How to Get Around Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches)

How transport works in Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches)

Domestic flights (Coastal, Auric, ZanAir) hop from Dar es Salaam + Arusha for US$70–150. On-island: private drivers US$40–80 per day, dala-dala local buses TSh500, taxis need pre-negotiated fares (Stone Town–Nungwi US$40, ZNZ airport–Paje US$50). Rent scooter TSh30,000/day with international permit (check licence rules changing frequently).

Your options compared

• Private driver

  US$40–80 per day with English-speaking guide — most efficient.

• Dala-dala

  Local minibus TSh500–1,500 — crowded, adventure mode only.

• Taxi

  Pre-negotiate flat fares — Stone Town–Nungwi US$40, Paje–ZNZ US$50.

• Scooter

  TSh30,000/day with international permit; roads variable, sand patches.

Passes and tickets

None — cash-per-ride only. Carry US$ small bills + TSh for local vendors.

Local transport tips

Domestic flights (Coastal, Auric, ZanAir) from Arusha, Dar, Selous US$70–150 — much faster than Azam ferry. Book hotel transfers ahead — airport touts overcharge.

Arriving from the airport

• Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ)

  Hotel-arranged transfer US$15–80 depending on beach; taxi Stone Town US$15 negotiated, Nungwi US$70, Paje US$50.

• Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere (mainland) (DAR)

  Domestic hop to Zanzibar 20 min US$70–120 (Coastal, Auric, Precision) or Azam Marine ferry 2h US$35–60.

Do you need a rental car?

Inside Zanzibar (Stone Town + beaches) a car is usually a liability — parking and traffic cost more than transit. A rental earns its keep for day trips and regional drives, so compare rates only for the days you actually leave the city.