How to Get to Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is a tropical island located off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa. You can get to Zanzibar by flying directly to the island or by taking a ferry from mainland Tanzania. It’s easy, safe, and well-connected to both international and regional destinations.
Whether you’re arriving from overseas or traveling from a safari in Tanzania, here’s how to get to Zanzibar the right way.
Fly to Zanzibar
Fly Direct to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Zanzibar’s main airport is located near Stone Town, the capital. Many travelers arrive here directly from international cities or from the Tanzanian mainland.
Direct International Flights to Zanzibar
You can fly directly to Zanzibar from cities such as:
- Doha : Qatar Airways
- Dubai : Fly Dubai
- Istanbul : Turkish Airlines
- Amsterdam : KLM (seasonal)
- Rome or Milan : Charter airlines
- Nairobi : Kenya Airways and Precision Air
These flights are great if you’re coming from Europe, the Middle East, or East Africa.
Domestic Flights to Zanzibar from Tanzania
If you’re already in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or near Mount Kilimanjaro, you can take a short domestic flight to Zanzibar.
- From Dar es Salaam (DAR): 20-minute flight
- From Arusha or Kilimanjaro: 1.5 to 2 hours
Domestic airlines that fly to Zanzibar:
- Air Tanzania
- Precision Air
- Coastal Aviation
- ZanAir
- Auric Air
This is the fastest and most convenient option if you’re on safari in Tanzania.
Take the Ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
If you’re already in Dar es Salaam, you can take a high-speed ferry across to Zanzibar.
Ferry details:
- Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Departure: Dar es Salaam Ferry Terminal
- Arrival: Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Stone Town)
- Ferry company: Azam Marine (most trusted option)
Ferry ticket prices (approximate):
- Economy Class: $35 USD
- Business Class: $40–$50 USD
- VIP Class: $60 USD
Buy tickets only from official vendors at the terminal or online to avoid scams.
Which Travel Option Is Best?
| Route | Best For | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct international flight | Travelers coming from outside Africa | 5–10 hours | $$$ |
| Domestic flight from Dar or Arusha | Safari-goers or regional tourists | 20 min – 2 hrs | $$ |
| Ferry from Dar es Salaam | Budget travelers already in Dar | 2 hours | $ |
Getting to Zanzibar from Popular Places
- From Dar es Salaam: Quick flight (20 min) or ferry (2 hrs)
- From Arusha / Serengeti / Kilimanjaro: Domestic flight (1.5–2 hrs)
- From Nairobi, Kenya: Direct flight (1.5 hrs) with Kenya Airways or connecting flight via Dar
- From Europe or the Middle East: Direct flights from Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Amsterdam
Final Travel Tips
- Visa: Many nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online for a Tanzanian e-visa.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if you’re coming from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country.
- Plan ahead in peak season: (June–October & December–February) – Flights and ferries can sell out early.
