Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport is often abbreviated as KIA, but its official airport code is JRO. It’s a relatively small airport terminal, however due to having a long and modern runway and being located in a sparsely populated area, it can handle planes as large as 747s.

Location

KIA is located in Tanzania, about 30 minute drive from Arusha and 45 minute drive from Moshi, which sits at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Which airlines fly there?

Currently KLM, and British Airways are the only major international carriers that fly directly into Kilimanjaro, You can also get regional flights on Ethiopian Air, Kenya Airways, and South African.

Visas

If you are coming from North America or Europe, you’ll need a visa to enter Tanzania. As of late 2007 it’s fairly easy to obtain your visa at the border crossing from Kenya or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport at a cost of US$50 for a 3-month visa. But this situation could change with no notice so to be safe you could arrange for your visa in advance from the Kenyan Embassy in your home country.

Official website for Tanzania Embassy in the US
Official website for Tanzania Embassy in the UK

Transportation from the airport

If you book your Kilimanjaro climb or safari in advance, the outfitter will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel or into town. If you are winging it you’ll probably have to take a taxi to either Moshi or Arusha at a cost of between US$25 – $40. Buses are rarely found at the airport, but if you walked 8 km out to the main road you might be able to flag one down for a trip costing around US$2 into either town. With taxis in Tanzania it’s always a good idea to negotiate the price before you get in the car.

Services at KIA

• Money exchange
• Duty Free shop
• Business Class lounge
• An AAR registered clinic
• VIP lounge
• Shopping arcade
• Restaurant
• 4-star airport hotel