Zanzibar Airport Transfers: Getting from ZNZ to Stone Town and Beach Resorts

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (IATA: ZNZ), commonly called Zanzibar Airport, sits approximately 6 km south-east of Stone Town on the island’s western coast. It handles a constant flow of domestic arrivals from Dar es Salaam (a 20-minute flight) plus seasonal and charter international connections from Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Doha, Istanbul, and several European cities during peak season. For most visitors, Zanzibar is a beach destination — which means transfer logistics matter more here than at most airports, because your resort may be 60–90 km away on the opposite side of the island.

The terminal is small and gets congested during peak arrivals. Immigration queues can take 30–45 minutes when multiple flights land at the same time. Plan accordingly, especially if a driver is meeting you.

Private Taxis from the Rank

The official taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals exit. This is the most straightforward option for travellers heading to Stone Town or nearby areas.

Cost: approximately $15–20 USD to Stone Town as of 2026. Prices to beach resorts are considerably higher — expect $40–70 USD to Nungwi or Kendwa on the north coast, $30–50 USD to Paje on the east coast, and around $30–45 USD to Kizimkazi in the south. These are approximate figures; rates vary by driver and negotiation.

How to negotiate: approach drivers at the official rank rather than accepting offers from touts inside arrivals. State your destination and ask the price. The opening offer will often be higher than the going rate — counter with roughly 20–30% less and most drivers will settle. Agree the total fare in advance; pay at the end of the journey.

Journey time: 15–25 minutes to Stone Town in normal traffic. Longer routes to beach resorts range from 45 minutes (east coast) to 90 minutes (north coast via the main Zanzibar road, which passes through Mahonda and Mkokotoni). Road quality on the north coast run has improved significantly but remains slower than the distances suggest.

There are no ride-hailing apps — no Uber, no Bolt — so you are working with cash negotiations or pre-booked transfers only.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers

For any destination beyond Stone Town, pre-booking is the smarter move. It eliminates negotiation on arrival, gives you a fixed price, and means a driver is already waiting when you exit customs — including after delayed flights.

Cost: comparable to or slightly above rank taxi prices for the same route, but with the advantage of price certainty. Kiwitaxi covers Zanzibar routes and allows you to lock in the fare before you fly. Your resort can also arrange a driver — contact them a day before arrival.

What to expect: the driver will wait in arrivals with your name on a sign. Most operators use Toyota saloons or Land Rovers for longer routes. For groups of four or more, a larger minibus is available.

When it is essential: if you are arriving late at night, travelling with young children, or heading to a remote south-coast property on an unmarked road, pre-booked transfers are not optional — they are the sensible choice.

Hotel and Resort Shuttles

Many of Zanzibar’s beach resorts offer airport transfer as a paid add-on or as a complimentary service for guests. Prices are often bundled into a package rate, making them better value than you might expect.

How to confirm: when you book, ask directly whether airport pickup is included or available. If it is a paid service, get the cost in writing before arrival. Upmarket resorts on Nungwi and Paje typically charge $40–60 USD per vehicle for the airport run.

Timing note: resort shuttles often collect multiple guests from the same flight, so there may be a short wait inside the terminal. If you have a tight schedule, a dedicated private transfer is more reliable.

Bajaj (Auto-Rickshaws) for Stone Town

Bajajs — three-wheeled auto-rickshaws — are common in Stone Town and useful for getting around the old city’s narrow streets. A few operate near the airport entrance road, though they are not at the official rank.

Cost: approximately $5–10 USD to Stone Town as of 2026.

Suitability: fine for a solo traveller with a small bag. Not practical for two people with full luggage — the Bajaj has no boot space and a cramped passenger area. The ride is also rougher than a taxi on the potholed road into town.

Not appropriate for: any beach resort. Bajajs are town vehicles; they do not travel the distance to the north or east coast.

Practical Tips

Book accommodation-side transfers early during peak season. December–January and July–August see high occupancy and drivers in demand. Resort shuttles fill up and independent taxis are harder to negotiate. The further your resort from the airport, the more important advance booking becomes.

Carry USD in small denominations. Most Zanzibar airport taxis price in US dollars rather than Tanzanian shillings, and change for large bills is rarely available. Having exact fare or close to it avoids disputes.

Confirm your driver before leaving the terminal. If using a pre-booked service, the operator will provide a driver name and contact number. Verify this against the sign-holder before handing over luggage.

No luggage storage at the airport. If your resort has a late check-in or you have time to kill, Stone Town hotels can often hold bags. There is no official left-luggage facility at the terminal itself.

For transport bookings in advance, see our Tanzania transfers page. For where to stay once you arrive, our Zanzibar accommodation guide covers options across Stone Town and all three coasts.