How to get from Tanzania to Zanzibar: Complete Guide 2025
How to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar has two options: domestic flight from Dar es Salaam (20 minutes, 50-100 USD, 5-8 daily with Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, ZanAir) or fast ferry (2 hours, 35-50 USD, departures every 1-2 hours 7:00-16:00 with Azam Marine, Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries). Flight is faster but cheaper ferry and authentic experience. From Arusha/Kilimanjaro Airport there are flights (150-250 USD) or from Serengeti charter (300-500 USD). This guide explains each option, prices, schedules and where to buy tickets.
Flight Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar how to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar
Airlines and prices
Precision Air: 5-8 flights daily, 60-100 USD one way, schedules 7:00-19:00.
Coastal Aviation3-5 flights per day, 70-120 USD one way.
ZanAir: 4-6 flights per day, 50-90 USD one way.
Auric Air: 2-3 per day, 60-100 USD.
Details
Duration15-20 minutes flight (1.5 hours total with check-in).
Airports: Julius Nyerere (DAR) Terminal 2 → Zanzibar (ZNZ).
Luggage15-20 kg checked + 5 kg hand carried included.
Check-in1 hour before.
Buy tickets: precisionairtz.com, coastal.co.tz, zanair.com, Skyscanner, Google Flights.
Price round trip100-180 USD (early booking best price).
Ferry Dar - Zanzibar how to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar
Ferry companies
Azam Marine (most popular):
- Ferries: Kilimanjaro I, II, III, IV (modern, AC)
- Departures: Every 1-2 hours 7:00-16:00 both directions
- Price: 35-50 USD economy one way, 60-70 USD business
- Capacity: 300-500 passengers
Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries: Similar prices/schedules.
Details
Duration2 hours (fast), 6-8 hours (slow, less common).
Ports: Sokoine Drive Dar (Azam Marine Terminal) → Stone Town port.
LuggageNo strict limit (keep valuables with you).
ClassesEconomy (outside/indoor AC seats), Business (AC, comfortable, beverages).
Buy ticketsTicket offices port Dar (same day or in advance), azammarine.com.
Check-in30 minutes before.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinity of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.
Comparison flight vs ferry how to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar
| Criteria | Flight | Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 50-100 USD one way | 35-50 USD one way (economy) |
| Duration | 20 minutes (1.5h total) | 2 hours |
| Frequency | 5-8 flights per day | Every 1-2 hours (7:00-16:00) |
| Schedules | 7:00-19:00 | Last 16:00 |
| Luggage | Limit 15-20 kg | No strict limit |
| Comfort Comfort | Convenient, fast | May cause dizziness |
| Experience | Standard | Authentic, ocean view |
| Check-in | 1 hour before | 30 minutes before |
| Best for | Limited time, late arrival | Tight budget, local expertise |
| Advantages | Fast, multiple schedules | Economical, no luggage limit |
| Disadvantages | More expensive, baggage limit | Slow, weather affected |
Frequently asked questions how to get from Tanzania to Zanzibar
What is the best way to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar?
The best way how to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar depends on priorities: Flight Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar (RECOMMENDED speed) - 15-20 minutes, 50-100 USD one way, 5-8 flights daily (Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, ZanAir) schedules 7:00-19:00, convenient multiple schedules, comfortable although baggage limit 15-20 kg; Ferry Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar (RECOMMENDED budget) - 2 hours, 35-50 USD one way, departures every 1-2 hours 7:00-16:00 (Azam Marine, Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries), economical with no strict luggage limit, authentic local experience ocean view although slower. ComparisonFlight saves 1.5 hours but costs 15-50 USD more; cheaper ferry if enough time. Other destinationsArusha/Kilimanjaro flights 1-3 daily 150-250 USD (1.5h), Serengeti charter 300-500 USD (convenient post-safari). According to Lonely PlanetMost travelers choose to fly for convenience while backpackers prefer the authentic ferry experience.
How much does it cost to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar?
How to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar cost: Flight Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar – 50-100 USD one way (100-180 USD round trip in advance), 15-20 minutes flight, Precision Air/Coastal Aviation/ZanAir 5-8 flights daily 7:00-19:00, baggage 15-20 kg included; Ferry Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar – 35-50 USD one way economy (60-70 USD business), 2 hours, Azam Marine/Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries departures every 1-2 hours 7:00-16:00, no luggage limit. Other destinationsArusha/Kilimanjaro 150-250 USD (1.5h, 1-3 daily), Serengeti charter 300-500 USD (2-3h). RecommendationEconomic ferry if enough time; convenient flight if short time or late arrival Dar (last ferry 16:00). According to TripAdvisorAzam Marine ferry "comfortable, punctual, good value for money" being popular choice for budget travelers.
Where to buy tickets to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar?
Buy tickets how to go from Tanzania to Zanzibar in: Flights – (1) Online RECOMMENDED(1): precisionairtz.com, coastal.co.tz, zanair.com or Skyscanner/Google Flights comparing prices, book 1-2 weeks in advance 50-100 USD one way; (2) Dar Airport(1): Terminal 2 airline offices, domestic same day (risky high season), city travel agencies; (3) Hotel/tour operatorWith small commission. Ferry – (1) COMMON port lockers: Azam Marine Terminal Sokoine Drive Dar, same day or pre-sale, arrives 30 min before, 35-50 USD cash/card; (2) Online: azammarine.com (system occasionally crashes); (3) Previous day: High season late purchase before avoiding sold out. Tips: High season book flight in advance online, ferry can be booked same day but safer day before; low season both available same day. According to Seat61ferry "tickets easy to buy at the ticket office on the same day" although "high season recommended in advance".
5 things not to do in Zanzibar ⤵️
- Toucher ou sortir les étoiles de mer
- Make an excursion to see (=pourchasser) the dauphins
- Aller nourrir les tortues de Prison island
- Make excursions at the same time of day as everyone else.
- Aller au banc de sable de Nakupenda au lieu de Nakupenda Bis
👉 Toutes les infos sur Zanzibar dans mon guide de voyage - itinéraire, activités, prix, hôtels, contacts >> lien dans ma bio 💛
_____
🇬🇧 5 things NOT to do in Zanzibar :
- Touch starfishes
- Go on a dolphin tour (=chasing tour)
- Feed prison island's turtles
- Do the tours at the same time as everyone else
- Go to Nakupenda sandbank instead of Nakupenda Bis (crowded VS alone)
👉 More info in my travel guide for Zanzibar - Itinerary, activities, prices, hotels and contacts >> link in bio 💛
📍The Moon, Jambiani
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First time in Zanzibar but for sure not the last... 😉🇹🇿🤩
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"Mwani" means "seaweed" in Swahili, and in Zanzibar 🇹🇿 it is seen and appreciated as a gift from the ocean.
The Mwani Mamas (mwanizanzibar) farm and process seaweed, transforming it into ethically made skin-care products, with ingredients sourced from across the Continent.
📷 | _nassder
Da poziram ne znam, al` se kamufliram vrhunski 👌.
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ᴷᴱᴱᴾ ᶜᴬᴸᴹ & ᶜᴴᴵᴸᴸ ᴼᵁᵀ ✌🏼
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📸: brayantj95
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This incredible spot, with the most beautiful mixture of blues you can see, is casacocozanzibar bezanzibar 🩷
Sometimes all you need to hear...
is the sound of the sea 🌊
the wilderness of water
the waves...
they break, transient, yet always there, rising, and falling.
the light scatters...the hue of the water ever changing...
but always, and forever, that glorious blue...
*memories from Mnemba Island, Zanzibar 📍
Kendwa 🎨🌊☀️
#nungwi #kendwa #kendwabeach #nungwibeach #zanzibar #tanzania #africa #eastafrica #beach #swimming #traveling #sansibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarbeach
What about a walk along Nungwi beach in Zanzibar? #zanzibar #nungwi #nungwibeach #paradise🌴 #instazanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #nungwi #beach #tanzania #tanzania🇹🇿 #realblue #visitzanzibar #shadesofblue #relax #vacation #paradise #instazanzibar #paradisebeach #freddymercury #home #crystalclear #nikond90
Cheers from thezhotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania 🇹🇿
#tanzania #tanzania🇹🇿 #zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #zanzibarlife #zanzibarofficial #zanzibargem #zanzibarofficial #zanzibargem
My sister has the best sister 👯♀️🖤
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