Madrid to Zanzibar has a genuine non-stop option — the Spanish leisure airline World2Fly flies direct to the island in around nine hours, though only a couple of times a week. For everything else, you connect once through Africa, the Gulf or Europe. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return costs in euros, and when to book for a spice-island beach break.
Route: Madrid (MAD, Adolfo Suárez Barajas) → Zanzibar (ZNZ, Abeid Amani Karume)
Distance: approximately 6,960 km (4,325 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 9 hours on the direct World2Fly service; one-stop journeys run roughly 13–20 hours in total
Direct flights: Yes, but limited — World2Fly flies Madrid to Zanzibar non-stop about twice a week (seasonal leisure schedule). One-stop options through Addis Ababa, Istanbul or the Gulf run daily and are often cheaper.
Fares from Madrid to Zanzibar (EUR)
Zanzibar’s peak is the dry, sunny high season from June to October and the Christmas/New Year holidays, when both weather and demand are at their best — and fares are highest. The long rains (March–May) are the cheapest but wettest window. 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 | medium-high |
| March | medium (rains begin) |
| April | low (long rains) |
| May | low |
| June | high (dry season) |
| July | very high |
| August | very high |
| September | high |
| October | medium-high |
| November | medium (short rains) |
| December | very high (holidays) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking: a strong Madrid–Zanzibar return lands around €490–€500, a typical fair price is roughly €600–€630, and the best fares we have seen dip toward €400. Anything under about €520 return is worth booking quickly — the cheapest fares are usually one-stop connections.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 9 hours, limited days):
- World2Fly — Spanish leisure carrier flying Madrid → Zanzibar direct, roughly twice a week on a seasonal schedule; the only non-stop option.
One-stop (usually the cheapest, more daily choice):
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa — a well-connected African hub and often the best-value routing to Zanzibar.
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul — broad schedule and competitive fares from Madrid.
- Qatar Airways via Doha — strong economy product and frequent flights through the Gulf.
- KLM & Air France via Amsterdam or Paris — a short first leg and a single onward flight to the island.
The direct World2Fly flight is the quickest and simplest when the dates line up, but its schedule is thin. If you need more flexibility or a lower price, a single connection through Addis Ababa, Istanbul or Doha is usually the sweet spot.
When to book & how to save
- Book 3–5 months ahead for the June–October dry season and the Christmas peak — these weeks sell out early and rarely get cheaper close in.
- Travel in the shoulder months (February, November) for a good balance of decent weather and lower fares; the long rains (April–May) are cheapest but wettest.
- Grab the direct flight early: World2Fly runs only a couple of Madrid–Zanzibar services a week, so the direct seats go fast in peak season.
- Compare one-stop routings through Addis Ababa, Istanbul and Doha — they run daily and frequently undercut the direct fare.
- Check visa and baggage: most visitors need a Tanzania visa (arrange online in advance), and full-service carriers usually include a checked bag — confirm before you book the cheapest fare.
Arriving in Zanzibar
Flights land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 7 km southeast of Stone Town. There is no train or public transfer to speak of, so a taxi is the standard option: expect around US$15–20 (roughly €14–18) into Stone Town, and US$40–70 (about €37–65) up to the northern beach resorts of Nungwi and Kendwa, which are an hour or more away. Agree the fare before you set off, as taxis are not metered, and note that visitors need a valid Tanzania visa on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Madrid to Zanzibar?
The direct World2Fly flight takes about 9 hours. One-stop itineraries through Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Doha or a European hub typically take 13 to 20 hours in total, depending on the length of the connection, so check the full journey time before booking.
Are there direct flights from Madrid to Zanzibar?
Yes, but with limited frequency. World2Fly, a Spanish leisure airline, flies Madrid to Zanzibar non-stop about twice a week on a seasonal schedule. If those dates do not suit you, one-stop flights with Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways run daily and are often cheaper.
How much does it cost to fly from Madrid to Zanzibar?
A typical economy return runs about €460–€860 depending on the season. The best deals dip toward €400–€500 in the quieter rainy-season weeks, while the June–October dry season and the December holidays sit at the top of the range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Madrid to Zanzibar?
April, May and November are usually the cheapest months to fly. These fall during the rainy seasons, so expect some showers. Avoid July, August, December and January, which are the busiest and most expensive dry-season and holiday weeks.
Which airlines fly from Madrid to Zanzibar?
Non-stop: World2Fly, a few days a week. One-stop: Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and KLM/Air France (via Amsterdam or Paris). The connecting carriers are often competitive on price and the most daily choice.
Which airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
All flights use Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 7 km from Stone Town — it is the island’s only commercial airport. From there it is a short taxi to Stone Town or a longer transfer of an hour or more to the northern beach resorts.
How far in advance should I book Madrid to Zanzibar flights?
Aim to book 3 to 5 months ahead, especially for the June–October dry season and the Christmas peak, when both the direct World2Fly seats and the best one-stop fares go early. Long-haul fares to Zanzibar rarely drop at the last minute in high season.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes. Midweek departures are usually a little cheaper than weekend ones, and being flexible by a day or two can trim the fare. On the direct flight your choice is limited to World2Fly’s two weekly days, so on the connecting routings a midweek connection tends to price best.
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.
