In 2024, Dar es Salaam's traffic landscape is dominated by car usage, accounting for nearly 78% of all commutes. Despite the high reliance on cars, walking and bus travel also play significant roles in the city's transportation system.

Average Commute Times

The average commute involves a driving time of approximately 22.78 minutes, with a total commute time of 29.33 minutes over a distance of 7.56 km.
  • Bus - Bus commuters spend about 30 minutes on the bus, with additional walking and waiting times, covering a distance of 5 km.
  • Car - Car users experience a driving time of around 28.57 minutes, traveling a distance of 7.57 km.
  • Walking - Walking commuters spend about 25 minutes on foot, covering a distance of 10 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Car
78%
Walking
11%
Bus
11%
Seasonal Trends

Traffic congestion tends to worsen during the rainy season due to road conditions. Holiday periods see a slight reduction in traffic as many residents travel out of the city.

Commuter Pain Points

Frequent traffic jams during peak hours lead to extended commute times. Limited public transportation options increase reliance on private vehicles.

Best Travel Times

Traveling before 7 AM or after 7 PM can help avoid the worst of the traffic congestion. Midday travel is generally smoother, with fewer vehicles on the road.

Event Impacts

Public events and festivals often lead to road closures and increased traffic in certain areas. Planning alternative routes during such events can help mitigate delays.

Sustainability Efforts

The city is exploring initiatives to expand bus rapid transit systems to reduce car usage. Efforts are underway to improve pedestrian infrastructure, encouraging walking as a viable commuting option.

Ride-Sharing Impact

Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible commuting options and reducing the need for personal car ownership. These services help alleviate parking issues and can contribute to reduced traffic congestion.

Traffic Data

The following traffic data has been gathered from 9 user contributions.
Overall average travel
Distance
4.7 miles
Walking
3.0 mins
Waiting
0.2 mins
Driving Car
22.8 mins
Bus / Trolley
3.3 mins
Total:
29.3 mins
Average when primarily using Bus
Distance
3.1 miles
Walking
2.0 mins
Waiting
2.0 mins
Bus / Trolley
30.0 mins
Total:
34.0 mins
Average when primarily using Car
Distance
4.7 miles
Driving Car
28.6 mins
Total:
28.6 mins
Average when primarily using Walking
Distance
6.2 miles
Walking
25.0 mins
Driving Car
5.0 mins
Total:
30.0 mins
Dar es Salaam Traffic

"Key Takeaways"

Encouraging the use of public transportation and non-motorized transport could help reduce CO2 emissions and traffic inefficiencies.

Investing in infrastructure improvements for buses and pedestrian pathways may enhance overall commute experiences.

Key Indexes

Emissions

Dar es Salaam has a high CO2 emission index of 6192.22, primarily due to the heavy reliance on cars.

Efforts to reduce emissions could focus on promoting alternative transportation methods.

Time

The time index indicates significant delays, with an average time expenditure index of 83.17.

Traffic congestion is a notable issue, contributing to increased commute times.

Inefficiency

The inefficiency index stands at 105.43, highlighting the need for improved traffic management.

Reducing car dependency could alleviate some of the inefficiencies in the city's traffic system.