Tanzania Toll Roads Complete Guide: Nyerere Bridge, Rates & Payment 2025
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Tanzania Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Single toll plaza with bundle payment options
Coverage: Nyerere Bridge (Kigamboni Bridge) in Dar es Salaam only
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Technology: Manual toll collection with electronic bundle system
Operators: National Social Security Fund (NSSF) - 60%, Government - 40%
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Tanzania? 2025 Update
Yes, but only if you cross the Nyerere Bridge (Kigamboni Bridge) in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania currently operates just one toll plaza in the entire country, making it one of the most limited toll systems in Africa.
Key Reality: The Nyerere Bridge is Tanzania's first and only toll road infrastructure. If you're traveling within Dar es Salaam and need to cross to Kigamboni district, this is the fastest route but requires toll payment.
2025 Update: The government has significantly reduced toll fees (by about 50%) and introduced bundle payment options including daily, weekly, and monthly passes to make crossing more affordable for regular commuters.
Tanzania Toll Costs: Current Rates
Tanzania operates a single toll plaza on the Nyerere Bridge connecting Dar es Salaam city center to Kigamboni district. The bridge offers reduced rates with bundle payment options introduced in 2022.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Per Trip | Daily Pass | Weekly Pass | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles (Bodaboda) | 300 TZS | 500 TZS | 2,000 TZS | 5,000 TZS |
| Three-wheelers (Bajaj/Rickshaw) | 500 TZS | 3,000 TZS | 10,000 TZS | 20,000 TZS |
| Saloon Cars (Private vehicles) | 1,500 TZS | 2,500 TZS | 12,000 TZS | 35,000 TZS |
| Buses/Commercial vehicles | 5,000 TZS* | Varies | Varies | Varies |
*Before 2022 reduction. Commercial bus rates were significantly reduced from previous levels.
Bridge Specifications
Length: 680 meters (main bridge) + 2.5km approach roads
Capacity: 6 lanes (3 each direction) + 2 pedestrian/cyclist lanes
Toll Plaza: 14 controlled lanes (7 each direction)
Construction Cost: $135 million (313.5 billion TZS) - financed domestically
How to Pay Tanzania Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods at Nyerere Bridge:
1. Cash Payment:
- Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) accepted at all toll lanes
- Manual toll booths with attendants
- Per-trip payment for occasional users
2. Bundle Subscriptions:
- Daily passes: Unlimited crossings for one day
- Weekly passes: Significant savings for regular commuters
- Monthly passes: Maximum savings for residents
- Available through NSSF bridge portal system
3. Prepaid Options:
- Online portal: bridge-portal.nssf.go.tz
- Vehicle registration required for bundle subscriptions
- Mobile payment integration in development
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types for Tanzania's Nyerere Bridge, use TollGuru Tanzania toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Toll Reduction (2022-2025):
- Toll fees reduced by approximately 50% following public outcry
- Motorcycle fees cut from 600 TZS to 300 TZS per trip
- Daily passes introduced to benefit regular commuters
- Bundle payment system launched May 2022
Revenue Performance:
- 66.8 billion TZS collected in first six years (2016-2022)
- Traffic congestion during peak hours continues
- Bridge successfully paying for maintenance and operations
- 25-30 year concession period for cost recovery
Operational Improvements:
- Electronic toll collection system upgrades planned
- Online portal for bundle subscriptions operational
- Traffic management improvements during rush hours
- Alternative ferry service continues from Kivukoni
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Single crossing: 300-1,500 TZS depending on vehicle type
- Daily commuters: Bundle passes offer significant savings
- Peak hours: 7-9 AM (to city), 5-7 PM (from city) - expect delays
- Weekend travel: Generally lighter traffic, same toll rates
Alternative Options:
- Kivukoni Ferry: Free but slower, weather dependent
- No other bridge connections to Kigamboni exist
- Flying to Julius Nyerere Airport: Bridge provides direct access
- Long-term stays: Monthly passes most economical
Travel Tips:
- Carry exact change for smoother toll payment
- Consider bundle passes for multiple daily crossings
- Bridge offers excellent views of Dar es Salaam harbor
- Speed limit strictly enforced (25 km/h on bridge)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any other toll roads in Tanzania?
No, the Nyerere Bridge is currently Tanzania's only toll road infrastructure. All other bridges and highways in the country are free to use.
Can I avoid paying the toll?
Yes, you can use the traditional Kivukoni ferry service which is free but slower and subject to weather conditions. However, if you need to reach Kigamboni by vehicle, the bridge is the only direct route.
How do bundle passes work?
Bundle passes allow unlimited crossings within the purchased period (daily, weekly, or monthly). You register your vehicle through the NSSF portal system and can cross multiple times without additional payment during the valid period.
Are electronic payments available?
Currently, payments are primarily cash-based at toll booths, with bundle subscriptions available through the online portal. Electronic toll collection systems are being developed for future implementation.
Why does Tanzania have only one toll road?
The Nyerere Bridge was built as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project requiring cost recovery through tolls. Most other infrastructure in Tanzania is government-funded and remains toll-free. This bridge was the first experiment with toll road financing in the country.
Tanzania vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Single toll plaza | 300-1,500 TZS | One bridge only |
| Kenya | Electronic highway tolls | 100-420 KES | Nairobi Expressway |
| Uganda | Electronic expressway | 5,000-15,000 UGX | Kampala-Entebbe route |
| South Africa | Extensive toll network | R15-150 per section | Major highways |
| Nigeria | Mixed toll system | 200-2,000 NGN | Federal highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Official Resources:
- NSSF Bridge Portal: bridge-portal.nssf.go.tz - Bundle subscription system
- National Social Security Fund (NSSF) - Bridge operator (60% stake)
- Tanzania Ministry of Works and Transport - Regulatory oversight
Regional Toll Information:
- Kenya Nairobi Expressway - East African neighbor toll system
- Uganda Kampala-Entebbe Expressway - EAC regional comparison
- South Africa Toll Roads - SADC comprehensive toll network
- Nigeria Tolls - African continental comparison
Emergency Contacts:
- Bridge Emergency Services: Available 24/7 at toll plaza
- Tanzania Police Traffic Division: 112 (emergency number)
- NSSF Customer Service: General inquiries about bridge operations
