Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro Airport is a gateway for visitors to fly in and out of Tanzania for Kilimanjaro climbing and safari trips. The airport is just 40 minutes away from the town of Moshi and about an hour away from Arusha City, making it easier for travelers to begin their adventures as soon as they land.

This post will describe everything there’s to know about Kilimanjaro Airport and give you a list of airlines you can utilize. Plus, our personal touches of helpful information will be spread across the sections.

Location And Accessibility
To start things off, we’ll look at Where is Kilimanjaro Airport and the different ways of accessing it. Kilimanjaro International Airport is in Hai, Kilimanjaro region, about 45 kilometers east of Arusha. Here are the different ways you can access the airport:

By Road – The airport is accessible by road from the nearby towns of Moshi and Arusha. It takes around 1 hour to drive from Arusha to the airport, depending on traffic conditions.

Using Shuttle Services – Several tour operators and hotels offer shuttle services to and from Kilimanjaro Airport. These services can be pre-arranged and it’s advised that you check with your accommodation and operator about the availability.

We at African Kaiques offer airport transfers included in your package to and from the Tanzania Destinations you plan to visit.

Terminal Facilities And Amenities
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) offers convenient facilities and amenities to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Here are some key features of the Closest Airport to Kilimanjaro:

Terminal Building – The modern terminal accommodates both domestic and international flights, providing a range of services to meet passenger needs.

Check-in and Security – Multiple check-in counters are available for airlines operating at the airport, with strict security measures in place for passenger safety.

Departure Lounge – Passengers can relax in the departure lounge, which offers seating, shops, and eateries. Comfortable seating, charging points, and free Wi-Fi are provided.

Duty-Free Shopping – Explore duty-free shops offering a variety of products, including local crafts, clothing, accessories, and electronics.

Restaurants and Cafes – Enjoy a meal or snack at the airport's restaurants and cafes, offering a selection of local and international cuisines.

Currency Exchange and Banking – Convenient currency exchange services and ATMs are available for foreign currency conversion and other banking needs.

Car Rental – Various car rental companies have desks at the airport for easy transportation arrangements.

Medical Services – The airport provides medical facilities for minor emergencies, with nearby hospitals or clinics available for more significant medical issues.

Wi-Fi and Internet Access – Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.

Accessibility – Facilities for passengers with disabilities include accessible restrooms, ramps, and designated parking spaces.

Airlines Operating At Kilimanjaro Airport
Many airlines offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) from different international destinations. Here are some of the more popular airlines that operate flights to Kilimanjaro Airport:

NAME OF THE AIRLINE	ORIGIN	FLIGHT SCHEDULE
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	Amsterdam	Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Qatar Airways	Doha	Daily
Turkish Airlines	Istanbul	Monday, Thursday, and Saturday
Ethiopian Airlines	Addis Abba	Daily
RwandAir	Kigali	Daily

Connecting Flights To Kilimanjaro Airport
In addition, here is a list of airlines offering connecting Flights To Kilimanjaro International Airport:

NAME OF THE AIRLINE	CONNECTING CITY
Ethiopian Airlines	Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Turkish Airlines	Istanbul, Turkey
Qatar Airways	Doha, Qatar
KLM	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Kenya Airways	Nairobi, Kenya
Emirates	Dubai, UAE
South African Airways	Johannesburg, South Africa
RwandAir	Kigali, Rwanda

Arrival And Departure Procedures 
The check-in counters at Kilimanjaro International Airport open three hours before departure. They close one hour before international departure and 45 minutes before domestic departure.

All the passengers are advised to bring their confirmed booking ticket and all essential travel documents with them while traveling. There are staff members who will assist you during the check-in process. All your travel documents will be checked along with the luggage weight during check-in.

On-Airport Experience
There are a lot of ground transportation options from Kilimanjaro Airport. Below we’ve described them in detail:

TRANSPORTATION OPTION	DESCRIPTION
Airport Shuttle	Private airport shuttle services are available for hire to various destinations in the region.
Car Rental	Several car rental companies have booths at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
Taxi	Taxis are available outside the terminal building. Fares are negotiable.
Public Transportation	Local mini buses are available outside the airport terminal, but their schedules differ as they await to get full before they begin their journey.

Just outside the premises of Mount Kilimanjaro Airport, there’s a large crowd of drivers waiting to pick up the passengers. We at African Kaiques offer airport transfer services to our guests. They have to be booked ahead of time.

When you book transfers with us, look for the friendly driver holding up a sign with your name on it with the African Scenic Safaris Logo quite visible.
They will help you in carrying your bags and then drive you to the accommodation.

When you are departing Tanzania, it’s advised that you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport a few hours in advance.

After getting your passport and boarding pass, you’ll clear security and enter the common waiting room. There are six gates at Kilimanjaro International Airport and the seating at the gate faces outdoors (because of the glass panel) so that you can see your plane when it arrives.

Some last-minute shopping options are also available at the airport. Adjacent to the common area, there’s a range of shops, including:
- Book Shops
- Garment Shops
- Gemstones and Jewelry Shops
- Souvenir and Snack Shops
- Currency Exchange establishments
- Duty-Free Shops

There are a couple of business class and VIP lounges at the airport. They are available specifically for business class passengers but it’s possible to buy access to these lounges. And yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Tips For Traveling Through Kilimanjaro Airport 
Below we’ll offer you some tips for when you eventually fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and how to get around and travel through.

TIPS	DESCRIPTIONS
Arrive Early	It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before your scheduled departure time.
Carry Proper Identification	Make sure you have valid identification, such as a passport, when travelling through Kilimanjaro Airport.
Check Visa Requirements	Check whether you require a visa to enter Tanzania and obtain one in advance if necessary.
Pack Appropriately	Pack according to the baggage allowance of your airline, and be aware of any restrictions on prohibited items.
Be Aware of Health Risks	Consult your doctor before traveling.
Respect Local Customs	Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly, especially when traveling to religious sites.
Use Reliable Transportation	Use only reliable and licensed taxi services or hire a private car from a reputable company.
Exchange Currency in Advance	Exchange currency in advance or withdraw cash from an ATM. There is also Forex Exchange available within the country.
Learn Basic Swahili Phrases	Learning basic Swahili phrases can help you communicate with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Hotels And Accommodations Near Kilimanjaro Airport 
After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you need someplace to stay to relax and get over your jet lag. Thankfully, there are a lot of accommodations nearby the airport that you can pick from. The following are some of our recommendations:

NAME OF THE ACCOMMODATION	DISTANCE FROM THE AIRPORT
KIA Lodge	1.5 km.
Airport Planet Lodge	2 km.