Travelling from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ): what you need to know
Istanbul is home to a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for booking a flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).
7 hours 26 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport.
Istanbul and Zanzibar (where Zanzibar International Airport is located) share the UTC+3 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch on arrival.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is the most popular route. There are 7 direct departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, take the last flight with Turkish Airlines at 19:50. Choose the first IST to ZNZ departure with Turkish Airlines at 18:30 if you want to get going earlier.
To ensure you catch your flight from Istanbul to ZNZ, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as August and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) leave from this terminal.
If you plan to leave from IST, you can take a direct flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport with Turkish Airlines.
We make it a piece of cake to plan a flight from Istanbul to ZNZ with a stopover. To see the options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers between IST and ZNZ include:
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
IST is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. To help work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will show you the fastest route and your public transport options.
Catching an early flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by picking one of these hotels close to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Planning to leave from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)? You can book a direct flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) departing from this busy hub.
SAW is around 48 kilometres from central Istanbul. It'll take 57 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Istanbul to ZNZ? Unwind in a hotel near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport before your trip officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
About Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near ZNZ:
Getting from Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) to central Zanzibar
From Zanzibar International Airport, Zanzibar is approximately 6 kilometres away. It takes around 11 minutes to get to the centre driving.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
R 4,523 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport. Return flights start from R 11,808. Prices may vary depending on availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap tickets from Istanbul to ZNZ, book your trip 8 months before your departure date.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, use the 'Whole month' search feature to see the lowest prices across every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a new deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for cheap tickets from Istanbul to ZNZ every day.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport.
The best time to fly from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
July is the busiest month to board a flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to go to Zanzibar, consider the pace you like to travel at.
The warmest month in Zanzibar is March, with temperatures ranging between 24ºC and 33ºC. Book your flights from Istanbul to ZNZ in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
August has average temperatures of between 21ºC and 28ºC. Search for cheap flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport sometime then if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Zanzibar
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Zanzibar right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar International Airport:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Old Fort, Abdul Hamid Guide Francophone Zanzibar/Tanzania and Khalifa Tours and Safaris Zanzibar are must-do's during your Zanzibar adventure.
