Airport transfer

Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town

Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town is the shortest transfer on the island — around 20 minutes. Private car, fixed fare, driver waiting at arrivals.

≈ 20 minutes by road
Named driver waiting at arrivals
Fixed fare confirmed before you pay

The drive

Stone Town is just north of the airport, so the drive is short and simple. The only variable is the last stretch: cars cannot enter the old town's alleys, so drivers drop guests at the nearest accessible point and hotels send someone to meet you.

Planning your arrival in Stone Town

A night in Stone Town on arrival or before departure is the easiest way to absorb a long flight, and it puts you next to Forodhani night market, the spice farms and the Prison Island boats. Ask the driver to wait until your hotel guide appears if you are arriving after dark.

What happens after you book

1. You choose your hotel and vehicle, and see the fixed fare before paying.
2. We confirm the driver and pickup details on WhatsApp.
3. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall with your name — flight delays are tracked, so nobody leaves without you.
4. The ride appears in My Rafiki with the driver's details and live tracking.

Fares depend on your exact hotel and vehicle, so RAFIKI quotes them live rather than publishing a list that goes out of date.

Book a Zanzibar airport transfer to Stone Town →

Experiences to book once you reach Stone Town

Other airport routes and planning pages

Zanzibar Airport to Paje Zanzibar Airport to Nungwi Zanzibar Airport to Kendwa Zanzibar Airport to Jambiani Zanzibar Airport to Matemwe Zanzibar Airport to Michamvi Zanzibar Airport guide Things to do in Stone Town Zanzibar rides & private transfers

Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town — questions

How long is the transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?

Around 20 minutes, plus a short walk if your hotel is inside the pedestrian old town.

Can a car reach my Stone Town hotel?

Not always — much of the old town is too narrow for vehicles. Your driver stops at the closest square or gate, and most hotels send a porter to meet you.

Is Stone Town a good first night?

Yes. It is the closest area to the airport and the natural starting point for spice farms, Prison Island and Safari Blue.

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