Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Zanzibar
Stone Town is about 15–20 minutes from the airport by taxi. Beach areas such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Jambiani are about an hour away, so most visitors take a taxi or a pre-arranged transfer.
Best for most people: Private transfer. Most hotels are on distant beaches, and a pre-booked transfer avoids haggling and fixes the price.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| taxi Taxis wait outside Arrivals | about 15–20 min to Stone Town; about 60–75 min to Nungwi or Paje | about US$15–25 to Stone Town; about US$40–60 to the east and north coasts | 24 h around flight arrivals | Taxis are not metered; agree the price before you get in. US dollars are widely accepted. | |
| private transfer Hotel pick-up or pre-booked transfer, with the driver waiting in Arrivals | as taxi | similar to or a little above taxi fares | any time, booked in advance | Most beach hotels offer this. | |
| minibus Dala-dala shared minibuses on the main road outside the airport | variable | frequent in daytime | very cheap, paid in Tanzanian shillings | daytime | Crowded, with little space for luggage; better for later trips once settled. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- Zanzibar requires inbound visitors to have its own travel insurance, bought online before arrival; check current rules before you fly.
- Have small US dollar notes (printed in recent years) for taxis and tips.
- Agree taxi fares before loading bags; ask your hotel for a typical price beforehand.
- Roads to the east coast are fine but slow through villages; plan for about an hour.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar airport?
Taxis are not metered, so agree the fare first. A ride to Stone Town typically costs about US$15–25, and trips to Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje or Jambiani about US$40–60. Prices are often quoted in US dollars. A pre-booked transfer through your hotel costs about the same and avoids negotiation.
How long does it take to get to Nungwi or Paje?
Stone Town is about 15–20 minutes from the airport. Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, and Paje and Jambiani on the east coast, take about 60–75 minutes by car. Allow extra time after dark, since roads pass through villages and speed limits are enforced.
Is there public transport from the airport?
Shared minibuses called dala-dalas run on the main road outside the airport, and they are very cheap. However, they are crowded, routes are hard to follow for visitors and there is little space for suitcases. Most travellers take a taxi or a transfer on arrival.
Do I need anything before landing in Zanzibar?
Check visa requirements for Tanzania before you travel; many nationalities can get an e-visa or a visa on arrival. Zanzibar also requires visitors to have its own inbound travel insurance, bought online. Rules change, so confirm them with official sources or your airline shortly before you fly.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.