Tanzania SGR Railway Guide: Dar es Salaam to Dodoma Route & Travel Tips

The launch of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connecting Dar es Salaam to Dodoma has revolutionized travel between Tanzania’s two major cities, offering a convenient same-day round-trip alternative to flights. Currently operating with just two daily departures—an early morning 6:00 AM service and an evening 6:00 PM option—travelers planning a day trip must catch the sunrise express.

This punctual morning train makes two brief stops en route, arriving in Dodoma around 10:00 AM, though occasional delays may occur when yielding to oncoming trains from the capital.

Step aboard to discover surprisingly well-maintained carriages, despite their second-hand origins from South Korea. While the overall journey delivers a decent experience, passengers should prepare for intermittent cabin power outages and unexpected braking jolts. In terms of comfort and speed, it sits comfortably between China’s express trains and their advanced Harmony bullet trains—a promising preview of what future Chinese-built rail services might offer Tanzania.

Dubbed Tanzania’s answer to the “Beijing-Shanghai” express, this vital artery links the nation’s economic powerhouse with its political heart. As the newest transport sensation, trains fill quickly—smart travelers secure their online tickets at least 72 hours in advance. Present your printed A4 boarding pass (plenty of online guides detail the booking process) and prepare for a unique travel experience.

Important travel tip: Immigration officers at both terminals conduct thorough passport and visa checks before boarding. Those with expired documents should consider alternative transport options to avoid complications. The railway’s strict compliance with immigration policies ensures smooth operations but leaves no room for expired paperwork.