Getting from Zanzibar Airport to your hotel or resort

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about 5 km from Stone Town and anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes from the beach resort areas on the north and east coasts. A taxi to Stone Town costs $10-15 USD. Transfers to beach resorts like Nungwi or Paje run $35-60 USD. There is no public transport from the airport. Every traveler takes a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The airport is small, the process is straightforward, but the taxi negotiation can be persistent.

The airport is small with a single terminal. International arrivals go through a visa-on-arrival process that can take 30-60 minutes when several flights land together. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival ($50 USD). Have US dollars in cash ready, as the visa fee is most easily paid in dollars.

Baggage claim is a small area with one or two carousels. It can get crowded. After collecting your bags, you exit through a door into the arrivals area, which is essentially outdoors under a covered walkway. This is where taxi drivers and transfer company representatives wait.

The atmosphere can feel chaotic, with multiple people offering rides. If you have a pre-booked transfer, your driver will be holding a sign with your name. If not, you will need to negotiate with the taxi drivers.

Pre-booked transfer: Your hotel or a transfer service arranges a driver who meets you at arrivals. The price is agreed in advance. For beach resorts, this is the standard approach since many resorts include airport transfers in their package or arrange them for guests. If your hotel does not arrange it, booking independently ensures a fixed price.

Hotel shuttle: Many resorts, particularly the higher-end ones, offer airport pickup as part of the stay. Check with your hotel before booking separate transport.

Dalla dalla (local minibus): These run on the island but not from the airport. Even if they did, they would be impractical with tourist luggage. Not a realistic option.

Rental cars and scooters: Available on the island but not at the airport for immediate pickup. Roads in Zanzibar are narrow, poorly lit at night, and driving is on the left. Not recommended on arrival day.

Prices are typically quoted in USD:

• Stone Town (5 km): $10-15 USD by taxi, $10-20 by transfer
• Nungwi (60 km, north coast): $40-60 USD by taxi, $35-55 by transfer
• Kendwa (55 km): $35-55 USD by taxi, $30-50 by transfer
• Paje (45 km, east coast): $35-50 USD by taxi, $30-45 by transfer
• Jambiani (50 km): $35-55 USD by taxi, $30-50 by transfer
• Kiwengwa (40 km): $30-45 USD by taxi, $25-40 by transfer

Several flights arrive in the evening or at night. The airport remains functional for arrivals but feels bare. There are no ATMs that reliably work at all hours outside, so have dollars ready.

Taxi drivers wait for late flights. Prices may be slightly higher than daytime, and negotiation power is lower since fewer drivers are available. The roads to beach resorts are dark and poorly lit at night. The drive is not dangerous but it is slower and less comfortable than during the day.

A pre-booked transfer is strongly recommended for nighttime arrivals, especially to distant beach resorts. The driver is confirmed, the price is set, and you avoid negotiating in the dark with a handful of drivers.

The airport is compact and flat. Managing luggage and children is straightforward inside the terminal. Outside, you are loading into vehicles on a dusty parking area.

Child car seats do not exist in Zanzibar taxis. Road standards on the island are basic, with potholes, narrow roads, and unpredictable driving. If child safety in the vehicle is important to you, bring a travel car seat. Some premium transfer services may be able to provide one on request.

Vehicle quality varies. Airport taxis range from aging sedans to newer SUVs. Pre-booked transfers generally use better-maintained vehicles, which matters for the longer drives to the coast.

The arrivals area is a covered outdoor space. Transfer drivers hold name signs and wait among the taxi drivers. It can feel crowded and disorienting, especially at peak times. If you see your name, go to that driver and confirm the booking details.

If you do not see your driver immediately, step aside, check your phone for messages, and give it a few minutes. The airport is small enough that drivers rarely miss passengers. If contact information was provided in your booking, call the driver directly.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if: You are heading to a beach resort (longer distance, higher cost), arrive at night, travel with family, want a fixed price, or prefer to skip the airport negotiation.

Check with your hotel first: Many Zanzibar resorts arrange transfers. This may be included in your rate or offered at a set price. Always ask before booking separately.