Zanzibar is an island best explored on your own, from the historic streets of Stone Town to the white-sand beaches and lush forests. Which is why understanding transportation options and their costs is an important part of planning your trip.
Most visitors arrive via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), the island’s main aviation hub and entry point for international travellers. Since many trips begin right after landing, questions about availability, pricing, and logistics of car rental at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport are part of planning. This guide takes a closer look at car rental prices in Zanzibar.
Below are the main reasons many visitors choose to rent a car on arrival, along with what to expect when driving.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is located about 5 to 8 kilometres from Stone Town, the centre of Zanzibar. Renting a car at the airport lets you leave immediately after landing without waiting for taxis or public transport.
An airport car rental is best for tourists, families, and business travellers who want to avoid delays and high transport costs. Taxis are available but can be expensive, with one-way trips to popular beach areas often costing around 50 USD. With your own vehicle, you avoid fixed routes and schedules, and you can travel directly to your hotel.
Having a car makes it easier to visit beaches, villages, and nature areas that are difficult to reach otherwise. From the airport, you can reach Jozani Forest or an eastern beach within about 60 minutes. You can stop whenever you want and explore at your own pace, whether that means a short detour or staying longer at a place you enjoy.
Here are the common rental options you can expect at ZNZ airport:
SUVs are a popular choice in Zanzibar because they offer comfort and versatility. Renting an SUV is ideal if you plan longer trips or expect to drive on mixed terrain. These vehicles generally have higher ground clearance, which helps on bumpy rural roads and unpaved paths.
Common airport options include compact to mid-size SUVs that seat up to 5 people. These vehicles balance size and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for couples or families travelling with luggage. An SUV typically provides ample boot space for a couple of medium bags and features sturdier suspension to better handle potholes and uneven roads.
For travellers seeking more comfort or planning to explore remote areas, premium 4x4 SUVs are also available. These larger vehicles are built to handle almost any road condition and offer strong engine performance, enhanced driving comfort, and space for around 5 passengers plus 3 to 4 large bags.
This option suits those looking for a higher-end driving experience or planning to visit very rural parts of the island, especially during the rainy season when roads can become muddy. Premium SUVs usually cost more to rent, but they are a good choice when extra capability, space, and comfort are required.
For larger groups or families, 7-seater vehicles and passenger vans are available at Zanzibar Airport. These larger vehicles are ideal when travelling with 5 or more people, carrying multiple suitcases, or simply wanting extra space and comfort during the journey.
Common options include 7-seater minivans with three rows of seating and space for around 3 suitcases in the rear. There are also slightly larger vans that can accommodate 7 to 8 passengers and provide generous luggage capacity, making them suitable for group travel, airport transfers, or longer trips around the island.
These vehicles usually include air conditioning, which is essential in Zanzibar’s climate, and automatic gearboxes that make driving easier even if you are unfamiliar with larger cars. Despite their size, they handle well on local roads. Choosing a van or large MPV allows everyone to travel together without needing multiple taxis. When costs are shared between passengers, this can be an affordable car hire in Zanzibar.
Understanding rental costs at the airport helps you plan your trip and avoid surprises. Prices vary depending on vehicle size, comfort level, and availability, but overall rates remain competitive compared to many tourist destinations. Below is a clear breakdown of Zanzibar car rental prices by vehicle category to help you budget with confidence.
This category includes smaller SUVs and older models that provide reliable transportation at lower daily rates. Typical rental prices range from USD 25 to USD 35 per day. These vehicles usually come with essential features such as automatic transmission and air conditioning.
They can comfortably seat 4 to 5 passengers and offer enough boot space for a couple of bags, making them a practical and budget-friendly option for short trips, city driving, or light exploration around the island.
Mid-range vehicles offer more space and comfort and are well suited to families or small groups. Daily rental prices generally range from USD 36 to USD 50. These vehicles provide improved legroom and increased luggage capacity compared to budget options.
This category typically includes spacious 5-door vehicles with ample passenger comfort, as well as 7-seater options that can accommodate everyone while still allowing room for three or more suitcases. They are a good choice for travellers who want extra space without moving into a premium price range.
Premium options include high-specification 4x4 SUVs designed for maximum comfort and the ability to handle tougher road conditions. Daily rental prices typically range from USD 100 to USD 140. These vehicles feature powerful performance, upscale interiors, and generous luggage space that can accommodate four or more large bags.
This category is ideal for travellers planning to visit remote areas, drive in challenging conditions, or those who simply prioritise comfort, capability, and a better driving experience.
When comparing car hire options, look beyond the daily rate and understand what is included in the package. Many reputable providers at the airport offer inclusive deals designed to keep costs predictable and stress-free. These are useful when reviewing Zanzibar car rental prices, as added benefits can significantly enhance overall value.
Most car hire packages include unlimited mileage, allowing you to drive freely around the island without worrying about extra distance charges. This gives you the freedom to explore remote beaches, fishing villages, and nature areas without additional costs. Even longer day trips can be made with confidence, knowing mileage limits will not affect your final bill.
Theft protection is usually included as standard. This coverage protects you financially if the vehicle is stolen. This means you would not be responsible for the car's full value. While theft is uncommon, this insurance adds reassurance during your trip.
A collision damage waiver limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged in an accident. With this cover, you are normally only liable for a set excess amount, with the remaining costs covered by insurance.
Cost-wise, we’ve seen that Zanzibar car rental prices are quite affordable, especially if you compare them to the cost of multiple taxi rides or organised tours. For roughly the price of a couple of taxi transfers, you can have a car for an entire day and explore more. Plus, travelling with family or in a group becomes much easier and often cheaper per person when you have a single vehicle.
If you’re thinking of booking, book your car in advance with Final Rentals to secure the best rate and vehicle type you want. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Abeid Amani Karume International Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
