Getting to Zanzibar is straightforward once you pick your gateway. The island’s airport, Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ), sits about 6 km south of Stone Town and handles direct international flights as well as short hops from the mainland.
By gateway
Direct international
A growing number of carriers fly direct to ZNZ from Europe and the Gulf. If you can get a direct flight, it is the simplest route — you skip the mainland connection entirely.
Via Dar es Salaam
Dar is the main mainland hub. From Dar you have two good options:
- Fly: a domestic hop of about 20 minutes to ZNZ.
- Ferry: a fast ferry to Stone Town in about 2 hours. Choose a reputable operator and a daytime sailing.
Via Nairobi
Nairobi is a strong connecting hub, especially if you are combining Kenya or arriving on certain long-haul routes, with onward flights to ZNZ.
From the Serengeti (the bush-to-beach connection)
This is the part island-only guides skip. After a Tanzania safari, fly: light aircraft link the Serengeti airstrips to Arusha, and onward flights reach Zanzibar (ZNZ), usually via Arusha or Dar es Salaam. It takes most of a travel day, so book the segments together so the timings actually connect. See our bush + beach itineraries for how to sequence it.
Transfers on the island
- Stone Town: 15–20 minutes from ZNZ.
- East coast (Michamvi Pingwe / Paje): about 1h15.
- North (Nungwi / Kendwa): roughly 1–1.5 hours.
Roads are fine but transfers take longer than the map suggests. Pre-book a transfer through your hotel — after a long flight (or a dawn game drive) it is worth it. Once you land, check the entry requirements you will need ready at immigration.