How long does it take to travel from Colombo to Zanzibar?

By flight: approximately 6 hrs 44 min. By road: approximately 60 hrs 8 min.

Are there flights from Colombo to Zanzibar?

Yes, you can book flights from Colombo (CMB) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) on FareEagle. Flight time is approximately 6 hrs 44 min.

Colombo to Zanzibar Distance & How to Reach

Q: What is the distance from Colombo to Zanzibar?

The aerial distance from Colombo to Zanzibar is approximately 4,482 km (2,785 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 308 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Zanzibar?

The fastest option is a flight (6 hrs 44 min). Trains take about 4 hrs 44 min and are more affordable.

Sri Lanka to Tanzania · 4,482 km · Compare flights, trains, buses & driving

Colombo to Zanzibar distance: 4482 km (aerial), approximately 308 km by road. By flight: ~6 hrs 44 min. By train: ~4 hrs 44 min. By road: ~60 hrs 8 min.

Fly from: Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Hyderabad Chennai

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Zanzibar

Tanzania

4,482 km

aerial distance (straight line)

2,785 miles · Road distance: ~308 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

308 km

Road distance

60 hrs 8 min

Drive time

4,482 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Colombo to Zanzibar

✈

By Flight

6 hrs 44 min

CMB → ZNZ

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🚗

By Car

60 hrs 8 min

308 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

4,482 km (2,785 mi)

Road distance

~308 km

Recommended

Flight (6 hrs 44 min)

Most affordable

Train

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📍 Colombo to Zanzibar distance overview

The straight-line distance from Colombo to Zanzibar is approximately 4,482 km (2,785 miles). By road, the distance increases to about 308 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Sri Lanka to Tanzania.

4,482 kmAerial distance

~308 kmBy road

6 hrs 44 minFlight

✈️ By flight — Colombo to Zanzibar

Fastest option CMB → ZNZ 6 hrs 44 min

Flying is the fastest way to cover the 4,482 km distance. Flights from CMB to ZNZ take approximately 6 hrs 44 min including boarding and taxiing. Multiple airlines operate on this route, and fares vary depending on the season, time of booking, and class of travel.

For the best prices, book 2-3 weeks in advance and opt for mid-week departures (Tuesday, Wednesday) which are typically cheaper than weekend flights.

Search Colombo to Zanzibar Flights

🚗 By car — Colombo to Zanzibar

60 hrs 8 min ~308 km

The drive from Colombo to Zanzibar is a long one — approximately 308 km taking around 60 hrs 8 min. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry sufficient fuel.

💡 Travel tips for Colombo to Zanzibar

📅

Book early
Book flights and trains 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (Oct-Mar) for better prices and availability.

🌧️

Check weather
Avoid monsoon (Jun-Sep) for road trips. Road conditions can deteriorate and flights may face delays.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

Where to stay in Zanzibar

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Zanzibar Hotels

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

DGCA — Indian aviation authority

Passport Seva — Passport and travel documents

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Colombo to Zanzibar? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Colombo to Zanzibar is approximately 4,482 km (2,785 miles). The road distance is approximately 308 km, which takes about 60 hrs 8 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Zanzibar? ▼

The fastest way is by flight, taking approximately 6 hrs 44 min from CMB to ZNZ. You can search and compare flight prices on FareEagle. Trains take about 4 hrs 44 min and are more affordable.

How much does a flight from Colombo to Zanzibar cost? ▼

Flight prices vary by airline, date, and booking time. Search on FareEagle to compare prices across all airlines. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically gives the best prices.

Can I book Colombo to Zanzibar travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book flights, and hotels for the Colombo to Zanzibar route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Colombo