Getting Around Zanzibar: The Complete Transportation Guide

Navigating a new city can be the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one. The good news: Zanzibar has solid transportation infrastructure, and once you understand your options, getting around is straightforward and affordable.

This guide covers every transport mode from airport arrivals to day-trip excursions, with real costs and practical tips.

Airport to City Center

Your trip starts the moment you land. Here are your options for getting from the airport to central Zanzibar:

Option	Cost	Time	Best For
Public transit	$1–$2	45–60 min	Budget travelers
Airport shuttle/bus	$2–$3	30–45 min	Solo/couple
Taxi/ride-share	$6–$10	20–35 min	Groups, late arrivals
Private transfer	$24+	20–35 min	Luxury, families

Pro tip: If you arrive late at night, pre-book a transfer. Public transit may have limited service, and taxi queues can be long.

Public Transit

Public transportation in Zanzibar is the backbone of local movement:

• Dala dalas (minibuses) are cheap but crowded for long routes
• Boats and dhows connect Stone Town to nearby islands
• Private car and driver for day trips is affordable — negotiate a flat rate

Key Routes for Tourists

• Stone Town — labyrinthine alleys with Arab, Indian, and Swahili architecture to Paje — east coast kite-surfing and boho beach vibes — The most common tourist route. Direct service available.
• Stone Town — labyrinthine alleys with Arab, Indian, and Swahili architecture to Stone Town UNESCO old quarter — Check the latest schedules as routes may vary seasonally.
• Jambiani — quiet fishing village with authentic local culture to Kendwa — calm beach with no tidal issues and full moon parties — Express services are usually available.

Transit Passes and Cards

If you are staying more than 2 days, a multi-day transit pass almost always saves money. Look for:

• Day passes — Unlimited rides for 24 hours.
• Multi-day passes — 3-day and 7-day options offer the best per-ride value.
• Contactless payment — Many systems now accept tap-to-pay credit cards.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are plentiful in Zanzibar. A few ground rules:

1. Use ride-hailing apps whenever possible — prices are transparent and routes are tracked.
2. If taking a street taxi, insist on the meter or agree on a price before departing.
3. Have your destination written down in Swahili, English — it prevents miscommunication and scenic detours.
4. Tipping is not always expected but rounding up the fare is appreciated.

Typical costs:

• Short ride within the center: $2–$3
• Cross-city ride: $4–$7

Walking and Biking

Zanzibar's central areas are surprisingly walkable. Many of the key attractions — including Stone Town UNESCO old quarter and Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park — are within walking distance of each other in the Stone Town — labyrinthine alleys with Arab, Indian, and Swahili architecture area.

Walking Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes — you will average 15,000+ steps on a full sightseeing day.
• Download offline maps to navigate without data.
• Visit Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town for cheap street food at sunset

Biking

• Bike-sharing programs are available in many parts of Zanzibar.
• Dedicated bike lanes exist in some neighborhoods — check a local cycling map.
• Always lock your bike and wear a helmet if available.

Day Trip Transportation

Some of Zanzibar's best experiences are just outside the city. Here is how to reach the most popular day-trip destinations:

Prison Island — giant Aldabra tortoises and snorkeling, 30-minute boat from Stone Town

The most popular day trip from Zanzibar. Reachable by public bus, organized tour, or private car. Public transport is cheapest (around $3 round trip) but takes longer. An organized tour includes transport and a guide for approximately $24.

Safari Blue — full-day sailing trip with snorkeling, sandbank lunch, and mangrove visit

Another excellent option for a day out. Best reached by bus or train. Depart early to maximize your time.

Mnemba Atoll — world-class snorkeling and diving with dolphins, 1-hour boat from Nungwi

Worth the journey for travelers who want to see a different side of the region. Check seasonal schedules as some routes operate only during peak months.

Pro Tips

1. Google Maps works well in Zanzibar for transit directions, but download the offline map as backup.
2. Avoid rush hours (typically 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM) on public transit if possible.
3. Keep small bills and coins handy for buses and taxis that do not accept cards.
4. Airport pickups booked through your hotel are often competitively priced and more reliable than random taxis.
5. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim — dress modestly in Stone Town
6. Use TripGenie to plan routes between attractions automatically — it factors in transit times and opening hours.

Budget Transport Summary

Mode	Daily Cost Estimate
Public transit only	$2–$4
Mix of transit + taxi	$9–$15
Taxis/ride-share only	$18–$40

Getting around Zanzibar does not have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of planning, you will navigate like a local by day two.

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