Logistics to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam
The two corridors
| Northern Corridor | Central Corridor | |
|---|---|---|
| Port | Mombasa, Kenya | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Distance to Kigali | 1,682 km | 1,495 km |
| Road freight to Kigali | USD 3,500 (2025) | USD 3,480 per container (2023) |
| Road freight from Kigali to the port | USD 3,000 (2025) | — |
| Rate per km | USD 2.08 | About USD 2.33 |
| Transit time to Kigali | 147 hours by GPS, 184 hours by customs records | 4.1 days, about 98 hours |
Source: Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority: Northern Corridor Transport Observatory report 2025; Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency: Central Corridor Transport Observatory annual report 20231,2
Northern Corridor rates are from the 2025 Transport Observatory report; the latest Central Corridor report covers 2023. Rates are averages reported by transporters and freight agents, and actual quotes depend on the load, the season and return cargo.
At the port of Mombasa
- Average dwell time for containerised imports was 106.7 hours in 2025, against a target of 48 hours.
- Transit cargo has 15 days of free storage.
- Stevedoring costs USD 110 for a 20-foot and USD 165 for a 40-foot container.
- Kenya’s standard gauge railway runs 592 km from Mombasa to Naivasha via Nairobi. Rail to Naivasha costs from USD 650 for a 20-foot container.
Planning a supply chain
- Compare quotes on both corridors: rates are close, and the Central Corridor is shorter.
- Allow for port dwell time, border formalities and the return trip, not just road transit.
- Check how quotes allow for diesel, whose price rose by about half in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to bring a container from Mombasa?
About USD 3,500 to Kigali in 2025, in about six days over 1,682 km.
And from Dar es Salaam?
An average of USD 3,480 in 2023, in about four days over 1,495 km.
Are these rates fixed?
No. They are averages reported by transporters and freight agents. Actual quotes depend on the load, the season and return cargo.
Sources
- Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority: Northern Corridor Transport Observatory report 2025
- Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency: Central Corridor Transport Observatory annual report 2023
- The New Times: Transport fares remain unchanged as diesel price increases
Figures checked 8 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
