Cheap flights to Zanzibar, Tanzania

Flights to Zanzibar, Tanzania from the United States range from about 20h-48h. Your precise flight time will depend on factors like your departure city as well as the number and length of stopovers you experience. Those flying out from the west coast are more likely to have a longer flight time than those flying out from the east due to distance and the increased likelihood of more than one stopover made en route to Zanzibar.

There are no direct flights from any U.S. airport to Zanzibar, unfortunately. There are, however, several cities and airlines that provide single-stop service to Zanzibar. If you’re departing from airports in major cities like New York, Washington, Chicago, and Los Angeles, you can choose from one-stop flights to Zanzibar. The airlines that fly into Zanzibar most frequently include United, Emirates, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Austrian Airlines. When you do have a stopover, it will likely be in cities like Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and Kilimanjaro, all common to this route and dependent on the airline.

When you fly to Zanzibar, you’ll alight at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 4 miles southeast of Zanzibar City. To reach downtown Zanzibar from the airport, you can take a taxi, which will take just a few minutes and cost about $5-$7. You can also arrive in style by booking a private car with Zanzibar Airport Transfers, which will cost about $15. Also check with your hotel or resort to see if they offer shuttle service to and from the airport. There are no public transportation options from the airport.

Zanzibar is a stunning island of the coast of Tanzania that visitors from across the globe thanks to its sunny beaches, lush forests, and exciting cultural attractions. Take a stroll through Stone Town, the island’s urban center where you can enjoy delectable coffees and spot some incredible architecture during a charming afternoon. Head to the nearby House of Wonders, so named for its massive size and the fact that it contains fascinating exhibits dedicated to Zanzibari and Swahili heritage. After that, stop by the oldest building in town, The Old Fort, and enjoy some peaceful greenspace at the adjacent Forodhani Gardens. Between Stone Town and the waterfront lies Palace Museum, where you can learn about the former Sultan family residents. Enjoy some fun in the sun at Nungwi Beach at the northwest corner of the island, a peaceful and beautiful beach that also offers plenty of shady spots if needed.

United States citizens traveling to Zanzibar, Tanzania need a passport with six months of validity remaining from the date of your arrival, as well as a tourist visa.

ZNZ stands for Zanzibar Kisauni Airport. Codes like this one are often called IATA codes, a set of identifiers established by IATA (International Air Transport Association) that is widely used by airlines and the aviation industry.

Most people fly into Zanzibar Kisauni (ZNZ) if they book a flight to Zanzibar. Kisauni is conveniently located just 4.4 mi from Zanzibar’s city center.