Update (Nov. 2023): Scandinavia Bus ceased to operate many, many years ago.
Table of Contents
(This post was originally written when Scandinavia Bus was still operational. It is the second part of a 3-part series. Here are the links to Part I and Part III .)
If you read Part I of this series, then you are already up to speed on Akamba and the services that it offers on the Nairobi-Kampala route.
Let’s now move on to discuss Scandinavia bus, the better of the two remaining services that I plan to discuss.
Dar es Salaam to Kampala Bus/Bus from Dar es Salaam to Kampala: Scandinavia Bus Tanzania/Scandinavia Buses/Scandinavia Express
Scandinavia bus is a Tanzanian bus service that covers the journey between Nairobi and Kampala as part of its longer Dar-es-Salaam-Kampala route.
Nairobi to Kampala Bus
If you would like to find out more about buses from Nairobi to Kampala, click here.
Bus from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam
1. Bus Companies
Several bus companies operate services between Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Some well-known companies include:
- Dar Express: Dar Express is a popular bus company that operates between various cities in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi.
- Modern Coast Express: Modern Coast is another reputable company offering services between the two cities. (This is my preferred bus service on this route)
- Riverside Shuttle: This is a luxury bus service that also connects Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
2. Departure and Arrival Points
Buses typically depart from major bus terminals in Nairobi, such as the Nairobi Bus Station.
In Dar es Salaam, buses may arrive at different terminals, so it’s important to confirm the specific arrival point with the bus company.
3. Duration of the Journey
The journey time can vary depending on the route taken, road conditions, and other factors. Generally, the bus journey from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam can take approximately 12 to 15 hours, but this can vary.
4. Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the bus company and the class of service (standard, luxury, etc.). It’s advisable to check with the specific bus company for the most accurate and up-to-date information on ticket prices.
5. Booking and Reservations
Bus tickets can be purchased at the bus terminals, through travel agencies, or online through the official websites of the bus companies.
It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times.
6. Border Crossing
Since you are traveling between two countries, be prepared for border crossing procedures. Make sure you have the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport and any required visas.
7. Safety and Comfort
Different bus companies offer varying levels of comfort and safety. Luxury buses may provide amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and refreshments. It’s a good idea to read reviews or ask for recommendations to choose a reliable and comfortable service.
Buses from Kampala to Dar es Salaam/Kampala to Dar es salaam Bus Price
Due to COVID-19 and the differences between how Uganda and Tanzania tackled the pandemic, the buses plying these routes dwindled significantly, though some operators do still operate on this route.
In 2021, a one-way ticket from Kampala to Dar es Salaam with Friends Bus cost Ush. 180,000/- and a one way ticket from Dar es Salaam to Kampala cost Tsh. 160,000/-.
Photo Credit: João Leitão
Missy…. you make me want to travel by bus again!!!! but i have still jammed. I think my issue with Scandi is the expense… i feel that the level of comfort is not in line with the cost! also the time it takes to make the journey, no amout of cmfort that i am paying for is worth the money i spend on thse guys. Plus they are always fully booked is this a ruse on their part????? Anyways in all Scandinavia has never been my bus of choise i would always rather go with Royal. Do they have aircon now days? that would make life so much easier. I remember the first trip i took with Scandi (are comments meant to be this long???) anyways yeah we took a trip to Dar by Scandinavia with the girls (BFC). It was all new and Hip esp when u know you have a place of convinience on the bus and then hey hand you a drink and a snack…. do they still do that? coz Royal i think also gives you water. Anyways after Nairobi their aircon suddenly died!!!!! we were too bored when we realised it later in the day when the windows were closed and we were just suffocating and stressed from the hit and air in the bus. this is when they were still new mind. Then later on in the years i think someone mentioned that they had brought new busses that didn’t have restrooms on board. I just wrote off the guys. Akamba royal mind had it’s fair share of problems as well. It broke down some time i was on it and i ended up being shifted to the Malaba bus (the only free seats were at the back of the bus….. I was so so so so pissed!)No one bothered to apologise. Some months later the bus broke down with both my parents on board. That is when i wrote them off completely. But if you say then now have new buses i may be convinced to try them…I doubt my Dad will tho!
Hi Ju,
It’s nice to see that you are still reading ChickAboutTown. Ha, ha…I so hear your frus about traveling by bus. Think about it though, when the air ticket is not being paid for by someone else (i.e. an employer), traveling by bus is a great way to make this trip. Now, to address some of the issues you raised:
I feel about Scandinavia the way you do when I am coming from Nairobi. Somehow, after a hectic stay in Kampala where I have been running around all over the place, the comfort does seem worth the cost, especially that I like to travel at night and that Royal doesn’t operate at night.
Both Royal and Scandinavia have air con and I have never seen it go down, though I am not overly shocked by your story. 🙂
The dishing out of snacks is a hoax on both services. Do you remember a time (around the late 90s – early 2000s) when a ticket on Akamba Royal would include a lunch voucher redeemable in Kisumu? Now that’s what I call providing food and/or refreshments. Without going into detail, nothing served in Akamba Royal or Scandinavia is edible as far as I am concerned.
Thank God that Scandinavia no longer allows uses of its toilets (or buys busses with toilets) because these had begun to stink! Sitting in the back rows had become hell because of the stench. Luckily, that no longer seems to be a problem.
About new busses – in the past year or so, I have often ridden in Royal busses when I have paid for the executive service. It seems to me as though Akamba has an influx of these types of busses, which seem in better condition than the rest of their fleet.
I remember the times you mention when every Akamba trip would involve breakdowns that would translate into crazy travel times. I think the time your parents’ bus broke down was the most severe occasion I’d heard of. Do you remember how long it took them to get to Kampala? I think they arrived at 1pm instead of the expected 5pm. Wow!
Ju, thanks for letting us know your two cents worth about traveling by bus on this route. Like me, I know you have your share of experience on this route. 🙂
Hope to hear more from you again soon.
Biche
I WANT TO TRAVEL FROM UGANDA TO SOUTH AFRICA BY SCANAVIA BUS
Hi Stephen,
Welcome to Chick About Town! Unfortunately, Scandinavia Bus is no longer operational. How about you take Modern Coast Bus from Kampala to Dar es Salaam, then take the TAZARA train from Dar es Salaam to Zambia? I am not sure how you would connect from Zambia to South Africa, but I am sure this can be done by road/land.
What an interesting trip you are planning! Please let me know how you do it if/when you eventually do.
Biche