Travelling from Bengaluru (BLR) to Zanzibar (ZNZ): what you need to know
Zanzibar is two hours 30 minutes behind Bengaluru and observes the UTC+3 timezone.
To ensure you get on your BLR to ZNZ flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like February, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
We make it simple to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Bengaluru to Zanzibar, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Stopovers between BLR and ZNZ include:
Dubai
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Addis Ababa
How to find the cheapest flights from Bengaluru (BLR) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
₹ 34,440 is the best price for a one-way Bengaluru to Zanzibar flight. A return flight starts from ₹ 74,643. These fares may change based on availability.
To get your hands on cheap tickets from BLR to ZNZ, book in advance. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in every month when looking for your flight from Bengaluru to Zanzibar.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from BLR to ZNZ by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Discover the perfect flight for you by using the filters. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Bengaluru to Zanzibar, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by arrival and departure times, airline, and journey duration.
Handy information about Bengaluru (BLR)
BLR is located at Kial Road, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56030.
When it comes to the on-time performance of Bengaluru, data shows 71% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Central Bengaluru to Bengaluru is around 40 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 1 hour 5 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing.
Taking public transport? Expect a trip time of around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Get your trip off to a stress-free start by staying near BLR. Whether you've booked an early flight from Bengaluru to Zanzibar or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Bengaluru Airport (BLR) to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)?
Most flights from BLR to ZNZ include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with baggage policies on this route:
Ethiopian Airlines
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x40x23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Bengaluru Airport (BLR), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before departure
Etihad Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Bengaluru Airport (BLR), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before departure
Qatar Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Bengaluru Airport (BLR), Terminal 2
Arrival terminal: Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before
You can access free Wi-Fi throughout Bengaluru Airport (BLR), along with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes across both domestic and international terminals. The airport also provides self-baggage drop facilities, currency exchange services, and dedicated prayer rooms for passengers of different faiths. Additional amenities at Bengaluru Airport (BLR) include medical services, baby care rooms, and premium lounges for a comfortable travel experience.
Arriving at Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Reserve a hotel close to ZNZ if you're catching a late Bengaluru to Zanzibar flight. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Hit the road running by picking up a Zanzibar rental car. Grab your wheels from KARIBU KWETU ZANZIBAR, Auto-Union or Green Motion and experience the lesser-explored corners of Zanzibar and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride from Zanzibar around one week before your travel date.
Getting from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to central Zanzibar
Zanzibar to the centre of Zanzibar has a drive time of about 15 minutes. It's approximately 8 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you around 30 minutes.
When to fly to Zanzibar (ZNZ)
July is the most popular month for flights from Bengaluru to Zanzibar. For a quieter experience, go to Zanzibar in March.
Book your flight from Bengaluru to Zanzibar for February if you'd like to explore Zanzibar during its warmest month. Expect temperatures of between 24ºC and 33ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from BLR to ZNZ in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC and 29ºC on average.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Zanzibar brings year-round tropical warmth with distinct wet and dry seasons shaping the island's climate. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: The rainy season brings warm, humid days and refreshing afternoon downpours that quickly clear, making these some of the best times to explore Zanzibar with lighter crowds and lush, green landscapes.
March – May: The long rainy season brings warm temperatures and frequent showers across the island. You'll experience tropical humidity and lush green landscapes during this quieter period. Stay flexible with outdoor plans.
June – September: Zanzibar's dry season delivers warm days with gentle trade winds and minimal rainfall. You'll find light cotton clothing works perfectly for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through stone town streets. The cooler evenings make dining al fresco and sunset watching absolutely ideal.
October – November: The short rains season brings refreshing showers that revitalise the island without disrupting your plans. Warm temperatures make outdoor attractions and beach activities ideal, while brief afternoon downpours create perfect moments for exploring indoor markets and cultural sites.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
This Indian Ocean archipelago combines centuries-old Swahili culture with pristine beaches and spice plantations. Stone Town's narrow streets wind past ancient mosques and bustling markets, while dhow boats still sail these historic waters. Whether you're booking flights to Zanzibar for the UNESCO heritage sites or the coral reefs, it offers both cultural depth and tropical relaxation.
Things to do in Zanzibar: Wander through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town, just 2 kilometres from the centre, where you can browse local spice markets and admire carved wooden doors. Head to Nungwi Beach, about 60 kilometres north, for swimming in clear waters and watching traditional dhow boats. Explore the spice plantations around Kizimbani, roughly 15 kilometres northeast, where you can walk through clove and cinnamon groves.
Cultural experiences: Sample traditional Swahili dishes at local cooking classes in Stone Town, about 2 kilometres northwest of the city centre, or listen to live taarab music performances at the Zanzibar Cultural Centre. Browse contemporary East African art at Gallery 732 inches the historic quarter, roughly 1 kilometre west, and join evening sessions learning traditional drumming techniques from local musicians.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July, where local and international cinema takes over Stone Town's historic venues. The dry season from June to October offers the best time to visit Zanzibar for spice tours and dhow sailing adventures. During Ramadan, usually falling between March and May, join evening iftar celebrations and explore the night markets that come alive after sunset.
Explore more of Tanzania
Zanzibar has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of Tanzania waiting to be explored. Around 418 kilometres north-west of Zanzibar, a visit to Arusha will keep your itinerary busy. Check out popular attractions like Kilimanjaro info, Kilimanjaro tours and kilimanjaro trekking.
If there's time to check out another major destination in Tanzania, head for Morogoro, roughly 177 kilometres south-west of Zanzibar. Choma Waterfalls, Selous Choma Waterfall and Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve are among its highlights.