Getting to Zanzibar
Everything you need to know about reaching the Spice Islands — by air or by sea.
International Flights
Zanzibar's Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) has expanded significantly in recent years and now receives direct flights from several international hubs. The airport is located approximately 5 km south of Stone Town, making transfers quick and convenient.
Most European and North American travellers connect through Dar es Salaam (DAR), Nairobi (NBO), or Gulf hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul. Direct flights operate year-round from Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul, making these excellent routing options with single-stop convenience from Europe and Asia.
Popular Routes to Zanzibar
| Origin | Airline(s) | Flight Time | Direct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai (DXB) | flydubai / Emirates | ~5.5 hrs | Direct |
| Doha (DOH) | Qatar Airways | ~6 hrs | Direct |
| Istanbul (IST) | Turkish Airlines | ~8 hrs | Direct |
| Johannesburg (JNB) | Airlink / FlySafair | ~4 hrs | Direct |
| Addis Ababa (ADD) | Ethiopian Airlines | ~3 hrs | Direct |
| Nairobi (NBO) | Kenya Airways / Precision | ~1.5 hrs | Direct |
| Dar es Salaam (DAR) | Multiple carriers | ~20 min | Direct |
| London (LHR) | Via Doha / Istanbul / Nairobi | 12-16 hrs | 1-2 stops |
Connecting from Mainland Tanzania
If you're combining a Serengeti or Kilimanjaro safari with Zanzibar, domestic flights connect seamlessly. Multiple daily departures operate from Arusha (ARK), Kilimanjaro (JRO), and Dar es Salaam (DAR) to Zanzibar. Airlines include Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Precision Air. The Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar hop takes just 20 minutes.
Ferry from Dar es Salaam
The ferry crossing from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town is a scenic and affordable option. Azam Marine operates modern, high-speed catamarans with multiple daily departures. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
~2 hours
Duration
$40-50 USD
First Class
4-6 daily
Departures
Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (July-August, December-January). VIP and Business class seats offer air conditioning and comfortable seating. Economy class is more basic but perfectly serviceable for the short crossing.
Airport Transfers & Local Transport
Most luxury hotels and resorts arrange private airport transfers as part of your booking. If arranging your own transport, options include:
Private Transfer
Pre-booked through your hotel or our team. Air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver. The most comfortable and reliable option.
$30-80 depending on distance
Licensed Taxis
Available at the airport exit. Always agree on the fare before departing. Airport to Stone Town costs approximately $10-15 USD.
$10-80 depending on destination
Dala-Dalas (Local Minibuses)
The budget-friendly local transport. Crowded but authentic. Routes connect major towns and beaches. Not recommended with heavy luggage.
$0.50-1.50 per journey
Car & Scooter Hire
Available for independent exploration. International driving permit recommended. Drive on the left. Roads outside main routes can be rough.
From $40/day (car) or $15/day (scooter)
Travel Times Between Key Destinations
Zanzibar is compact — you can reach most beaches within 30-90 minutes from Stone Town.
| Route | Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Airport to Stone Town | 15-20 min |
| Stone Town to Nungwi (north) | 60-75 min |
| Stone Town to Kendwa | 55-70 min |
| Stone Town to Paje (east) | 45-60 min |
| Stone Town to Jambiani | 50-65 min |
| Stone Town to Kizimkazi (south) | 55-70 min |
| Airport to Nungwi | 70-90 min |
| Airport to Paje | 30-40 min |
Our Recommendation
For the smoothest arrival experience, we recommend arranging a private airport transfer through our team. Your driver will meet you at arrivals with a name board, help with luggage, and provide cold water and towels for the journey to your resort. We handle all transfers for our guests at no additional booking fee.