Zanzibar is an island, so you can arrive by air or sea. Flying is simplest for most visitors. The ferry makes sense when you are already in Dar es Salaam. The best route is the one that fits your actual connection, luggage and first hotel, not just the cheapest first result.
Most holidays are based on Unguja, Zanzibar's main island. Its airport is commonly shown as ZNZ, and ferries from Dar es Salaam arrive near Stone Town. Pemba is another island with different transport. Check which one your hotel is on before buying a ticket.
What is the easiest way to get to Zanzibar?
A through-ticket to Zanzibar is usually the simplest choice if the flights fit your dates. Otherwise, connect through mainland Tanzania or another hub. If you are finishing a safari, a domestic flight from a mainland airport or safari airstrip can save a long drive.
The ferry is useful when you are already in Dar. It is not automatically quicker from Dar's airport once you include the drive to the port, check-in, sailing and onward transfer to your beach hotel.
Flying to Zanzibar from abroad
Search for Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, code ZNZ. Some routes are direct; others require a connection. Airline schedules change by season. Compare the entire journey, baggage allowance and whether all flights are on one ticket. A single ticket generally gives better protection if an earlier leg is delayed.
If you use separate international and domestic bookings, allow plenty of time. You may need to collect bags and check in again. An overnight stop can be less stressful than a narrow connection. Check where you complete entry formalities and whether your chosen airport terminal is the right one.
Before paying for non-refundable flights, check passport, visa and insurance rules in our travel requirements guide. Requirements depend on nationality and route and may change.
Domestic flights from mainland Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, Arusha and safari airstrips can all appear in a Zanzibar flight search. The available route and stops depend on your date. Flightlink is one operator publishing domestic Tanzania services; compare current airline schedules rather than trusting an old timetable.
If a safari package includes a flight to Zanzibar, ask for the exact departure airstrip and whether the flight is direct. Small planes may have strict weight and soft-bag rules. A large hard suitcase that was fine on your international flight may not be welcome on the safari leg.
Leave a buffer before a separate international departure. Weather, airstrip operations and missed connections can disrupt a tight plan. An extra night is sometimes cheaper than replacing a long-haul ticket.
Taking the ferry from Dar es Salaam
Passenger ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Azam Marine publishes current sailings and booking information. Check the correct port, departure time, fare and baggage rules for your date. Buy through the operator or a trusted seller.
The crossing is on open water. If you get seasick, factor that into your decision. Keep documents, medication and valuables in a bag you can hold. Include the port transfer and hotel transfer when comparing the total cost with a flight.
Getting from the airport or port to your hotel
Stone Town is relatively close to both arrival points. Nungwi and Kendwa are far to the north; Paje and Jambiani are on the east and south-east coasts. Traffic and the exact hotel location affect the journey. A beach name is not an address.
Ask your hotel for a transfer quote and compare a reputable local driver. Agree on the fare, meeting point and vehicle before arriving, particularly after dark. Do not book an early boat excursion for the morning after a late international flight. Finding the hotel and sleeping are perfectly good first activities.
Five checks before booking
- Confirm whether your hotel is on Unguja or Pemba.
- Compare full journey time, including check-in and transfers.
- Check small-aircraft baggage limits if your route includes a safari.
- Allow time between separate tickets.
- Use Tanzania Immigration and the official Zanzibar insurance portal for current entry rules.
Then choose a hotel using our beach guide. That decision shapes your final transfer.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly directly to Zanzibar?
Yes, some international routes fly directly to ZNZ. Availability depends on your origin, airline and season.
What airport serves Zanzibar?
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, code ZNZ, serves Unguja. Check your hotel is on the same island.
How do you travel from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Take a domestic flight or a passenger ferry. Compare the whole journey, not just the time in the air or on the water.
Is the ferry or flight better from Dar?
The ferry can suit travellers already in central Dar; a flight may be simpler from Dar airport or on a tight connection.
Can you fly from Serengeti to Zanzibar?
Some safari itineraries offer this connection, sometimes with stops. Confirm the exact airstrip and baggage rules.
Do you need a visa for Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. Requirements depend on nationality and trip purpose; check Tanzania Immigration.
How do you get from Zanzibar airport to Nungwi or Paje?
Arrange a car or hotel transfer and confirm the fare, destination and meeting point before arrival.