Find the cheapest flights from London to Zanzibar in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: London (LHR) → Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 11h 30m – 16h with 1 stop
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €460 | medium |
| March | €420 | medium |
| April | €360 | low |
| May | €380 | low |
| June | €480 | medium |
| July | €580 | high |
| August | €620 | high |
| September | €440 | medium |
| October | €400 | medium |
| November | €350 | low |
| December | €680 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €380 — Use Qatar Airways website directly – they price-match and often have flash sales. Doha connection is typically最短 (shortest) at 1-3 hours.
- Emirates (connecting): from €450 — Emirates frequently runs promotions through Skyscanner and Kayak. Dubai connection can be 4-8 hours – use stopover program to explore Dubai for free.
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €340 — Often the cheapest option at €340-420. Istanbul connection ranges 2-6 hours. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates.
- Kenya Airways (connecting): from €420 — Excellent for multi-destination itineraries. Nairobi stop can be 3-8 hours – consider Safari extension. Best booked through their website.
- Ethiopian Airlines (connecting): from €380 — Often matches Turkish on price. Connection times vary significantly – book shorter connections (under 4 hours) for comfort.
Booking Strategy
For London to Zanzibar flights, the sweet spot for booking is 6-10 weeks before departure. November and April offer the best value at €350-380 for economy, while December can hit €650+. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search to compare all carriers simultaneously, then book directly with the airline to avoid booking site fees. Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines consistently offer the best value, with prices starting around €340. If flying Emirates, check their Dubai stopover program – you can extend your journey at no extra airfare cost. Avoid peak school holiday periods (late July, August, and December) unless booked 3+ months in advance. Use Google Flights price alerts for your specific dates – set them 2-3 months out and monitor for drops below €400.
Route Tips
- Qatar Airways via Doha typically offers the shortest connection times at 11-12 hours total – ideal if you want to minimize travel fatigue
- Book a long Dubai stopover with Emirates – their free hotel transit visa allows you to explore the city for 1-2 days at no extra airfare
- Kenya Airways flights often allow multi-city bookings adding a Nairobi safari stop for only €50-100 extra – perfect for combining beach and wildlife
- Apply for your Tanzania e-visa online before departure – it costs $50 and saves 30+ minutes queue time at Zanzibar Airport
- Turkish Airlines allows free stopovers in Istanbul – consider breaking your journey for 2-3 days to explore this fascinating city between continents
- Most beach resorts in Nungwi and Kendwa offer free airport transfers – confirm this when booking accommodation to save €25-40 on taxi fares
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from London to Zanzibar?
There are no direct flights from London to Zanzibar. All services require at least one stop. The fastest connections (with 1 stop) take approximately 11h 30m, typically via Doha with Qatar Airways or Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. Most other routes involve 12-16 hours total travel time, including a 2-8 hour layover at hubs like Dubai (Emirates), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). The longest routings, particularly with budget connecting options, can extend to 20+ hours with overnight layovers.
How much does it cost to fly from London to Zanzibar?
Economy class flights from London to Zanzibar start at approximately €300-350 during the cheapest periods (April, May, November). The average price ranges from €400-500 for most of the year, with peak season (December, July, August) pushing prices to €600-700. Business class fares typically start at €1,800 and can exceed €3,500 during holidays. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways generally offer the best value at €340-420, while Emirates tends to be pricier at €450-550 but includes a generous 30kg baggage allowance.
Are there direct flights from London to Zanzibar?
No, there are currently no direct flights from London to Zanzibar. The route requires at least one stop, typically at major aviation hubs in the Middle East or East Africa. The most popular connections are through Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). Travelers should factor in a minimum 2-hour layover, though some connections can extend to 8+ hours depending on scheduling and airline.
What is the cheapest month to fly from London to Zanzibar?
November offers the cheapest flights from London to Zanzibar, with average prices around €350-380. April and May are also excellent value at €360-420, representing the shoulder seasons when tourist numbers are lower but weather remains excellent. The most expensive months are December (€650-700), followed by July and August (€580-620) during European school holidays. February and March provide moderate pricing at €420-480, while September-October sees prices around €400-460.
Which airlines fly from London to Zanzibar?
Seven major airlines operate flights from London to Zanzibar with connections: Qatar Airways (via Doha, from €380), Emirates (via Dubai, from €450), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul, from €340), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi, from €420), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa, from €380), Oman Air (via Muscat, from €420), and KLM (via Amsterdam, from €460). Turkish Airlines typically offers the lowest base fares, while Emirates provides the most generous baggage allowance at 30kg included.
What airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
You will fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), located approximately 5km southeast of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s historic center. Taxis to Stone Town cost around TZS 20,000-30,000 (€7-12) and take 10-15 minutes. To popular beach resorts in Nungwi or Kendwa (north), expect a 60-90 minute drive costing €25-40. Most resorts offer airport transfers. Ensure your visa is arranged before arrival – tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for $50 USD, but e-visa applications online are faster.
How far in advance should I book London to Zanzibar flights?
For London to Zanzibar, book 6-10 weeks in advance for the best prices. Booking too early (4+ months) often results in higher fares, while last-minute bookings (under 3 weeks) rarely offer deals except for off-peak dates. For peak season travel (December, July-August), book 10-14 weeks ahead to secure availability and reasonable pricing. Mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) offer better availability than weekends. Monitor prices using Google Flights or Skyscanner alerts starting 3 months before your target travel dates.
Is it cheaper to fly from London to Zanzibar on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek from London to Zanzibar is noticeably cheaper. Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically save €40-80 compared to Friday or Sunday flights, which are most expensive due to weekend leisure travelers. Monday falls in the mid-range pricing category. The difference is most pronounced during shoulder season – in November, Tuesday flights can be €50+ cheaper than Sunday departures. Saturday departures offer moderate savings if you can arrive in Zanzibar late Saturday night. Use Skyscanner’s ‘+/- 3 days’ feature to find the cheapest day for your specific travel week.
Data updated: 2026-03
