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Flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Fly from the UK’s largest airport to the captivating Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar, enjoying easy connections through Dubai with our partner flydubai.

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Flights from London Heathrow to Zanzibar

London Heathrow is 23km west of Central London in the borough of Hillingdon. You have several options for getting to the airport ahead of your flight to Zanzibar.

The Heathrow Express and Great Western Rail trains are generally the quickest form of transport from Central London - services from London Paddington to London Heathrow take 15 minutes. We have a partnership with Great Western Rail, allowing you to combine your flight and rail journey to London Heathrow in one ticket. This also includes Heathrow Express services.

Bus services and the London Underground typically take 45 minutes from Central London.

By car, it takes around half an hour to reach Heathrow from Central London, though this can vary depending on traffic and the time of day. If you’re arriving from elsewhere, you’ll likely use the M25. There are 11 official car parks at London Heathrow, including park and ride, short stay and valet options.

Business and First Class passengers and Emirates Skywards Platinum or Gold members can relax in the tranquil comfort of an Emirates Lounge following check-in at London Heathrow. Here you’ll be treated to premium spirits, liqueurs and wines, all in opulently decorated and peaceful surroundings. Select from a magnificent variety of dishes before boarding your flight to Zanzibar directly from the lounge. 

You’ll experience supreme comfort on your flight from London Heathrow. You’ll be treated to award-winning inflight entertainment and world-class service in our spacious Economy Class, or you can recline and put your feet up in luxurious seats in Premium Economy on selected flights. Enjoy fine dining and more drinks and light bites in the A380 Onboard Lounge in Business Class, or relax in a world of your own in a Private Suite in First Class - and you can even refresh in the A380 Shower Spa. 

Connect in Dubai to your flight to Zanzibar with our partner flydubai. Flights to Zanzibar land at the main airport, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – a much smaller airport than Heathrow – based on the west of Unguja Island. The most efficient way to get to your destination from the airport is via taxis or prearranged transfers, but you can also use a ‘dala dala’, a van or small minibus popular with the locals. 

It's a 10 – 20-minute drive from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport to Zanzibar City, Unguja Island’s largest city. Reaching the prominent beach towns of Pingwe or Jambiani on the eastern side of the island takes around an hour and a half. It’s a similar journey time to the rural southern escape of Kizimkazi and the northern nightlife hotspot of Nungwi. 

Zanzibar is typified by picturesque white-sand beaches and the dazzling blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It offers world-class snorkelling and diving experiences, and on land, its lush forests are teeming with extraordinary wildlife. Its culture and architecture are as diverse as its natural beauty, and the winding, energetic streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar City have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

Products and services may vary on actual flights depending on routes, aircraft configuration and whether your journey involves flights with a partner airline. Operational requirements may also cause last‑minute changes to the aircraft used on scheduled flights.

Trip insipration

What to do in Zanzibar

  • Snorkel in the Indian Ocean
    The turquoise waters surrounding Zanzibar are pulsing with stunning aquatic life. Embark on the snorkelling trip of a lifetime from Mnemba Island to discover sprawling coral reefs, lionfish, stingrays and sea turtles. You can even swim alongside whale sharks and dolphins as you discover a vibrant underwater world.
  • Embark on a magical dhow tour
    Set sail on a traditional Arabian dhow, a vessel of choice for fisherman and traders for centuries, and watch the golden sun set over the rippling waters of the Indian Ocean. Cruise around clusters of small islands to the tune of Taarab, a lively and immensely popular form of Swahili orchestral music.
  • Take a trip to the Emerald Island
    Pemba Island is a world away from the main hustle and bustle of Zanzibar. Locals here have a much more traditional way of life, reflecting the area’s past. Tourists can explore stunning coral reefs and take guided tours of the island. The medieval Pujini Ruins, the site of a fortified palace, provide a further glimpse into Zanzibar’s history.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Flying to Zanzibar

  • Heathrow Airport is in zone six of London's transport system. The zonal fare system, which divides London into nine zones, is used for calculating ticket prices for travel on the London Underground and other overground rail services. Prices vary depending on which zone you’re arriving from and if you’re travelling at peak times.

  • Ferries from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam take roughly an hour and a half and offer a scenic journey to Tanzania’s largest city. There are various ferry services throughout the day, and some offer more comfortable and spacious VIP sections. The slowest services run late at night or in the early hours of the morning, taking up to five hours. 

    Services depart from Stone Town in Zanzibar City and arrive at Dar es Salaam’s main port, near the Old Boma building. Dar es Salaam is a fantastic starting point for exploring mainland Tanzania, where there are many unforgettable safari experiences. You can return to Zanzibar on the ferry or fly Emirates to London from Dar es Salaam.

  • A visa is typically required for British nationals travelling to Tanzania, but you should check all the visa and passport requirements prior to your flight to Zanzibar.