Zanzibar — white sand, warm Indian Ocean and Stone Town’s spice-trade history — has become a firm favourite for Norwegians wanting winter warmth with a bit of adventure. There is no non-stop from Oslo, so the trip is a single connection through a Gulf, Turkish or East African hub. Well timed, it is a comfortable overnight-style journey to one of the Indian Ocean’s most characterful islands.
Route: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) → Zanzibar (Abeid Amani Karume International, ZNZ)
Distance: ~7 500 km (4 660 miles) direct; more via the hub
Non-stop flight time: no non-stop; total flying time on one-stop routings is about 12–14 hours plus the connection
Direct flights: No — there is no non-stop from Oslo. The route is flown one-stop via Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) or a Gulf hub. Seasonal TUI charters to Zanzibar run from the Nordics in winter, but from Oslo they are limited — check availability if you want the shortest routing.
Fares from Oslo to Zanzibar (NOK)
Zanzibar has two dry high seasons — the European winter (December to February) and the northern summer (July to August) — when the weather is best and fares are highest, with Christmas, New Year and the February winter-holiday week the priciest. The long rains from March to May are the cheapest and quietest, followed by the short November rains. Every fare is a one-stop, so the hub and booking window drive the price more than anything else.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | Very high |
| February | Very high (vinterferie) |
| March | Moderate (rains begin) |
| April | Low (long rains) |
| May | Low (long rains) |
| June | Moderate (dry season begins) |
| July | High (summer holidays) |
| August | High |
| September | Moderate |
| October | Moderate |
| November | Low-moderate (short rains) |
| December | Very high (Christmas/New Year) |
Based on aifly.one tracking, a good return on this route sits around 4 500–5 500 kr, with typical economy returns nearer 6 000–8 000 kr. Peak high-season and holiday weeks run higher. Figures are indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop: none — there is no direct flight from Oslo to Zanzibar. Seasonal TUI charters to Zanzibar operate from the Nordic region in winter, but from Oslo they are limited and often routed via another base, so confirm dates if a direct seat matters.
One-stop (the usual way to fly it):
- Qatar Airways — via Doha; frequent, top-rated economy and often the smoothest single connection.
- Turkish Airlines — via Istanbul; frequently a competitive headline fare and a good hard product.
- Ethiopian Airlines — via Addis Ababa; the most direct African routing, often good value, about 14h flying time in total.
- Emirates — via Dubai; a comfortable widebody option, sometimes connecting through Dar es Salaam.
- KLM or Lufthansa — via Amsterdam or Frankfurt for a European-hub alternative, usually with a longer total journey.
The Gulf and Turkish carriers compete hard on price, so shop Doha, Istanbul and Addis Ababa side by side. Turkish and Ethiopian often carry the cheapest fares, while Qatar tends to win on connection quality and shorter layovers.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–4 months ahead for the December–February and July–August peaks; holiday weeks sell out and rise close to departure.
- Travel in the shoulder months — June, October or November — for warm, mostly dry weather at lower fares, avoiding the heaviest long-rains period (April–May) if the beach is your priority.
- Compare hubs: the same trip can vary by a few thousand kroner between Doha, Istanbul and Addis Ababa.
- Check checked-bag rules: full-service Gulf and Turkish fares usually include 25–30 kg, but the cheapest “light” fares may not — compare the all-in price.
- Budget for the Tanzania/Zanzibar visa (visa on arrival, around 500–600 kr equivalent) and check current entry rules before you fly.
Arriving in Zanzibar
You land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 7 km south of Zanzibar Town (Stone Town). A licensed airport taxi to Stone Town runs roughly 150–300 kr, while a transfer to the popular Nungwi and Paje beach areas in the north and east costs more like 350–700 kr for the hour-or-so drive. Many hotels arrange a transfer — often the easiest option after a long trip. Agree the fare or use the official taxi desk before setting off, and have some US dollars or local shillings handy for the visa and airport fees.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Oslo to Zanzibar?
There is no non-stop, so plan on a one-stop trip. The actual flying time is roughly 12 to 14 hours in total — Ethiopian via Addis Ababa runs about 14h — and with the connection the door-to-door journey usually takes 14 to 18 hours depending on the layover.
Are there direct flights from Oslo to Zanzibar?
No. There is no non-stop from Oslo to Zanzibar. Every routing connects once, most commonly with Qatar Airways via Doha, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Seasonal TUI charters run from the Nordics in winter but are limited from Oslo.
How much does a flight to Zanzibar cost from Oslo?
A good return sits around 4 500–5 500 kr, with typical economy returns nearer 6 000–8 000 kr. Peak Christmas, New Year and mid-summer weeks can push toward 9 000–10 000 kr, so book those dates early.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Zanzibar?
April and May are cheapest, during the long rains when demand is lowest. If you want reliable beach weather at a lower fare, the shoulder months of June, October and November are a better balance of price and sunshine.
Which airlines fly from Oslo to Zanzibar?
The main one-stop carriers are Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and Emirates (via Dubai). KLM or Lufthansa offer European-hub alternatives, usually with a longer total journey.
Which airport do I fly into in Zanzibar?
You fly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 7 km from Stone Town. It is the island’s only commercial airport and serves Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje and the other beach areas by taxi or hotel transfer.
How far in advance should I book Oslo to Zanzibar flights?
Aim for 2 to 4 months ahead for the December–February and July–August peaks, which sell out and climb close to departure. For a shoulder- or low-season trip you can often book 6–10 weeks out and still find good value.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — mid-week departures (Tuesday to Thursday) tend to be a little cheaper than weekend flights, and travelling out and back on weekdays can save a useful amount on a long-haul return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — check the live fare before booking.
