Flights from Dar es Salaam T2 (DAR) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) from $37

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Flights

Flights from Julius Nyerere International Airport Terminal 2 to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport provide the fastest connection between mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago.

For travellers already in Tanzania, flying removes the need for a port transfer and sea crossing, allowing you to move from the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar’s beaches in under an hour. The route is widely used by visitors beginning or ending a safari, business travellers moving between the coast and islands, and international visitors connecting onward to the Indian Ocean.

Flights operate throughout the day and are one of the most straightforward domestic travel routes in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Flight Time

The flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar typically takes around 20–30 minutes.

Departures leave from the domestic terminal at Julius Nyerere International Airport, with aircraft crossing the Zanzibar Channel before arriving at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja Island.

Because of the short distance between the mainland and the islands, the journey is one of the quickest scheduled flights in East Africa.

Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Flight Prices

Flight prices from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar vary depending on:

travel season
ticket availability
how far in advance the flight is booked

Prices often increase during peak holiday periods, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and mid-year travel months, when Zanzibar becomes one of the most popular beach destinations in East Africa.

Booking early generally offers the best availability, especially during high demand travel periods.

Flying vs Ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

Travellers moving between the mainland and Zanzibar commonly choose between flying or taking the ferry.

Flying from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

Flying is the fastest option and typically preferred by travellers prioritising efficiency.

Advantages include:

journey time of around 30 minutes
no need to travel to the ferry terminal
fewer delays due to sea conditions
easy airport transfers on arrival

For travellers arriving internationally or connecting from safari destinations, flying is usually the most seamless option.

Ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

The ferry operates between Dar es Salaam Port and Zanzibar’s harbour near Stone Town.

Typical travel time is around two hours, though total journey time can be longer once port transfers, ticket queues, and boarding procedures are included.

While ferries can be a lower-cost option, flights provide a significantly faster and more predictable travel experience.

Where You Arrive in Zanzibar

Flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, located a short drive south of Stone Town.

Approximate transfer times from the airport include:

Airport to Stone Town: around 10–15 minutes
Airport to Nungwi: around 60–75 minutes
Airport to Kendwa: around 60 minutes

Transfers are usually arranged through hotels, tour operators, or airport taxis.

While the main airport handles most scheduled flights, smaller domestic airstrips across the islands are occasionally used for regional connections.

What to Do After Arriving in Zanzibar

Zanzibar combines historic culture with some of the most famous beaches in the Indian Ocean.

Many travellers begin their stay exploring Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed historic district known for:

winding coral-stone streets
carved wooden doors
spice markets and Swahili architecture

After exploring the old town, most visitors continue to the island’s beach regions.

The northern coast around Nungwi and Kendwa is particularly popular thanks to:

wide white-sand beaches
calm swimming conditions
sunset views across the Indian Ocean

Other travellers head to quieter east-coast beaches known for reef lagoons and traditional fishing villages.

Where Is Zanzibar Airstrip Located?

Zanzibar is one of the most common extensions after a mainland safari.

Travellers finishing wildlife experiences in northern Tanzania often fly back to Dar es Salaam before continuing to Zanzibar for a beach stay. The island offers a relaxed contrast to safari travel, with opportunities to unwind on the coast after visiting national parks such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro region.

Because of the short flight time, the mainland-to-island transition is easy to complete within a single travel day.