When landing at Zanzibar Airport in Tanzania, to make your way to the city center – known as Stone Town – you have three transportation options; you can take a taxi, a private transfer, or a local bus called a dala dala. Taking a Zanzibar Airport taxi or a private transfer 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, travelers can take a dala dala from the airport, which takes around 30 minutes. These are shared minivans or trucks that seat up to 15 people and depart when full, which can add time to your overall journey.
3 options to go from Zanzibar Airport to city center
Zanzibar Airport is quite small so a pickup time of 30 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time should allow enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.
Dala dalas are more adapted to backpackers, as the vehicles don't have luggage storage; you will have to put your bags on your lap or pay for an extra seat.
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How to get a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is by taxi. Zanzibar Airport taxis are fast and direct, and the only public transport option when traveling with heavy or bulky luggage. Zanzibar Airport taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door services for up to four passengers, getting you to your Stone Town hotel in just 15 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
The taxi price from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is set by the government and a price list to various destinations across the island should be posted by the airport taxi stand. The 15-minute trip from Zanzibar Airport to downtown will cost $15 (€14.20). If you’d like to travel with a renowned and trusted transfer company, you can pre-book your Zanzibar Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Official Zanzibar taxis line up outside the Arrivals terminal. Be sure to confirm the price to Stone Town before starting your ride.
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.
Useful Tips
If you need a larger vehicle it is best to arrange a private transfer.
Please note that taxi prices are usually displayed and paid in US dollars. However, you can also use Euros and Tanzanian shillings to pay for your ride.
Check that you are traveling 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 dalas” are a great cost-savvy 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 buses are very rustic and cramped, and don’t supply luggage storage. Each dala dala has a set route so make sure you jump on the 505 bus and be prepared to wait until the bus is full to depart.
How much is a bus ticket from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
A one-way bus ticket from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $0.15 (€0.15). You can purchase your fare directly from the driver in cash using Tanzanian shillings (TZS 400).
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 will find the dala dala buses headed towards Stone Town outside Zanzibar Airport’s main terminal. To ensure you are taking the right one, ask the airport staff for assistance.
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 traveling on a budget.
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 traveling between 17:00 and 05:00, you will likely need to take a taxi to the city center.
If you are lucky enough, you can sit by the window at the front of the bus for a more comfortable ride.
During Ramadan dala dalas may stop running even earlier at around 18:00 during the high season.
Dala dalas are usually open-aired trucks with bench seats along each side in the back.
How to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town by private transfer
The best transportation option from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is a Zanzibar Airport transfer. Welcome Pickups provides reliable door-to-door services around the clock, for a personalized and memorable travel experience. This is guaranteed through perks such as:
Airport meet-and-greets
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation policy
On top of that, your driver will make you feel right at home by providing valuable tips and recommendations on places to eat and visit to help you get the most out of your holiday.
How much is a Zanzibar Airport transfer to Stone Town?
It’s extra reassuring to have your transport locked in and paid for before traveling. We get it. That’s why we offer an upfront fixed fare quote inclusive of all charges that you can review before making any commitments.
For instance, if you’re traveling in a small group, one of our comfortable sedans will be ideal, with room for up to 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each for $16.90 (€16). For all other rides, the cost is just $20 (€19) for up to 12 passengers in a spacious minivan with ample room for luggage.
We strive to make our booking experience as straightforward as possible. When you open our website or app, all you have to do is provide your flight number, pickup time, and a few other details to get a competitive quote for your transfer and complete your reservation.
Cost
$16.90 (€16)
Trip Duration
15 Min.
*When you book in advance a vehicle will be ready for you on arrival.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Zanzibar Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
There’s no need to wait in line for a driver when you land at Zanzibar Airport. Instead, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and take you straight to your pre-selected vehicle. To help you spot them amongst the crowd, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, and you’ll be sent their details the day before. As part of the service, if your flight arrives early or late, your driver will be informed so they can adjust your pickup time accordingly.
Convenience
For the same price or less than that of a taxi, private transfers offer peace of mind that a vehicle will be waiting for you when you arrive so that you won’t need to stand in line for a taxi or worry that there won’t be one available. They also have the most flexibility, so in the event your flight is delayed or if you need a larger vehicle to accommodate all of your friends and family, the arrangements can be made for you.
Useful Tips
Any customizations to your trip can be made at the time of booking, including child booster seats, minivans, and wheelchair-adapted vehicles.
Since your payment will be made at the time of booking, you won't need to withdraw cash out at the airport where ATM fees are generally higher than normal.
The day before your flight you should receive an email with your driver's name, contact number, and photo.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zanzibar Airport from Stone Town?
The distance from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is just a short 5 km which takes around 15 minutes to reach by car or taxi.
How to get to Stone Town from the airport?
There are three ways to get from Zanzibar Airport to the city center; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 15 minutes and costs around $15 (€14.20), or you can take a local mini-bus called a dala dala, which takes 30 minutes and costs just $0.15 (€0.15) per traveler.
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
Taxis at Zanzibar Airport offer set prices to the various destinations around the island. A one-way trip by taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $15 (€14.20) for up to 4 passengers.
The most comfortable and convenient way to get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is by taxi. Zanzibar Airport taxis are fast and direct, and the only public transport option when traveling with heavy or bulky luggage. Zanzibar Airport taxis provide 24/7 door-to-door services for up to four passengers, getting you to your Stone Town hotel in just 15 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
The taxi price from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is set by the government and a price list to various destinations across the island should be posted by the airport taxi stand. The 15-minute trip from Zanzibar Airport to downtown will cost $15 (€14.20). If you’d like to travel with a renowned and trusted transfer company, you can pre-book your Zanzibar Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
Where do I get a taxi from?
Official Zanzibar taxis line up outside the Arrivals terminal. Be sure to confirm the price to Stone Town before starting your ride.
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.
Useful Tips
Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi
Learn moreZanzibar’s mini-buses “dala dalas” are a great cost-savvy 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 buses are very rustic and cramped, and don’t supply luggage storage. Each dala dala has a set route so make sure you jump on the 505 bus and be prepared to wait until the bus is full to depart.
How much is a bus ticket from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
A one-way bus ticket from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $0.15 (€0.15). You can purchase your fare directly from the driver in cash using Tanzanian shillings (TZS 400).
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 will find the dala dala buses headed towards Stone Town outside Zanzibar Airport’s main terminal. To ensure you are taking the right one, ask the airport staff for assistance.
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 traveling on a budget.
Useful Tips
The best transportation option from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is a Zanzibar Airport transfer. Welcome Pickups provides reliable door-to-door services around the clock, for a personalized and memorable travel experience. This is guaranteed through perks such as:
On top of that, your driver will make you feel right at home by providing valuable tips and recommendations on places to eat and visit to help you get the most out of your holiday.
How much is a Zanzibar Airport transfer to Stone Town?
It’s extra reassuring to have your transport locked in and paid for before traveling. We get it. That’s why we offer an upfront fixed fare quote inclusive of all charges that you can review before making any commitments.
For instance, if you’re traveling in a small group, one of our comfortable sedans will be ideal, with room for up to 3 passengers and a standard suitcase each for $16.90 (€16). For all other rides, the cost is just $20 (€19) for up to 12 passengers in a spacious minivan with ample room for luggage.
We strive to make our booking experience as straightforward as possible. When you open our website or app, all you have to do is provide your flight number, pickup time, and a few other details to get a competitive quote for your transfer and complete your reservation.
Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Zanzibar Airport.
Where will my private transfer depart from?
There’s no need to wait in line for a driver when you land at Zanzibar Airport. Instead, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall and take you straight to your pre-selected vehicle. To help you spot them amongst the crowd, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, and you’ll be sent their details the day before. As part of the service, if your flight arrives early or late, your driver will be informed so they can adjust your pickup time accordingly.
Convenience
For the same price or less than that of a taxi, private transfers offer peace of mind that a vehicle will be waiting for you when you arrive so that you won’t need to stand in line for a taxi or worry that there won’t be one available. They also have the most flexibility, so in the event your flight is delayed or if you need a larger vehicle to accommodate all of your friends and family, the arrangements can be made for you.
Useful Tips
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zanzibar Airport from Stone Town?
The distance from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is just a short 5 km which takes around 15 minutes to reach by car or taxi.
How to get to Stone Town from the airport?
There are three ways to get from Zanzibar Airport to the city center; you can take a taxi or private transfer, which takes 15 minutes and costs around $15 (€14.20), or you can take a local mini-bus called a dala dala, which takes 30 minutes and costs just $0.15 (€0.15) per traveler.
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
Taxis at Zanzibar Airport offer set prices to the various destinations around the island. A one-way trip by taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $15 (€14.20) for up to 4 passengers.
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