There is no non-stop flight from Dublin to Zanzibar, so every itinerary makes one stop — and with the Gulf, Istanbul and Addis Ababa hubs all competing for the traffic, a single connection is straightforward and often keenly priced. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in euro, and when to book for a spice-island beach holiday.
Route: Dublin (DUB) → Zanzibar (ZNZ, Abeid Amani Karume International)
Distance: approximately 7,400 km (4,600 miles) direct
Non-stop flight time: no non-stop service — typical one-stop journeys run about 13–18 hours door to door
Direct flights: No — no airline flies Dublin to Zanzibar non-stop. The best one-stop carriers are Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Emirates (via Dubai) and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi).
Fares from Dublin to Zanzibar (EUR)
Zanzibar’s fares follow its weather. The dry, sunny stretches — roughly June to October and again December to February — are the busiest and priciest, with Christmas and the European summer holidays at the top. The long rains of March to May are the cheapest and quietest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high |
| February | high |
| March | medium |
| April | low (long rains) |
| May | low (long rains) |
| June | medium-high |
| July | high |
| August | high |
| September | medium-high |
| October | medium |
| November | medium (short rains) |
| December | very high |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a strong one-stop return lands around €440–€500, a typical fair price is roughly €620–€680, and anything under about €500 is worth booking quickly. The long-rains shoulder (April–May) delivers the lowest fares, while Christmas and the July–August peak sit well above.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop: none — no carrier operates Dublin → Zanzibar without a stop.
One-stop (the whole route; usually the cheapest total, about 13–18 hours):
- Qatar Airways via Doha — multiple daily options, consistently well-rated, and a short Dublin–Doha hop before the run to Zanzibar.
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul — a wide schedule and competitive fares, often among the best value on this route.
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa — a strong Africa specialist with a direct Addis–Zanzibar leg; frequently the cheapest headline fare.
- Emirates via Dubai — frequent and roomy in economy, connecting from Dublin to Zanzibar with one stop.
- Etihad via Abu Dhabi — another Gulf option that often prices keenly out of Dublin.
- KLM via Amsterdam — a European connection with a Dublin feeder, useful when the Gulf and Istanbul carriers are full.
These carriers trade the lead week to week, so it pays to compare. Ethiopian and Turkish often post the lowest headline fares; Qatar and Emirates win on comfort and connection quality. A single stop through Doha, Istanbul, Addis Ababa or Dubai is the sweet spot for both price and total journey time.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–5 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice — beach-season fares to Zanzibar rarely soften in the final weeks.
- Avoid the peaks: Christmas–New Year and the July–August European summer are the dearest and busiest.
- Target April, May or November for the lowest fares — the long and short rains bring showers rather than washouts, and prices drop noticeably.
- Watch your bag allowance: the Gulf and full-service carriers usually include a generous checked bag to Zanzibar, but the cheapest “light” fares may not — compare the all-in price.
- Sort your paperwork: Tanzania requires a visa for most visitors (obtainable online or on arrival) plus valid travel/health insurance, which is checked at Zanzibar — have both ready before you fly.
Arriving in Zanzibar
Flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 7–8 km south of Stone Town. The drive into town takes only 15–20 minutes; a licensed taxi from the official rank costs roughly €15–€20 (agree the fare before you set off). Only yellow-number-plate taxis are licensed for airport transfers, and most beach resorts on the north and east coasts arrange a private transfer that is well worth booking ahead — those runs take one to two hours depending on where you are staying.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Dublin to Zanzibar?
There is no non-stop flight, so plan on 13 to 18 hours in total including the connection. The quickest routings through Doha, Istanbul or Addis Ababa can be done in around 13 to 15 hours door to door, while longer layovers on the cheapest fares can push the total toward 18 hours or more.
Are there direct flights from Dublin to Zanzibar?
No. No airline flies Dublin to Zanzibar non-stop, so every ticket includes one stop. The best one-stop options are Qatar Airways via Doha, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, and Emirates or Etihad via the Gulf.
How much does it cost to fly from Dublin to Zanzibar?
A typical economy return runs about €460–€950 depending on the season. Strong one-stop deals dip to around €440–€500 in the April–May shoulder, while the Christmas and July–August peaks sit toward the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Dublin to Zanzibar?
April and May are usually the cheapest, coinciding with the long-rains low season, with November close behind. Avoid December, January and the July–August summer, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Dublin to Zanzibar?
No airline is non-stop. One-stop carriers include Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) and KLM (via Amsterdam).
Which airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
You land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), Zanzibar’s only commercial airport, about 7–8 km from Stone Town. It is a compact terminal, so allow a little time for immigration and the visa desk on arrival if you have not sorted your visa online in advance.
How far in advance should I book Dublin to Zanzibar flights?
Aim to book 3 to 5 months ahead. Beach-season fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially around Christmas and the European summer holidays, so early booking almost always wins and gives you the pick of the faster connections.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, and travelling out and back on weekdays save a little on a return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the simplest ways to trim the fare.
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar?
Yes — most visitors, including Irish citizens, need a Tanzania visa for Zanzibar. You can apply online in advance or buy one on arrival, and travellers are also required to hold valid travel or health insurance, which is checked at the airport. Sorting both before you fly makes arrival much smoother.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
