✈ Getting from Zanzibar Airport to City Centre

Zanzibar, located north of Dar es Salaam across the Zanzibar Channel in Tanzania, is a wonderfully multi-cultural destination. The island offers a remarkable variety of heavenly beaches, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, exotic spices, and enticing nature.

So when landing at Zanzibar airport and you want to make your way to the city centre, also known as Stone Town, you have two transportation options; you can take a taxi or a local bus called a Dala Dala. Taking a taxi or a private transfer from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town is definitely the best way to travel as taxis are reliable, safe and comfortable, getting you to Stone Town in just 15 minutes. For a cost-savvy and adventurous option, travellers can take a Dala Dala from the airport, which takes around 30 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Zanzibar at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€16	15min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€14.80	15min	24/7
Bus	€0.30	30min	05:00–17:00

How to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town by taxi

The most comfortable and convenient way to get around is by taking a taxi from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town, and it’s the only way to get around when travelling with heavy luggage. Zanzibar taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door services, getting you to your Stone Town hotel in just 15 minutes.

Taxi fare from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town

Zanzibar cabs offer set-rate fares, with the 15-minute trip from Zanzibar airport to Downtown costing $15 (€14.80). Nevertheless, if you would like to travel with a renowned and trusted transfer company, you can pre-book your Zanzibar transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$15 (€14.80)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

*Prices do not vary depending on the time of day.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Zanzibar International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

You can find Zanzibar’s official taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal.

Convenience

Taking a Zanzibar airport to Stone Town taxi is by far the best way to travel. Taxis are available 24/7 and provide safe and comfortable door-to-door services. Moreover, taxis are your only option if you travel late at night, with children or with luggage.

Editor’s Note

Tipping your taxi driver in Zanzibar is uncommon, although it is greatly appreciated. Travellers usually round up their end fare to the higher dollar.

Useful Tips

It is important to know that taxis in Zanzibar only offer set rate fares; however, there is room to bargain your price.

Please note that taxi prices are usually displayed and paid in US Dollars. However, you can also use Euros and Tanzanian Shillings as a currency.

Ensure that you are travelling with an official taxi company, as many unlicensed taxis operate at Zanzibar airport and around the island.

How to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town by bus

Zanzibar’s mini-buses “Dala Dala” are a great cost-savvy travel alternative for those on a budget, taking around 30 minutes to get from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town. However, be prepared for an adventure as the bus vehicles are very rustic, cramped and don’t supply luggage storage.

How much is a bus ticket from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

A one-way Dala Dala bus ticket from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town costs $0.15 (€0.15). You can purchase your fare directly from the driver in cash.

Cost

$0.15 (€0.15)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Dala Dalas don't follow a schedule; they leave when the vehicle is full.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Dala Dala buses are available from 05:00 to 17:00 and from 05:00 to 20:00 in the high season.

Where do I get the bus from?

You can find the Dala Dala buses outside Zanzibar International Airport’s main terminal.

Convenience

The Dala Dala vehicles provide direct trips to Stone Town from Zanzibar airport. However, they don’t offer luggage storage or much seating space and depart only when the bus is full. Those who choose to travel in a Dala Dala are usually up for the “real” local experience or are travelling on a budget.

Editor’s Note

Dala Dala's are more adapted to backpackers, as the vehicles don't have luggage storage; you will have to put your bags on your lap.

Useful Tips

Please note that the buses don't follow any schedule; the Dala Dala departs when the driver deems they are ready to leave, or when the bus is full enough.

Keep the bus times in mind; if you are travelling between 17:00 and 05:00, you will need to take a taxi to the city centre.

If you are lucky enough, you can sit by the window at the front of the bus for a more comfortable ride.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Zanzibar. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€17.0

NIGHTTIME

€20.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How far is Zanzibar Airport from Stone Town?

Zanzibar International Airport is located a short 5 km away from Stone Town. It takes around 15 minutes to reach by car or by taxi.

How can I get from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

There are two ways to get from Zanzibar airport to the city centre; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 15 minutes and costs $15 (€14.80) or you can take a local mini-bus Dala-Dala, taking 30 minutes at just $0.15 (€0.15) per traveller.

What is the average taxi price from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

Taxis at Zanzibar airport offer set prices to the various destinations around the islands. A one-way trip by taxi from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town costs $15 (€14.80).

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How to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town by taxi

Taxi fare from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town

Cost

$15 (€14.80)

Trip Duration

15 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Zanzibar International Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town by bus

How much is a bus ticket from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

Cost

$0.15 (€0.15)

Trip Duration

30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Dala Dala buses are available from 05:00 to 17:00 and from 05:00 to 20:00 in the high season.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How far is Zanzibar Airport from Stone Town?

How can I get from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

What is the average taxi price from Zanzibar airport to Stone Town?

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The best way to arrive in Zanzibar

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