Arriving at Zanzibar airport
At the exit, taxi drivers approach you. The prices quoted are often a little higher than the guides' rates: ask the price before getting in, and prefer a driver sent by the hotel if you arrive at night. For currency, visa and formalities, read visa, vaccinations and formalities and money in Zanzibar.
The taxi on arrival
The taxi is the simplest, especially with luggage. According to one guide, allow about 10 to 15 dollars to Stone Town (one operator shows 20 dollars as a starting price), and airport drivers have quoted a minimum of 15 dollars for the town. For the beaches, the listings give about 50 dollars for Paje (about 1 hour) and 50 to 65 dollars for Nungwi (about 1 h 10 to 1 h 15). Agree the price, the currency and the number of bags before leaving.
The private transfer booked in advance
A private transfer has a fixed price and a driver waiting with a sign, which avoids haggling. Rates are close to taxi fares: one operator offers Stone Town to Nungwi from about 35 dollars (about 1 h 30). It is the most comfortable choice for a family, a late arrival or a delayed flight. Many hotels also offer the transfer: ask the rate when booking, and whether the driver tracks your flight.
The dala-dala and shared transport
The dala-dala (local minibus) is the cheapest, about 0.30 dollars according to a blog, but slow: it requires connections through Stone Town and can take more than two hours, with no fixed timetable. It suits neither luggage nor night arrivals. See getting around Zanzibar.
Which option to choose
| Destination | Time found | Price found |
|---|---|---|
| Stone Town | 10 to 30 minutes | about 10 to 20 dollars |
| Paje | about 1 hour | about 50 dollars |
| Nungwi | about 1 h 10 to 1 h 15 | about 50 to 65 dollars |
| Stone Town to Nungwi | about 1 h 30 | from about 35 dollars |
Indicative prices and times from guides and comparison sites checked in October 2026, to be confirmed when booking.
Which area, which journey time
The beaches of the north and east can be reached in about an hour or a little more; the road is slower at peak hours. To choose your area, read where to stay in Zanzibar. The pages on Stone Town, Nungwi beach and Paje beach give the detail of each area.
The return to the airport
Allow a large margin: the road from the beaches can be slow and the airport fills up in high season. Book the driver the day before, especially from the north or east, and plan to leave about three hours before an international flight. For a flight excursion, such as the Selous (Nyerere) safari or the Mikumi safari, ask for hotel pickup to be included, because the start is very early.
Going further
To choose your area, read where to stay in Zanzibar. To get around afterwards, see getting around Zanzibar; for your budget, the Zanzibar travel budget.
