Zanzibar airport transfers: what it costs and how long it takes
5 min readUpdated July 2026Written by the Zanzibar in One booking team
A private transfer from Zanzibar airport costs from about 15 USD to Stone Town and 60 to 80 USD to the far north or east coast, for the whole car rather than per person. Drive times run from 20 minutes to 1 hour 40.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is small, hot and busy at the arrivals door. Having a named driver waiting is the difference between a smooth first hour and a 20 minute negotiation with your bags on the pavement.
What a transfer actually costs
Prices on this site are per vehicle, not per person, and they are fixed before you travel. A saloon car carries up to three guests with luggage, a minivan up to seven. Nothing is added at the door and there is no charge for a delayed flight.
Drive times you can plan around
Stone Town 20 minutes, Bwejuu and Paje about 1 hour, Kiwengwa and Matemwe about 1 hour 15, Nungwi and Kendwa about 1 hour 30, Michamvi and Kizimkazi about 1 hour 40. Add 20 minutes if you land between 4pm and 7pm, when the Stone Town bypass slows down.
Flight tracking and waiting time
Give us your flight number and the driver watches the arrival board rather than the clock. Waiting time inside the first 90 minutes after landing is included, which covers the usual immigration and baggage queue.
Taxi at the airport versus booking ahead
Airport taxis exist and will quote you on the spot, usually higher than a pre booked rate once you factor in the late night surcharge. The bigger risk is arriving on the last evening flight when the queue is long and the drivers left are the ones nobody else picked.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Zanzibar airport to Nungwi?
Budget 60 to 80 USD for a private car for the whole vehicle. Booking ahead fixes the price and removes the late arrival surcharge.
Is there Uber or Bolt in Zanzibar?
Bolt operates in and around Stone Town but coverage to the beach areas is unreliable, and airport pickups are restricted. A pre booked private transfer is the practical option.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Nothing changes. We track the flight number and the driver arrives for the actual landing time, with waiting time included.
Can the driver stop on the way to my hotel?
Yes. A supermarket or ATM stop is free. A spice farm or Stone Town stop with the luggage in the car is a small add on we can quote in the cart.
Plan it while it is fresh
Add a stay, a transfer and a tour to one cart and send it as a single request. We confirm with every supplier and come back with one itinerary and one price.
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