key to budget travel on the TAZARA is to leverage the frequent stops for food and drinks. Stock up on local snacks and beverages from markets in towns and villages along the route, as these will be much more affordable than purchasing from the train vendors. Embrace the adventure and the opportunity to interact with locals during these stops.
🌍 Adventure Seekers
Embrace the unexpected! The TAZARA is a journey that rewards patience and an open mind. Be prepared for anything, from fascinating conversations with fellow passengers to impromptu stops in remote villages. This is your chance to experience a side of Africa that few tourists get to see, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The TAZARA Railway: A Historic Link
Traveling on the TAZARA is often described as an adventure through the heart of Africa. The journey offers a unique perspective on the continent's diverse landscapes, from the coastal plains of Tanzania to the inland plateaus of Zambia. Along the way, the train makes stops in numerous towns and villages, providing glimpses into local life and opportunities to purchase fresh produce and snacks. This slow travel experience allows passengers to truly immerse themselves in the journey, making it a memorable part of any trip to the region.
However, it's essential to understand that the TAZARA is not known for its punctuality. Significant delays are common, and journeys can take considerably longer than scheduled. This unpredictability is a key characteristic of the TAZARA experience. Travelers are advised to pack patience, flexibility, and a good book, as the journey is as much about the experience of slow travel and unexpected encounters as it is about reaching the destination.
Navigating TAZARA Train Travel: Tips from the Community
When it comes to comfort, 1st Class Sleeper cabins are often recommended, especially if you anticipate spending multiple nights on the train due to delays. While food is available on board and is described as delicious, it can be pricey. A smart strategy is to stock up on water and snacks during the train's frequent stops in towns and villages, where prices are much lower. This not only saves money but also ensures you have a good supply of essentials.
Finally, for those interested in souvenirs, a unique tip is to ask to keep your ticket if Dar es Salaam is your final stop. Even after it's collected, station staff may allow you to keep it as a memento of your TAZARA journey. This adds a personal touch to the memories of this iconic railway line.



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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit