How to Get Around Zanzibar: Every Option Compared (2026)
The five main ways to get around Zanzibar are: rent a car (best for stays of 3+ days, $25–$120 per day), hire a private taxi (best for one-off transfers, $20–$60 per ride), use Bolt in Stone Town (best for short urban trips, $1–$5), ride a daladala minibus (cheapest but slow, $1–$2), or rent a scooter (best for short distances, $15–$25 per day). There is no Uber in Zanzibar. For most tourists staying 4 nights or longer, car rental is the most cost-effective and convenient option.
This guide compares every option honestly so you can pick what fits your trip.
Option 1 — Rent a car (the most popular tourist choice)
Self-drive car rental is the most flexible way to explore Zanzibar. Local companies deliver the car to your hotel or the airport for free, handle the driving permit, and provide 24/7 roadside support.
Pros
- Total schedule freedom
- Cost-effective for groups of 2+ people
- Access to all areas of the island, including beaches without taxi service
- Luggage and shopping space
Cons
- Driving on the left takes adjustment
- Need to manage parking in Stone Town (avoid the old town — park outside)
- Driving permit required ($10, arranged by rental company)
Cost
$25–$120 per day depending on car type. See our dedicated price guide for full breakdown.
Option 2 — Private taxi
Local taxis are widely available in Stone Town and at popular tourist spots. There are no meters — always agree the price before getting in.
Pros
- No driving required
- Available almost everywhere
- Can hire a driver for the day for $60–$100
Cons
- Adds up fast for multi-stop trips
- Tourist prices often quoted higher than local prices
- Inconvenient for spontaneous changes of plan
Sample fares
- Stone Town to Zanzibar International Airport: $20–$25
- Stone Town to Nungwi: $40–$60
- Stone Town to Paje: $30–$45
- Stone Town to Jambiani: $35–$50
Option 3 — Bolt
Bolt is the only major ride-hailing app in Zanzibar. Uber is not available. Bolt works reliably in Stone Town and at the airport but coverage is thin or absent at beach destinations.
Pros
- App-based, no negotiation
- Cheap inside Stone Town ($1–$5 per ride)
- Cashless payment available
Cons
- Limited or no coverage at Nungwi, Paje, Jambiani, Kendwa
- Long wait times outside Stone Town
- Not reliable for return journeys from beach areas
Option 4 — Daladala (local minibus)
Daladalas are shared minibuses used by locals. They run on fixed routes between major towns and beach villages. Routes are colour-coded and numbered. You hail them from the roadside, pay the conductor in cash, and squeeze in.
Pros
- Extremely cheap — $1–$2 per ride
- Authentic local experience
- Routes cover most of the island
Cons
- Crowded, often beyond seat capacity
- Slow — frequent stops
- Not suitable for luggage
- Schedules informal — wait times unpredictable
Realistic for adventurous solo travelers without much luggage. Not realistic for families, beach-bound tourists with bags, or anyone on a tight schedule.
Option 5 — Scooter rental
Scooters and small motorcycles are available for rent in Stone Town and the main beach areas. Cost is typically $15–$25 per day.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy parking
- Good for short hops
Cons
- No luggage capacity
- Sun and rain exposure
- Higher accident risk on unfamiliar roads
- Driving permit still required
- Travel insurance often does not cover scooter accidents — check your policy
Option 6 — Hotel-organized tours and transfers
Most hotels and tour operators offer day trips, snorkeling tours, spice tours, and Stone Town excursions with pickup included. Convenient but the most expensive way to get around.
- Half-day tour with transport: $40–$80 per person
- Full-day tour with transport: $80–$150 per person
- One-way airport transfer: $25–$40 per car
Which option should you pick?
Quick decision guide:
- Staying 1–2 nights at a single resort: airport transfer + hotel tours
- Staying 3–6 nights, 2+ travelers, want to explore: rent a car
- Staying 3+ nights, solo, budget traveler: mix of taxis and Bolt
- Staying a week+, want maximum flexibility: rent a car
- Backpacker on a tight budget: daladalas and walking
- Just visiting Stone Town: walking + occasional Bolt
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel around Zanzibar?
Daladalas (local minibuses) at $1–$2 per ride. For most tourists, the second-cheapest option — splitting a car rental between 2–4 people — works out to similar per-person costs with much more comfort.
What is the best way to get around Zanzibar?
For stays of 3+ days, car rental. For shorter stays, a combination of pre-booked airport transfer and hotel-arranged tours.
Do you need a car to get around Zanzibar?
No, but you'll save money and time on stays longer than 3 days, especially if visiting multiple beaches.
How long does it take to drive around Zanzibar?
The main road from Stone Town to Nungwi (the far north) takes about 1.5 hours. Stone Town to Paje (east coast) takes about 1 hour. The whole island is small enough to cross in 2 hours.
About Zanzibar Cars
Zanzibar Cars rents self-drive cars across the island with free delivery to Zanzibar International Airport and Stone Town hotels. Our fleet includes Suzuki Escudo, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Prado. We also offer chauffeur service in Zanzibar if you prefer not to drive.