How to Get to Zanzibar: Complete Transportation Guide

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How to get to Zanzibar is the essential question for travelers planning their journey to this enchanting Spice Island off Tanzania’s coast. Located in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar beckons with turquoise waters, historic Stone Town, and vibrant Swahili culture. This comprehensive guide covers every transportation method for reaching Zanzibar – from international flights to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to scenic ferry crossings from Dar es Salaam. Whether you’re flying directly from Dubai or taking the budget-friendly ferry route, understanding how to get to Zanzibar will ensure your journey to this tropical paradise begins smoothly.

Quick Answer: Reach Zanzibar by flying into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) from hubs like Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, or Amsterdam, or fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam and take a ferry from there. International flights cost $400-900, while ferries from Dar es Salaam cost $35-350+ and take 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Flights to Zanzibar Airport

International Flights to Zanzibar

Flying to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the fastest way to reach Zanzibar, offering aerial views of the Indian Ocean archipelago as you approach Stone Town.

Major International Flight Routes:

From Middle East Hubs:

• Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH): 6.5 hours total flight time
• flydubai via Dubai (DXB): 6 hours total flight time
• Oman Air via Muscat (MCT): Connects to Asia-Pacific routes

From European Cities:

• Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST): 7.5 hours total
• KLM via Amsterdam (AMS): 8+ hours total
• Seasonal charter flights from Rome, Milan, Frankfurt

From African Hubs:

• Kenya Airways from Nairobi (NBO): 1.5 hours direct, $385+ one-way
• Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (ADD): 3 hours, $460-600
• South African Airways connections via Johannesburg (JNB)

Domestic Flights within Tanzania

From Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Dar es Salaam:

• Airlines: Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, ZanAir, Air Tanzania
• Flight Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Cost: $35-100 one-way
• Frequency: Multiple daily flights

From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):

• Flight Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cost: $230-270
• Airlines: Air Tanzania, Flightlink

From Arusha Airport (ARK):

• Flight Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cost: $230-270
• Best For: Safari to beach combinations

Flight Booking Tips for Zanzibar

Best Booking Practices:

• Book Tuesday/Wednesday departures for lower prices
• Advance booking essential during peak season (June-October, December-February)
• Compare total costs including baggage fees for budget airlines
• Use flight comparison tools for best deals

Seasonal Considerations:

• High season: June-October (dry season, higher prices)
• Shoulder season: November-March (moderate prices, good weather)
• Low season: April-May (rainy season, lowest prices)

Ferry Transport to Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Ferry

The ferry route from Dar es Salaam to Stone Town offers a scenic Indian Ocean crossing. Many travelers fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam and take a ferry from there, as this combination often provides more flight options and competitive pricing compared to direct flights to Zanzibar.

Ferry Operators and Schedule:

• Primary Operator: Azam Marine (Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries)
• Alternative: Zan Fast Ferries, Sea Express
• Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Modern Vessels: High-speed catamarans with air conditioning

Airport to Ferry Connection: Julius Nyerere International Airport is approximately 11km from Dar es Salaam ferry terminal, requiring a 20-30 minute taxi ride ($15-20).

Daily Ferry Departures (schedules may vary by season):

Departure Time	Arrival Time
07:00	08:30
10:00	11:30
12:30	14:00
14:00 (last ferry)	15:30

Important: Ferry schedules change seasonally and by operator. Always confirm current departure times when booking, as the last ferry typically departs between 14:00-16:30.

Ferry Ticket Prices and Classes

Ticket Classes:

• Economy Class: $35-77 USD (outdoor deck seating)
• VIP Class: $50-100 USD (air-conditioned indoor cabin)
• Business Class: $60-120 USD (premium comfort)
• Royal Class: $100+ USD (luxury service)

Price Note: Ferry prices vary significantly by season, operator, and demand. Budget travelers can find economy tickets from $35, while peak season and premium classes can cost $100-350+.

Booking Requirements:

• Payment: Foreigners must pay in US dollars
• Documentation: Valid passport required
• Luggage: 25kg standard allowance
• Advance Booking: Recommended 1-2 days ahead during peak season

Additional Ferry Routes to Zanzibar

From Mombasa, Kenya:

• MS Sepideh Ferry: Weekly service to Unguja and Pemba islands
• Journey Time: Approximately 12 hours
• Frequency: Once weekly

From Tanga, Tanzania:

• Route: Tanga to Pemba and Unguja
• Duration: 3-4 hours to Pemba
• Operators: Local ferry services

Ferry Booking and Safety

Booking Channels:

• Official port booking offices in Dar es Salaam
• Online platforms (BookAway, official operator websites)
• Hotel concierge services

Safety Guidelines:

• Use only licensed ferry operators
• Arrive 1 hour before departure with original documents
• Avoid street vendors selling tickets
• Confirm departure times as schedules may change

Zanzibar Visa and Entry Requirements

Tanzania E-Visa for Zanzibar

Zanzibar follows the same visa policy as mainland Tanzania. The visa-on-arrival (VoA) option has been officially phased out as of January 30, 2025. All travelers are now required to obtain an electronic visa (eVisa) in advance of their trip.

Key E-Visa Details:

• No Visa on Arrival: This option is no longer available for most nationals
• Online Application Required: Complete via Tanzania’s official immigration portal
• Processing Time: Generally takes about 10 business days
• Approval Method: Sent by email – must print and bring physical copy

Visa Costs:

• Most Nationalities: $50 USD (single-entry tourist visa, 90-day validity)
• US Citizens: $100 USD (multiple-entry visa, one-year validity)

Required Documents for E-Visa:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond departure date)
• Recent passport photograph
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Return/onward flight ticket
• Bank statement or proof of sufficient funds

Application Timeline: Apply for your eVisa at least two weeks before travel to allow adequate processing time.

Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance (October 2024 Requirement)

Compulsory Insurance: Since October 2024, all travelers to Zanzibar must purchase travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, even if they already have international travel insurance.

Insurance Details:

• Cost: $44 USD per visitor (separate from visa fees)
• Purchase: Official website www.visitzanzibar.go.tz
• Coverage: Medical emergencies, evacuation, repatriation, lost luggage, passport loss
• Validity: Up to 92 days from entry date

Important: This Zanzibar-specific insurance is mandatory regardless of existing travel insurance coverage.

Additional Entry Requirements

Health Documentation:

• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if arriving from high-risk countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, etc.)
• Vaccination Recommendations: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis

Visa-Exempt Countries: Some African and select Commonwealth countries remain visa-exempt for tourism and short stays. Confirm your status before travel with your airline or the Tanzanian Immigration Department if uncertain.

Travel Documentation Checklist:

• Printed eVisa approval notice
• Zanzibar insurance certificate
• Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of accommodation and return flights

Transportation from Zanzibar Airport

Taxi Service from ZNZ Airport

Licensed Zanzibar Airport Taxis:

• Identification: Red license plates for official operators
• Pricing: Unmetered – negotiate fares before departure
• Payment: Tanzanian Shillings or US dollars accepted

Airport Taxi Fares:

• ZNZ Airport to Stone Town: $10-15
• Airport to Nungwi: $50-60
• Airport to Paje: $30-40
• Airport to Kendwa: $50-60

Private Airport Transfers

Hotel Transfer Services:

• Many Zanzibar accommodations offer airport pickup
• Cost: $30-70 depending on destination
• Benefits: Fixed pricing, direct hotel delivery, luggage assistance
• Booking: Arrange through hotel when making reservation

Private Driver Services:

• Half-day with airport pickup: $30-50
• Full-day island tour from airport: $60-100
• Stone Town city tour: $40-70

Public Transport from Zanzibar Airport

Dala-Dala to Stone Town:

• Route: 505 bus to Stone Town center
• Cost: 2,000 TZS ($0.80)
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Schedule: Irregular – departs when full
• Limitations: No luggage storage, crowded conditions

Rental Vehicles at Zanzibar Airport

Car Rental Options:

• Daily Rate: $30-50 plus $10 Zanzibar driving permit
• Requirements: International driving permit mandatory
• Companies: Available at airport arrival area

Alternative Rentals:

• Scooter Rental: $15-30/day (available in Stone Town)
• Bicycle Rental: $5-15/day (hotel/guesthouse arrangements)

Getting Around Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Taxi Services

Licensed Taxi Operations:

• Identification: Red license plates indicate official operators
• Availability: Airport, Stone Town, major hotels, beach areas
• Pricing: Unmetered system – negotiate fares in advance

Common Zanzibar Taxi Fares:

• Stone Town to Nungwi: $30-60
• Stone Town to Paje: $25-50
• Stone Town to Jozani Forest: $20-30
• Stone Town to Spice Tour locations: $25-40
• Cross-island journeys: $40-60

Dala-Dala Local Transport

Zanzibar Public Minibuses:

• Hub: Darajani Market in Stone Town
• Cost: 2,000 TZS ($0.80) per journey
• Payment: Cash to conductor during ride
• Routes: All major Zanzibar destinations

Popular Dala-Dala Routes:

• Stone Town to Nungwi: 1-1.5 hours
• Stone Town to Paje: 1 hour
• Stone Town to Jambiani: 1.5 hours
• Stone Town to Bwejuu: 45 minutes

Vehicle Rental in Zanzibar

Car Rental in Zanzibar:

• Daily Cost: $30-50 plus $10 Zanzibar driving permit
• Requirements: International driving permit mandatory
• Road Conditions: Paved main routes, unpaved rural areas
• Driving: Left-hand traffic, exercise caution

Scooter and Motorbike Rental:

• Cost: $15-30 per day
• Popular Areas: Paje, Jambiani, Nungwi beaches
• Requirements: Motorcycle license, helmet use
• Best For: Beach hopping, short distances

Shared Shuttle Services

Modern Shuttle Transport:

• Stone Town to northern beaches: $5-6
• Stone Town to eastern beaches: $5
• Cross-island routes: $6-8
• Features: Air conditioning, fixed schedules, online booking

Zanzibar Transportation Costs

Flight Costs to Zanzibar

International Flight Prices:

• Europe to Zanzibar: $400-700 round-trip
• Middle East to Zanzibar: $300-600 round-trip
• Africa to Zanzibar: $200-500 round-trip
• North America to Zanzibar: $800-1,200 round-trip

Domestic Tanzania Flights:

• Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: $35-100 one-way
• Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar: $230-270 one-way
• Arusha to Zanzibar: $230-270 one-way

Ferry and Ground Transport Costs

Ferry to Zanzibar Prices:

• Economy Class: $35-77 USD
• VIP Class: $50-100 USD
• Business/Royal Class: $60-350+ USD

Note: Prices vary significantly by season and operator. Peak season (June-October) commands higher prices.

Zanzibar Local Transport Costs:

• Airport taxi to Stone Town: $10-15
• Dala-dala rides: $0.80 per trip
• Car rental: $30-50/day
• Scooter rental: $15-30/day

Book Your Complete Zanzibar Journey

Flight Booking Resources

Find the Best Flight Deals: Use Travel to Alkebulan’s flight search to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms. This specialized Africa travel platform offers:

• Real-time pricing from major international hubs
• Direct connections to Zanzibar and Julius Nyerere International Airport
• Flexible booking options for complex safari + beach itineraries
• Expert local knowledge for route optimization

Premium Accommodation Options

Luxury Resort Recommendation: Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar (rated 4.8/5) represents the pinnacle of Zanzibar luxury. This all-inclusive resort features:

• 30 private villas with plunge pools and sultan lounge beds
• Recent booking prices from $639-1,454 per night
• Award-winning Frangipani Spa with international therapists
• PADI 5-star Gold Palm dive center
• Multiple restaurants serving Arabic, Indian, and Asian cuisine

Find Your Perfect Stay: Browse Zanzibar’s best hotels for curated accommodations across all budget ranges, from boutique guesthouses in Stone Town to beachfront resorts on the east coast.

Getting to Zanzibar opens the door to an extraordinary Indian Ocean adventure. Whether you choose the efficiency of international flights landing at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, the scenic route via ferry from Dar es Salaam, or connections through Julius Nyerere International Airport, each transportation method offers its own rewards. From Stone Town’s UNESCO-protected historical quarters with their aromatic spice markets to pristine coral reefs perfect for diving and snorkeling, your journey to Zanzibar begins the moment you decide how to get there.
Plan your route thoughtfully, considering factors like seasonal weather patterns, your budget, and desired level of comfort. The transportation options to reach Zanzibar cater to every traveler type – from budget backpackers taking the scenic ferry route to luxury travelers preferring direct international flights. Understanding how to get to Zanzibar ensures your tropical paradise adventure starts smoothly and sets the stage for unforgettable experiences on this enchanting Spice Island.