How to Get from Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi)

Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about 11 km southeast of Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi). Travel time ranges from 15 minutes by taxi or private transfer to about 45 minutes by local dala-dala and walk.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 11 km road distance

Pre-Booked Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal

Recommended

15 mins •On demand, 24/7

€14–€18 / Car (USD 15–20)

Luggage: As booked

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals at Terminal 3.
Meet your driver at the pre-arranged pickup point outside the Arrivals hall; they will hold a name sign.
Confirm the destination and fixed fare before loading luggage.
Ride 15–20 minutes to Malindi Road at the ferry terminal entrance.
Walk a short distance from the drop-off to the terminal building.

Book Fixed-Price Transfer

Airport Taxi Rank

Negotiated Fare

15 mins •On demand, 24/7

€14–€18 / Car (USD 15–20)

Luggage: 2 pieces free

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals at Terminal 3 and ignore touts inside the terminal.
Go to the official taxi rank outside the Arrivals hall.
Agree the total fare per car and currency (USD or TZS) before loading luggage.
Ride 15–20 minutes to the ferry terminal area in Malindi, Stone Town.
Pay cash and walk 2–3 minutes to the terminal entrance.

Bolt Ride-Hailing

Works in Stone Town

20 mins •On demand via app

App fare, typically €13–€18 / Car

Luggage: 2 pieces free

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit Arrivals at Terminal 3 with the Bolt app open.
Request a ride and follow the pickup point shown in the app.
Confirm the driver and destination before entering the car.
Ride about 15–20 minutes to the ferry terminal area in Malindi.
Pay through the app or cash as per app option.

Local Dala-Dala to Darajani, Then Walk

Budget

45 mins •Daytime only, ask conductor

Few hundred TZS (under €0.50 / Person)

Luggage: Very limited

How to take it step-by-step:

Exit the airport and walk to the main road outside the terminal.
Board a dala-dala minibus heading towards Stone Town / Darajani.
Pay the conductor in cash TZS; ask for the fare before boarding.
Alight at Darajani terminal (next to Darajani market).
Walk about 15 minutes north to Malindi ferry terminal, or take a short taxi for the last stretch.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

Ignore touts inside the terminal offering taxis or ferry tickets; use the official taxi rank or a pre-booked driver.
Agree the taxi fare per car (not per person) and the currency before loading luggage; airport taxis have no meters.
Pay in cash TZS or USD where possible; card readers are uncommon and euros are accepted at a poor rate.
Do not follow unofficial people claiming to be Bolt drivers; use only the pickup shown in the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from ZNZ airport to Zanzibar Ferry Terminal (Malindi)?

The local dala-dala minibus to Darajani costs only a few hundred TZS (under €0.50). Alight at Darajani and walk about 15 minutes north to the ferry terminal, or take a short taxi for the last stretch.

How long does a taxi take from ZNZ to the ferry terminal?

By taxi or private transfer it usually takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic in Stone Town.

Do Zanzibar airport taxis accept credit cards?

Most do not; cash in TZS or USD is the norm. Agree the fare before getting in.

Is there an airport bus, train or metro from ZNZ?

No, Zanzibar has no train, metro or airport shuttle bus. The realistic options are taxi, pre-booked transfer, Bolt or local dala-dala.

Can I get to the ferry terminal by dala-dala without walking?

No. Dala-dalas from the airport go to Darajani terminal. From there you must walk about 15 minutes north to Malindi ferry terminal or take a short taxi.

Which transfer option is best for families with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer is best: fixed fare, driver with name sign, luggage space and no need to negotiate at the airport.

Nearby places

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

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