Official taxis from the airport to Stone Town cost around $15 and take 15 minutes. Budget travelers can use dala dala minibuses for $0.15 — but they're crowded and slow.
Things to do at Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
Zanzibar International AirportZNZ
At the airport
Things to do in Zanzibar International Airport
Zanzibar's Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of winding alleyways, carved wooden doors, and Swahili-Arab architecture — is just 5 km and 15 minutes from the airport. The Palace Museum, the Old Fort, and the bustling Forodhani seafood night market make Stone Town worth any layover. For longer stops, the white-sand beaches of Nungwi (north) or Paje (east) are 45–60 minutes away.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Zanzibar International Airport
- The VIP Lounge in Terminal 3 charges around $30–50 entry and includes WiFi and snacks — worth it for long waits.
- Withdraw Tanzanian Shillings at the airport ATM rather than using exchange booths for better rates.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at ZNZ
3 Sanctifly partner lounges at Zanzibar International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestMarhaba Lounge
At Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the Marhaba Lounge is conveniently located in Terminal 3 on the airside, making it an easy stop for travelers once you’ve completed the main departure formalities. After you pass passport control and the security check, continue into the airside departures area and proceed up to the 1st floor. Follow the corridor all the way along, and you’ll find the Marhaba Lounge at the end of the corridor on the right-hand side, positioned near Gate 1. This clear, straightforward location is ideal for travel through Zanzibar International Airport, especially if you want to settle in close to your departure gate after clearing border and security procedures.Book Now
100 points per guestThe Premium Lounge
Travelers passing through Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, Tanzania can unwind at The Premium Lounge in Terminal 2. This airport lounge is located airside, meaning you’ll need to proceed through passport control and complete the security check before you can access it. Once you’re in the secure departures area, head to the first floor and look for the lounge next to the Spice Shop. Its convenient airside location makes it an easy stop after formalities, giving you a comfortable place to relax and recharge before your onward travel from Zanzibar.Book Now
100 points per guestParadise Arrival Lounge
At Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the Paradise Arrival Lounge is conveniently located in Terminal 2 in the airside area, making it easy to find as you complete arrival formalities. After you pass through immigration and passport control, look to the left-hand side to locate the airport lounge. This straightforward placement helps travelers quickly orient themselves upon landing at Zanzibar International Airport, so you can head directly to the Paradise Arrival Lounge without unnecessary backtracking. Whether you’re arriving for business or leisure travel in Zanzibar, Tanzania, knowing it’s positioned on the left of immigration and passport control in Terminal 2 airside can save time and make your arrival smoother.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.