Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is about 20 km south of Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar. The drive takes 25-35 minutes along the main coastal road, offering glimpses of spice plantations and local villages.

About Zanzibar City Center

Stone Town is the historic quarter of Zanzibar City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a dense labyrinth of narrow alleys, ornately carved wooden doors, and crumbling coral stone buildings reflecting centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence. The House of Wonders (Beit-el-Ajaib), the Old Fort, and the Sultan's Palace Museum line the seafront, while the former slave market site at the Anglican Cathedral bears witness to Zanzibar's darker history.

The town comes alive in the evening when the Forodhani Gardens night market sets up along the waterfront, offering fresh grilled seafood, Zanzibar pizza, and sugar cane juice under strings of lights. Freddie Mercury's birthplace is marked on Kenyatta Road, attracting music fans. The winding streets reveal hidden courtyards, rooftop restaurants with sunset views, and spice shops selling the cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon that earned Zanzibar its 'Spice Island' nickname.

Nearby Landmarks

Forodhani Gardens House of Wonders Old Fort Anglican Cathedral Freddie Mercury House

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit the terminal and find the taxi area or your hotel transfer. 2. Drive north along the main coastal road through villages. 3. Arrive at the Stone Town edge after approximately 25-35 minutes. 4. Walk the final stretch through narrow alleys to your hotel.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and dala-dala (shared minibuses) operate until early evening. After dark (around 7 PM), pre-arranged hotel transfers are recommended. Taxis at the airport are available for late flights. A night ride to Stone Town costs approximately $15-20 USD (negotiate before departure).

Luggage Tips

Negotiate taxi fares before getting in—there are no meters. Stone Town's alleys are too narrow for cars, so you will walk the last stretch to most hotels. Wheeled suitcases struggle on uneven surfaces; a backpack or soft bag is preferable.

Accessibility

Stone Town's narrow streets, uneven stone surfaces, and lack of curb cuts make wheelchair access extremely difficult. Most historic buildings have steps and narrow doorways. A few modern hotels have accessible rooms. The waterfront promenade at Forodhani is relatively flat.