Zanzibar is the Indian Ocean's spice island, and from Stone Town's airport the outbound fares are quietly handy — €449 to the Seychelles, a bag-included African network, and the Gulf and India within reach of a beach paradise.
Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) is just 8km from Stone Town, a 15-minute drive, and the practical way in is a fixed-fare taxi: around $15–20 per vehicle (not per person), best locked in by booking ahead via WhatsApp before you land. The local daladala shared minibuses exist for €0.20–0.80 but are crowded, won’t take luggage and don’t reach the resorts — fine for a local adventure, useless with a suitcase. For most travellers, the fixed-fare taxi straight to Stone Town or a resort transfer is the only sensible choice. It’s a short hop either way.
As a base, Zanzibar’s value is its Indian Ocean position. The island connects to the African mainland, the Gulf and India, with most fares including a checked bag — sensible for the longer trips they serve.
The Indian Ocean and Gulf wins
The cheapest fare keeps it in the neighbourhood: Mahé in the Seychelles (€449 with a bag) — island-to-island across the Indian Ocean, a natural pairing of two beach paradises, with luggage included. Muscat (€473) bridges to Oman and the wider Gulf, and onward to Europe. These are the closest, best-value routes — the Seychelles especially, for anyone wanting to string two dream destinations into one trip.
Africa and India
The board reaches across the continent and the ocean. Kinshasa (€658 with a bag) opens central Africa, Lagos (€688 with a bag) reaches West Africa, and Nairobi (€750 with a bag) connects to the Kenyan hub — all with luggage. Westward, Bombay (€538) opens India’s western coast, reflecting Zanzibar’s deep historical trade links with the subcontinent. These turn the island into a genuine stepping stone rather than just an end destination.
The Mumbai connection
Worth singling out: Bombay at €538 is the second-cheapest fare and a historically resonant one. Zanzibar’s centuries of Indian Ocean trade tie it closely to India’s western coast, and the route reflects that — a direct cultural and commercial bridge. For travellers combining the spice island with the subcontinent, it’s a logical, well-priced connection that most other African beach destinations can’t offer.
Bag fares: African routes included
The split is clear. The Seychelles and the African routes (Mahé, Kinshasa, Lagos, Nairobi) include a checked bag. Muscat and Bombay are shown as base fares, often cabin-led on the lowest class. Given these are mostly longer routes where you’re likely carrying a full suitcase from a beach holiday, confirm the allowance for your specific ticket and add a bag at booking if needed.
Cheapest destinations from Zanzibar right now
Good-price round-trip targets from aifly’s own tracked fares — “good price” means book at or below this; nothing here is invented or scraped from third parties. The live deal page for each route shows the current fare.
| Destination | Good price | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Mahe | €449 incl. bag | €449 with a bag to the Seychelles — island-to-island across the Indian Ocean. Cheapest here. |
| Muscat | €473 | €473 to Oman — the bridge to the Gulf and onward to Europe. |
| Bombay | €538 | €538 opens India's western coast — a historically resonant trade route. |
| Kinshasa | €658 incl. bag | €658 with a bag into central Africa and the Congo basin. |
| Lagos | €688 incl. bag | €688 with a bag to West Africa's biggest, busiest city. |
| Nairobi | €750 incl. bag | €750 with a bag into Kenya and the East African hub. |
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest flight from Zanzibar?
Mahé in the Seychelles at around €449 with a bag — island-to-island across the Indian Ocean, a natural pairing of two beach paradises with luggage included.
How do I get from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town?
It's just 8km (15 minutes). Use a fixed-fare taxi (~$15–20 per vehicle, not per person), ideally booked ahead via WhatsApp. The daladala minibuses are cheaper but crowded and won't take luggage.
Can you fly to India from Zanzibar?
Yes — Bombay at around €538 opens India's western coast, a historically resonant route reflecting Zanzibar's centuries of Indian Ocean trade with the subcontinent.
Do these Zanzibar fares include a checked bag?
The Seychelles and African routes (Mahé, Kinshasa, Lagos, Nairobi) include a bag; Muscat and Bombay are shown as base fares, often cabin-led. Add a bag at booking if needed.
What's the cheapest way to reach the Seychelles from Zanzibar?
Mahé at around €449 with a bag — the cheapest route, connecting two Indian Ocean beach paradises in one trip.
How current are these Zanzibar prices?
They're the lowest verified round-trip fares we've tracked recently and move with season and demand. Use each as a target for that route and book when you find a fare at or below it.
Seasons, carriers and airport details verified June 2026 and can change — confirm current conditions before you book.