The Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry is the cheapest way to reach the island and the one most visitors choose, but the information online is scattered. Ferry aggregators list sailings without telling you which terminal to go to, why a ticket might cost two prices, or when the flight is the smarter option. This guide covers the crossing from the Dar side to Stone Town, based on the operator sites and traveller reports. Ferry schedules and fares change often, so confirm the figures below before you book.
For the wider picture on the island itself, see our Zanzibar island guide.
The Operators: Azam Marine and Zan Fast Ferries
Two companies carry most visitors on this route.
Azam Marine (part of the Bakhresa group, which also runs the Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries brand) sells tickets through its own website, azammarine.com, by phone and at its offices. It is the operator most guesthouses will recommend and it runs the most departures.
Zan Fast Ferries runs a smaller schedule on the same route and often undercuts Azam slightly on the Economy fare. Its sailings sit around the same morning and early-afternoon slots.
Both run modern fast catamarans with indoor air-conditioned seating, an open deck at the back, and a small snack counter. Neither is a “boat in name only”: you are crossing open sea, so expect a swell if the wind is up.
Timetable: What to Expect
Aggregator listings put the first Dar departure at about 07:00 and the last at about 16:30, with Azam running the broadest range. In practice we advise planning around these windows:
| Direction | Typical first | Typical last |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam to Stone Town | approx. 07:00 | approx. 14:00-16:30 depending on operator |
| Stone Town to Dar es Salaam | approx. 07:00 | approx. 14:00-16:30 depending on operator |
The exact times vary by operator and season, and the last sailing is the one that gets cut first in low season. Never plan an international flight out of Dar on the same day as the last ferry. Allow a full night’s buffer, or fly.
Fare Classes and Prices (as of 2026)
Non-resident fares are generally quoted in US dollars. Approximate one-way prices for foreign adults:
- Economy: from approximately USD 35-45. Shared cabin seating, the cheapest option and perfectly comfortable on a two-hour crossing.
- Business: approximately USD 40-55. Slightly larger seats and a quieter section.
- VIP and Royal: approximately USD 50-80 depending on operator. Separate lounge, priority boarding and more legroom. Worth it only if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or want the seat reserved close to the exit.
Aggregators such as Ferryscanner show fares of roughly EUR 31-34 for Economy, which matches the lower end above. Treat any booking-site price that includes a service fee as a markup on the operator’s fare.
The Resident vs Non-Resident Fare Trap
Tanzanian citizens and residents pay a much lower fare in shillings. Non-residents pay the dollar price. Two things catch visitors out:
- Touts offer a “local price”. If someone at the Dar terminal offers you a resident ticket at a fraction of the foreigner price, the ticket is tied to a resident or citizen ID. Your passport will not match it and you may be refused boarding, losing the money.
- Residency has to be proven. If you hold a Tanzanian residence permit, bring the permit itself, not a photocopy. Ticket staff check it against the fare class on the ticket.
The simple rule: buy at the official counter or on the operator’s own site, pay the non-resident fare, and keep the receipt.
Terminals: Where to Go
Dar es Salaam: The ferry terminals sit on the harbour side of the city centre, close to Kivukoni and the fish market off Sokoine Drive. Azam and Zan Fast Ferries use adjacent berths, so allow time to find the correct queue. Our Dar es Salaam city guide covers where to stay nearby if you need a night before an early sailing.
Zanzibar: Ferries arrive at the Malindi port on the edge of Stone Town. From the gate it is a 10-15 minute walk to most Stone Town hotels. If your hotel is on the north or east coast, arrange a transfer, which our Zanzibar airport transfer guide covers, or book a private transfer in Tanzania in advance.
Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Passports are checked at boarding and again on arrival in Zanzibar, where you also complete an immigration card.
Handling Touts at the Dar Terminal
The area outside the terminal is busy and several touts will approach you before you reach the counter. We suggest:
- Walk straight past anyone offering “cheap tickets” and head for the official ticket office.
- Do not hand your passport to anyone who is not behind the counter.
- Politely decline offers to carry luggage unless you agree the price first (a small tip is normal, USD 1-2).
- Never pay for a ticket on a phone transfer to a personal number.
Reviewers also report touts claiming a ferry is sold out. Check at the counter yourself.
Ferry vs Flight: Which Should You Choose?
Flights between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar take about 20 minutes. Operators including Precision Air and Coastal Aviation run the route, with fares from approximately USD 60-100 one way as of 2026 (see our flights to Tanzania guide).
Take the ferry if:
- You are on a budget and arriving from the city centre.
- You are travelling in daylight and have no tight connection.
- You enjoy the crossing and the first view of Stone Town.
Take the flight if:
- You are connecting from or to an international flight the same day, because the airport-to-airport transfer is simpler.
- The sea is rough. The long rains (April-May) bring the most cancellations and the roughest crossings, and people prone to seasickness should consider flying then.
- You have heavy luggage, such as dive or kite gear.
On cost alone, the ferry saves roughly USD 25-50 per person, but once you add taxis to and from the airport in Dar the gap narrows for solo travellers.
Practical Tips
- Book 1-2 days ahead in peak season. July-August and the Christmas weeks sell out.
- Keep your passport and printed or on-screen ticket handy. Staff check at several points.
- Bag drop is near the entrance. Keep medication, valuables and chargers in your hand luggage.
- If you take motion-sickness tablets, take them before you board.
- Add a day tour once you land: browse Stone Town and Zanzibar tours for spice farms, Prison Island and dhow cruises.
Continuing to Pemba? See our Pemba getting there guide. Planning where to sleep on arrival? Our Zanzibar where to stay guide covers Stone Town and the beaches.