READ ALSO: Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam Ferry/Zanzibar Dar es Salaam Ferry/Dar es Salaam Para Zanzibar City Ferry
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How to Get to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam/Getting to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by Air
The actual flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar is extremely short but getting to and from the airport at either end of your journey can add up such that it would be much quicker to take the ferry.
If for whatever reason you choose to fly between these locations (perhaps because a flight is at a more convenient time or you are prone to sea sickness), you can check out available flights here.
Airlines that ply this route include Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and Coastal Aviation.
The airport in Zanzibar is 7.5 km from Stone Town (whereas the ferry lands directly in Stone Town), so you will likely have to arrange transportation from the airport to wherever you will be staying on the island.
To find out more about transportation in Zanzibar, click here.
The safety record of flights across the Zanzibar Channel (which you have to cross to travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar) is very good.
I have not heard of any accidents in the the time I have lived in Dar es Salaam, i.e, the last 18 years.
READ ALSO: Accurate Cape Town to Zanzibar Flight Time 2025 & More
Traveling from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar – whether you’re heading to Stone Town’s winding alleys, pristine beaches, or spice farms – is easy and efficient thanks to regularly scheduled ferries and flights.
Here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to help you plan your journey.
Getting to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by Ferry
Overview
- Distance: approximately 45–52 nautical miles (≈ 84 km)
- Crossing time: generally 1 h 20 min to 1 h 45 min, depending on operator and sea conditions
- Frequencies: 4–5 daily departures; more in high season
Main Operators
- Zan Fast Ferries
- Fast crossings (≈ 1 h 20 min) across ~4 sailings/day
- Ticket prices range widely, roughly $35–$140
- Azam Marine & Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries (part of Bakhresa Group)
- Frequent crossings (≈ 5 per day), crossing roughly 1 h 45 min
- Price tiers: Economy $35, Business ~$40, VIP ~$60, Royal ~$100
- Other ferry operators (Sea Express, Sea Bus, etc.)
- Departures from Dar around 07:15, 10:00, 12:30, 14:00, 16:00, etc.
- Speeds and prices vary, some trips 2 h long with overnight options
Ticket Costs
- Foreign adults: Economy ~$35–60, VIP ~$60, Royal ~$100
- East African residents: slightly cheaper, TZS 108, 000 ($40) average
- Average ticket costs: $40–60; extremes may reach $154 on DirectFerries
Booking & Tips
- Book online with providers (Zan Fast, Azam Marine, Bookaway, DirectFerries) to lock fares, seat class, and avoid queues.
- Arrive around 05:45–06:00 if catching a 07:00 departure; ticket desks open ~05:45
- Ferry amenities may include air-conditioning, seating classes, Wi‑Fi, food & beverage, and entertainment—VIP gets lounge access
- Note: Most services are foot passengers only; cars and pets are not allowed
- If prone to seasickness, take medication before departure—sea can be choppy
Flights from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar
Flight Duration
- Just 15–30 minutes in the air.
Price Range
- Between $40 and $65 on airlines like Precision Air, Air Tanzania, Flightlink, ZanAir, Fastjet.
- Deals may dip as low as $23
Flight Frequency
- Typically 2–3 daily scheduled flights, with additional charters during peak times
Booking & Considerations
- Depart from Julius Nyerere International (Dar), land at Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ)
Photo credits: Public Transport Diaries