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51.5 km • ~50 mins

How to Get from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Paje

Paje is 51.5 km south-east of Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), on the island's east coast. Journey times range from about 50 minutes by private transfer or taxi to over 2 hours by local dala-dala.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 51.5 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer

Fastest & Most Reliable
50 mins •Available 24/7 by Pre-Booking
€28 - €41 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: Luggage Included (Arranged in Advance)
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall at Terminal 3 and look for your pre-booked driver holding a name sign.
  2. Confirm the vehicle, destination Paje and total fare before loading luggage.
  3. Take the main Stone Town-Paje road; the journey is about 51.5 km and 50 minutes without heavy traffic.
  4. The driver will drop you at your hotel or resort entrance in Paje; no need to change vehicles.
Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Official Airport Taxi (Unmetered)

Negotiate Fare First
50 mins •Available at Arrivals (Day & Night)
€23 - €32 (Per Vehicle, Approx)
Luggage: Luggage Included
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit the arrivals hall to the taxi rank outside Terminal 3; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  2. Agree a total per-car fare in USD or TZS before loading luggage; confirm it covers all charges.
  3. Tell the driver you are going to Paje, on the south-east coast (about 51.5 km / 50 min).
  4. Pay in cash at the end of the ride; USD or TZS are preferred, card payment may not work.

Bolt Ride-Hailing

Check App for Cars
50 mins •Limited Availability to Paje
Around €23 - €32 (App Estimate)
Luggage: Depends on Vehicle
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. After landing, open Bolt and set pickup at ZNZ Terminal 3 (follow the pickup point shown in the app).
  2. Enter Paje as your destination; review the fare estimate before confirming.
  3. Cars are scarce on the east coast; if no match, use a taxi or pre-booked transfer instead.
  4. Do not use Uber: it is not operating in Zanzibar.

Local Dala-Dala (Public Minibus)

Cheapest (Not for Luggage)
140 mins •Daytime Only (Ask Conductor)
€0.70 - €1.40 / Person (Approx, Pay TZS)
Luggage: Very Limited Luggage Space
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Walk from the arrivals hall to the main road outside the airport; dala-dalas do not enter the terminal forecourt.
  2. Board a dala-dala heading toward Stone Town / Darajani terminal; pay the conductor in cash TZS.
  3. At Darajani, take another local dala-dala or a short taxi to Mwanakwerekwe terminal, a few km outside Stone Town.
  4. At Mwanakwerekwe, take the south/east-coast dala-dala to Paje and get off at the main road in Paje village.
  5. Walk from the main road to your accommodation; this option is not recommended with large suitcases or at night.

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Tours & activities: Paje

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Airport taxis are unmetered: agree the total fare per car and currency before loading luggage to avoid arguments later.
  • Ignore touts inside the terminal offering 'cheap' rides or insurance help; use the official taxi rank or your pre-booked driver.
  • Bolt works in Stone Town but cars are scarce to Paje; do not rely on it and never use Uber because it is not operating in Zanzibar.
  • Dala-dalas are cheap but not meant for tourists with suitcases; they can leave you at the main road, not your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from ZNZ Airport to Paje?

The local dala-dala is cheapest at around €0.70 to €1.40 per person, but you must change at Stone Town / Mwanakwerekwe and it has very limited luggage space. It is not recommended at night or with suitcases.

How long does a taxi take from ZNZ Airport to Paje?

A taxi or private transfer takes about 50 minutes for the 51.5 km drive without heavy traffic. Late-night arrivals may get higher quotes.

Can I pay by card for a taxi or transfer from ZNZ Airport?

Cash is the norm; USD or TZS are preferred, and card payment is uncommon. Pre-booked transfers may accept card online if you pay in advance.

Is there a direct airport bus or shuttle from ZNZ to Paje?

No, Zanzibar has no airport bus or shuttle network. The only public transport is the local dala-dala, which requires a change in Stone Town / Mwanakwerekwe.

Do I need mandatory Zanzibar travel insurance to go to Paje?

Yes, all foreign visitors must have the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) inbound insurance (USD 44 per adult) since 1 October 2024. Buy it online before travel at inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz.

What is the best option for families with luggage?

Pre-book a private transfer or take an official taxi. Dala-dalas are not practical with large bags; a private transfer includes meet-and-greet and fixed pricing.

Nearby places

More transfers from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Jambiani · 57.5 km Jozani Forest · 36.9 km Michamvi · 68.2 km Uroa · 34.4 km Pongwe · 53.3 km Fumba Town · 9 km Kiwengwa · 46.5 km Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi) · 11 km Stone Town · 10.1 km Forodhani Gardens · 11.7 km