Licensed, local · 24/7

Zanzibar Taxi Hire With Licensed Local Drivers, Island-Wide, 24/7

Zan Drive Taxi is a taxi service in Zanzibar with licensed local drivers. We handle airport, ferry port, hotel and full-day driver transfers across the whole island, 24 hours a day. Our English-speaking drivers know the roads from Stone Town to Nungwi and Paje, and you can pay in US dollars, Tanzanian shillings or by card.

Looking for a cheap taxi in Zanzibar? Send your pickup point, group size and travel date on WhatsApp and we will suggest the right car for your budget.

Book on WhatsApp Call +255 742 042 216

5 yearson Zanzibar roads
15+vehicles in our fleet
24/7pickups, day or night
USD · TZScash or card

Zan Drive Taxi vehicle waiting for guests at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar — Airport · Ferry Port · Hotels · Beaches

Our services

Zanzibar Taxi Hire for Every Kind of Trip

Zan Drive Taxi covers four main services in Zanzibar: airport taxi, ferry port taxi, private driver or full-day hire, and island transfers between hotels and beach villages. Every service runs 24/7 with licensed local drivers across Unguja, so you can book one ride or a whole day with the same team.

Zanzibar Airport Taxi

Land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and ride straight to your hotel. Stone Town is about 10 to 15 minutes away, and the airport to Stone Town fare is $20 each way for 1 to 4 people. Send us your flight details on WhatsApp and we plan the pickup.
See airport taxi service
Ferry Port Taxi

Arriving by ferry from Dar es Salaam? Your driver can pick you up at the port in Stone Town and take you to your hotel in town or on the beach. Share your ferry time and we match the pickup to it.
See ferry port taxi
Private Driver and Full-Day Hire

Keep a car and a local driver for the whole day. It works well for Stone Town, shopping, spice farms and beaches, with stops wherever you like. Our drivers speak English and local languages.
See private driver hire
Island Transfers

Move between Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Paje and Jambiani in one private car. Hotel to hotel or village to village, at the time that suits your plans.
See island transfers

Not sure which service you need? Tell us your route and group size on WhatsApp and we will point you to the right one.

Ask on WhatsApp

Taxi prices

How Much Does a Taxi Cost in Zanzibar?

A taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $20 with Zan Drive Taxi for 1 to 4 people, and $35 for 5 or more. Beach villages like Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Kiwengwa start from $35, and longer cross-island rides run $50 to $60. Zanzibar taxis have no meters, so you get a price on WhatsApp before you travel.

Zan Drive Taxi fare list: one-way prices in US dollars, per vehicle
Route	1 to 4 people	5+ people (NOAH or Alphard)
Airport to or from Stone Town	$20	$35
Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe, Kiwengwa, Pwani Mchangani, Uroa, Chwaka	$35	$60
Paje, Jambiani, Bwejuu	$35	$60
Pongwe, Makunduchi, Kizimkazi	$40	$70
Michamvi, Pingwe	$45	$80
Between regions, such as Nungwi to Paje or Matemwe to Paje	$50	$90
Long cross-island rides, such as Nungwi to Kizimkazi or Matemwe to Michamvi	$60	$105

Prices are per vehicle, not per person. Final price depends on group size, travel time and the car you choose. More routes are listed on transfers.

Are taxis expensive in Zanzibar?

Not when you split the fare. A $35 ride to a beach village covers the whole car, so a group of four pays under $9 each, and we add no extra charges on top of the price we quote. Taxis are best value for a single, short trip. If you will be moving around the island for 3 or more days, a full-day private driver may suit you better, and we are happy to quote both.

How much is a 5 km taxi ride in Zanzibar?

There is no meter in Zanzibar taxis, so a short ride is priced per trip rather than per kilometer. Send your pickup point and drop-off on WhatsApp and we will give you the price for that exact ride.

Looking for a cheap taxi in Zanzibar?

Travel as a group of up to 4 and share one vehicle price.
Book your airport or ferry port pickup before you land.
Tell us your route and group size, and we will suggest the car that fits your budget.

Get a Price on WhatsApp

Getting around

What's the Best Way to Get Around Zanzibar?

The best way to get around Zanzibar is a private taxi or a driver with a car, booked in advance. Uber is not available in Zanzibar and Bolt has very few drivers, so apps are not reliable. Dala-dalas are cheap but slow, and a rental car suits longer stays.

Private taxi

Our pick: airport, ferry port, hotels, groups

One car, one price, door to door. You get room for luggage, an English-speaking local driver and pickups at any hour. Our airport to Stone Town fare is $20 for 1 to 4 people.

See our transfers

Full-day private driver

Best for: days with several stops

Keep the car and driver all day for Stone Town, spice farms and beaches. You skip the parking, the directions and the waiting for rides.

See private driver hire

Dala-dala (local minibus)

Best for: tight budgets, light luggage

The cheapest way to cross the island, but it is slow, stops often along the way and is hard to use with suitcases.

Rental car

Best for: 3+ days across the island

It can work out cheaper than separate taxi rides if you are moving between Stone Town, Nungwi and Paje, and you are happy to drive yourself with the required license and permit.

Can I use Uber in Zanzibar?

No. Uber does not operate in Zanzibar, so book a taxi or driver directly instead.

Very limited

Is Bolt available in Zanzibar?

Bolt has launched on the island, but it has very few drivers, so waiting times vary and a ride is not guaranteed.

Not reliable yet

Is there any taxi app in Zanzibar?

Bolt is the ride-hailing app that has launched here, and it is not dependable yet. A WhatsApp booking with a local taxi service is the safer way.

What taxi should you use in Zanzibar?

Choose a licensed local driver you can book in advance and get a price from before you travel. With Zan Drive Taxi you message us on WhatsApp, share your route and group size, and we confirm your pickup.

Book on WhatsApp

Areas we serve

Taxi Service in Zanzibar: Areas We Cover

Zan Drive Taxi serves all of Zanzibar, with dedicated taxi pages for Stone Town, Nungwi, Kendwa, Kiwengwa, Matemwe, Jambiani and Paje. Stone Town is about 10 to 15 minutes from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, and most beach villages are 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes away.

Taxi pickup near Forodhani Gardens on the Stone Town waterfront in Zanzibar

10 to 15 min from the airport

Stone Town Taxi

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Forodhani Gardens, the Old Fort and a busy ferry port. We cover airport and ferry port pickups, rides between hotels and day trips from town to the beaches. Airport to Stone Town is $20 for 1 to 4 people.

Book a Stone Town taxi

Traditional wooden dhow boats on the beach at Nungwi in northern Zanzibar

About 1 hr 15 min from the airport

Nungwi Taxi

Nungwi sits at the island's northern tip, known for its beaches, diving and dhow culture. It is one of the longer airport runs, so a pre-booked taxi saves you hunting for a ride after your flight.

Book a Nungwi taxi

Sunset over the calm white sand beach at Kendwa in Zanzibar

About 1 hr 15 min from the airport

Kendwa Taxi

Kendwa is about 3 km from Nungwi, known for sunsets and calm swimming with little tidal change. Taxis to Kendwa start from $35 for 1 to 4 people, the same as Nungwi.

Book a Kendwa taxi

Beach resort coastline at Kiwengwa on the northeast coast of Zanzibar

About 45 to 50 min from the airport

Kiwengwa Taxi

Kiwengwa is a resort stretch on the northeast coast and one of the quicker beach runs from the airport. Taxis start from $35 for 1 to 4 people.

Book a Kiwengwa taxi

Fishing boats on the shore at Matemwe village near Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

About 1 hr from the airport

Matemwe Taxi

Matemwe is a quiet fishing village near Mnemba Island, popular for snorkeling trips and fewer crowds. Taxis start from $35 for 1 to 4 people.

Book a Matemwe taxi

Quiet sandy beach and palm trees at Jambiani on the southeast coast of Zanzibar

About 1 hr from the airport

Jambiani Taxi

Jambiani is a laid-back village on the southeast coast, where many hotels sit down sandy lanes. Your local driver knows the turnoffs and takes you to the door.

Book a Jambiani taxi

Kitesurfers on the shallow lagoon at Paje beach on the southeast coast of Zanzibar

About 1 hr from the airport

Paje Taxi

Paje is the kitesurfing hub of the southeast coast. The tide goes far out here, so plan your beach time around it. Taxis start from $35 for 1 to 4 people.

Book a Paje taxi

Staying somewhere else?

We also cover Pwani Mchangani, Uroa, Chwaka, Pongwe, Bwejuu, Michamvi, Pingwe, Makunduchi, Kizimkazi and every other village on Unguja. Message us your hotel and we will send you a price.

Travel times are approximate from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) and change with traffic and road conditions.

Ask for a Price on WhatsApp

Our fleet

Which Zanzibar Taxi Car Fits Your Group?

The right Zanzibar taxi depends on your group size and luggage. The cars below run from a 4-seat Toyota RAV 4 3 door to the 8-seat Toyota NOAH, and each one is air conditioned and automatic. Each car carries one bag per person, and child seats must be requested and confirmed when you book.

These are five of our 15+ vehicles. Message us on WhatsApp if you need a different size.

Toyota RAV 4 (5 door)

5 seats
1 bag per person
Air conditioned
Automatic

A comfortable SUV for couples, small families and day trips around the island.

See the Toyota RAV 4

Toyota NOAH

8 seats
1 bag per person
Air conditioned
Automatic

Our biggest car on this list, made for larger families and groups traveling together.

See the Toyota NOAH

Toyota Alphard

7 seats
1 bag per person
Air conditioned
Automatic

A roomy, comfortable minivan for airport transfers, families and business travelers.

See the Toyota Alphard

Suzuki Escudo (5 door)

5 seats
1 bag per person
Air conditioned
Automatic

A practical SUV for small groups heading to beach villages and country roads.

See the Suzuki Escudo

Toyota RAV 4 (3 door)

4 seats
1 bag per person
Air conditioned
Automatic

A compact SUV for solo travelers and couples who want an easy, simple ride.

See the Toyota RAV 4 3 door

Do you need a child seat?

Child seats are generally not included. Tell us when you book and we will confirm one with you before your pickup.

Prices for 5 or more people are for the NOAH or Alphard.

Book on WhatsApp See all our cars

Why choose us

Why Travelers Choose Zan Drive Taxi

Travelers choose Zan Drive Taxi because we do what we promise. With 5 years on Zanzibar roads, licensed local drivers, a fleet of 15+ vehicles and 24/7 service, your pickup is planned around your flight, ferry or hotel, and the ride you booked is the ride you get.

5 years on Zanzibar roads

Licensed local drivers

15+ vehicles

Simple payment

24/7 Ready

      
   Zan Drive Car Hire and Taxi Services
   4 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Golrokh Niazi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My solo trip to Zanzibar turned into an amazing adventure thanks to Shaisu Dau and his team at Zan Drive Car Hire. Whether it was touring Stone Town, taking a boat to Prison Island and Nakupenda sandbank, visiting Tumbatu Island, or getting to Nungwi and back to the airport in Dar es Salaam, everything was seamless. The drivers and guides were always punctual and professional, making my stay unforgettable. Huge thanks to Mr Dau and his awesome staff!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jider Exclusive 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Manou672 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was very easy to get a car. It was brought to my hotel and I could simply drop it off at the airport. I would be happy to do it again anytime.
Es war sehr einfach einen Wagen zu bekommen. Er wurde mir zum Hotel gebracht und ich konnte ihn einfach wieder am Flughafen abgeben. jederzeit gerne wieder.

Local tips

Zanzibar Taxi Tips From Local Drivers

The best Zanzibar taxi tip is to book your ride and confirm the price before you travel, because taxis here have no meters. Tell your driver your flight or ferry time, carry small US dollar bills, and allow extra time on village roads, especially after heavy rain.

Before you ride

Get your price first. Message us on WhatsApp with your route, group size and date. Zanzibar taxis have no meters, so the price is agreed before you travel.
Share your arrival time. Send your flight number for an airport taxi or your ferry time for a ferry port taxi, and we plan the pickup around it.
Bring small bills. You can pay in US dollars, Tanzanian shillings or by card. If you pay cash in dollars, small notes are easier than large ones.
Ask about child seats. They are generally not included, so tell us when you book and we confirm one before your pickup.
Pack one bag per person. Traveling with more? Tell us and we will suggest a bigger car from our transfers options.

Plan Your Ride on WhatsApp

Weather, tides and roads

Rain. The long rains fall from about March to May, with shorter rains in November. Heavy rain can slow the drive on village and sandy roads, so allow extra time for beach hotels.
Tides. On the east coast at Paje, Jambiani and Bwejuu the tide goes far out. Plan swimming around the tide, not just the time of day.
Busy weeks. July to August and the Christmas and New Year weeks fill up fast, so book early.

Swahili words for your ride

Karibu: Welcome
Asante: Thank you
Pole pole: Slowly, take it easy
Teksi: Taxi
Dala-dala: Local minibus
Safari njema: Have a good trip

Zanzibar tours

Zanzibar Tours With Your Own Driver

Zan Drive Taxi also runs Zanzibar tours with your own driver, from Stone Town and the spice farms to Prison Island, Nakupenda sandbank, Jozani Forest and the Safari Blue dhow trip. Pick one trip or combine several, and we handle the pickup from your hotel anywhere on the island.

Narrow carved-door street in Stone Town, Zanzibar, on a guided walking tour — Stone Town Tour

Walk the UNESCO World Heritage old town, from Forodhani Gardens to the Old Fort and the bazaars.
See the Stone Town tour

Cloves and spices displayed on a Zanzibar spice farm tour — Spice Farm Tour

See and smell the spices Zanzibar is famous for, such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
See the spice farm tour

Giant tortoise on Prison Island (Changuu Island) near Stone Town, Zanzibar — Prison Island Tour

Take a short boat ride from Stone Town to Changuu Island and meet its giant tortoises.
See the Prison Island tour

White Nakupenda sandbank surrounded by turquoise water off Stone Town, Zanzibar — Nakupenda Sandbank Trip

Spend time on a white sandbank in the Indian Ocean, reached by boat from Stone Town.
See the Nakupenda trip

Red colobus monkey in Jozani Forest, Zanzibar — Jozani Forest Walking Tour

Walk through Jozani Forest, home of Zanzibar's rare red colobus monkeys.
See the Jozani Forest tour

Traditional wooden dhow sailing on the Safari Blue trip in southwest Zanzibar — Safari Blue Trip

Sail by traditional dhow on a full-day trip to sandbanks and reefs in the southwest.
See the Safari Blue trip

Book a Tour See all Zanzibar tours

Just need a ride? See our airport taxi and island transfers.

How to book

How to Book a Taxi in Zanzibar in 3 Steps

To book a taxi in Zanzibar with Zan Drive Taxi, message us on WhatsApp with your pickup point, drop-off, date, time and group size. We reply with the right car and your price, and we confirm your pickup. Your driver then takes you to your hotel, the airport or the ferry port.

Send us your trip details

Message or call us any time, day or night. Tell us where you are going, when, and how many people are traveling.
Get your car and price

We suggest the right car from our fleet and confirm your price and pickup. You can pay in US dollars, Tanzanian shillings or by card.
Meet your driver

Your licensed, English-speaking driver picks you up at the airport, the ferry port or your hotel and takes you where you are going.

What to send us

Pickup point and drop-off
Date and time
Number of people and bags
Flight number or ferry time
Child seat needed, if any

Book on WhatsApp Call +255 742 042 216

Prefer email? Write to Info@zandrivecarhiretaxi.com

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Taxis in Zanzibar

Here are the questions travelers ask most about taxis in Zanzibar: prices, Uber and Bolt, taxi apps and the best way to get around. If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp any time and we will answer it.

Ask on WhatsApp

Or call +255 742 042 216

How much does a taxi cost in Zanzibar?

A taxi from Zanzibar Airport to Stone Town costs $20 for 1 to 4 people and $35 for 5 or more. Beach villages such as Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje and Kiwengwa start from $35, and longer cross-island rides run $50 to $60. Prices are per vehicle, not per person. More routes are on our transfers page.