Transportation from Zanzibar Airport to City Center
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport offers convenient transportation options to the city center, which is about a 20-minute drive away. The most common modes of transport include taxis, buses, and car rental services.
Taxis are readily available at the airport exit. These taxis usually operate on fixed rates, providing a comfortable journey to the city center. If you choose to take a taxi, it's advisable to agree on the fare with the driver beforehand.
Alternatively, there are buses that run from the airport to the city center. Buses offer an economical option and stop at designated points along the way. Additionally, car rental services are available at the airport, ideal for those who prefer more flexibility in their travel around the city.
To reach Zanzibar City Center from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, travelers can use local buses known as "dala dalas." These buses are typically converted trucks or minibuses. Buses from the airport's Terminal 2 go to Darajani Market/Bazaar, which is the Dala-Dala Terminus. From Terminals 2 and 3, it's possible to walk to the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel & Spa and catch a bus from there to Stone Town.
The Dala-Dala Terminus is situated on the outskirts of Zanzibar City Center and provides transportation to various east coast destinations on the island, such as Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Paje, and Jambiani. The destination is usually written on the front of the bus. The journey from the airport to Darajani Market takes about 30 minutes. Tickets are sold on the bus by an attendant next to the driver, and it's important to purchase your ticket only once inside the bus. The fare for a one-way trip from the airport to the city center is 500 TZS, while the price to other island destinations is around 3,000 TZS. An extra fee may be charged for large luggage.
At Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, there are several international car rental agencies where you can rent a vehicle to explore Zanzibar. Reservations can be made online or by phone prior to your trip.
With your rented car, you can discover the stunning beauty, historical sites, and breathtaking beaches of Zanzibar at your own pace. While the journey from the airport to Zanzibar City Center is brief, traveling to other popular tourist spots on the island may take longer. It’s important to pay attention to traffic rules and local driving conditions while driving around the island.
From Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to Zanzibar City Center, taxis offer a quick and comfortable transportation option. The fare for a taxi ride from the airport to the city center is approximately 35,000 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), and taxis are readily available right outside Terminals 2 and 3.
Taxi rides to beach destinations are more expensive, with fares to popular locations like Matemwe, Kiwengwa, and Paje costing around 125,000 TZS or more. These longer-distance journeys can take at least an hour, so it's important to account for this travel time when planning your trip.
Popular Airlines Flying to Zanzibar
Air Tanzania
Flydubai
Kenya Airways
Precision Air
