🚆 Trains
Dar es Salaam → Mwanza via Isaka
TRC (central line)
The classic overnight ride across the heart of Tanzania.
The central line is the old East African railway, and the Dar es Salaam to Mwanza service is its great survivor: an overnight crawl through Morogoro, Dodoma and Tabora's palm savanna, then a branch line up to the Lake Victoria shore at Mwanza. Parts of the route now ride on brand-new SGR track as far as Isaka before transferring to the metre gauge - a strange and charming hybrid of eras. Waking to mist over the lake as the train rolls into Mwanza is worth the slow night, and it saves a hotel bill and a bumpy two-day bus ride.
- Operator
- TRC (central line)
- Frequency
- 2x weekly
- Typical duration
- 12-14 hours
- Price range
- $15-45
- Luggage
- About 30 kg; extra by arrangement
Service classes
Booking information
☎ Book at the central railway station in Dar es Salaam a few days in advance; sleeper berths go first. Bring your passport for ticketing.
Good to know
Overnight in a sleeper is the most restful option; economy seats recline but lights stay on. Bring warm layers - the lake region gets cool at night - plus water and breakfast supplies. At Isaka there is a gauge change; stay near your seat as luggage is moved between trains.
Times and fares are curated guidelines, not a live timetable. Always
confirm before you travel.