Most visitors to Zanzibar arrive at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, close to Stone Town. From there, the drive to your hotel can take anything from a quarter of an hour to well over an hour, depending on which part of the island you are staying in. This guide gives approximate travel times so you can plan your arrival day, and explains how to book a pick-up in advance.
Approximate transfer times from Zanzibar airport
| Destination | Approximate drive time |
|---|---|
| Stone Town | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Kiwengwa | About 1 hour |
| Paje | 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Michamvi | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Matemwe | About 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Nungwi and Kendwa | 1 hour 15 minutes or a little more |
These times are a guide. Traffic in and around Stone Town, road works and the time of day can all add to the journey, so allow extra time if you have an onward connection or a restaurant booking on the same day.
The island is bigger than it looks on the map
Zanzibar is a long island, and the beach areas are spread along the north and east coasts. If you are choosing where to stay, remember that a hotel in the north or south-east means a longer first and last day. If you plan to do many day tours, a base closer to Stone Town can save time, while the northern beaches suit travellers who want to stay put.
How to book an airport transfer
You can check the price for your route and book on our Transfers page. Choose the pick-up point and your destination, add the number of passengers and luggage, enter the date and time, and send your contact details. The page lists routes from the airport to areas including Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Kiwengwa and Michamvi, and several others along the coast.
What to have ready when you book
- Your arrival date and flight time
- Your flight number
- The name and area of your hotel
- The number of passengers and the amount of luggage
- A phone number or WhatsApp number you will have with you on arrival
Tips for your arrival day
- Allow time at the airport. Immigration and baggage collection can take a while when several flights land together.
- Check your entry requirements. Visa rules depend on your nationality and can change, so confirm them with the official Tanzania Immigration website or your nearest embassy before you travel.
- Carry some cash. The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, and it helps to have a little for small purchases.
- Dress for the heat. Zanzibar is warm and humid all year, but it is also a mostly Muslim island, so it is polite to cover your shoulders and knees away from the beach.
Leaving Zanzibar
For your departure, plan to be at the airport about three hours before an international flight, and allow extra time if you are travelling from the north of the island or at a busy time of day. Check your flight time and confirm your pick-up the day before. The booking form on our Transfers page has a return date and time, so you can arrange both journeys at once.
Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide to where to stay in Zanzibar.
Planning tours around your arrival
If you land early and want to use the day, a relaxed first outing such as the Stone Town city tour or a sunset dhow cruise works well. See all our Zanzibar day tours, and read about the best time to visit Zanzibar before you choose your dates.
Questions about your route?
If your hotel is not on the list, or you are travelling in a larger group, send us a message or write on WhatsApp and we will help.
