Zanzibar Airport transport is cash-based, negotiation-driven, and priced in US dollars. There is no public transport, no metered taxi, and no ride-hailing app. Every price is a negotiation or a pre-agreed booking.
Prices by destination
These ranges reflect what informed travelers pay after negotiation, or what transfer services charge:
- Stone Town (5 km): $10-15 by taxi, $10-20 by transfer
- Bububu / Mangapwani (15 km): $15-25 by taxi, $15-25 by transfer
- Kiwengwa (40 km): $30-45 by taxi, $25-40 by transfer
- Paje (45 km): $35-50 by taxi, $30-45 by transfer
- Jambiani (50 km): $35-55 by taxi, $30-50 by transfer
- Kendwa (55 km): $35-55 by taxi, $30-50 by transfer
- Nungwi (60 km): $40-60 by taxi, $35-55 by transfer
What drivers initially ask
The first price a taxi driver offers is rarely the final price. For Stone Town, they might say $20 when $10-12 is fair. For Nungwi, they might say $70-80 when $45-55 is reasonable. This is the standard negotiation culture. It is not personal and drivers expect you to counter.
How to negotiate fairly
Know the approximate fair price before you land. State your destination and offer your price. If the driver says no, thank them and move to the next one. In most cases, the original driver or another will accept a fair offer.
Do not feel pressured to accept the first price. Multiple drivers are competing for your fare. At the same time, understand that fuel is expensive in Zanzibar, and the drive to Nungwi genuinely takes 75 minutes or more. A fair price respects both sides.
Why transfer prices are competitive
Unlike airports with metered taxis where transfers cost more, Zanzibar transfers are often priced at or below what a well-negotiated taxi would cost. Transfer companies set competitive prices because they compete for online bookings, while airport taxi drivers set high opening prices because they face a captive audience.
For longer distances, a transfer can actually be cheaper than a taxi because the driver is not adding a speculative margin for the return trip.
Payment
US dollars in cash are the standard payment method for airport taxis. Some drivers accept Tanzanian Shillings but at an unfavorable exchange rate. Pre-booked transfers are typically paid online or on arrival by card.
ATMs at the airport exist but are unreliable. Bring dollars with you. Small bills ($10, $20) make negotiation and payment easier.
Tips
- Research the fair price for your destination before you land
- Carry small USD bills to avoid the "no change" problem
- For Stone Town, the cost is low enough that negotiation is a formality
- For beach resorts, the cost is significant enough that a pre-booked transfer provides real value
- Ask your hotel about transfers before booking separately; many include or arrange transport