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

By flight: approximately 6 hrs 44 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 5,827 km.

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

The fastest option is a flight (6 hrs 44 min).

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

Colombo to Zanzibar distance: 4482 km (aerial), approximately 5827 km by road. By flight: ~6 hrs 44 min (from ₹117,192). By train: ~89 hrs 39 min. By road: ~97 hrs 7 min.

Fly from: Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Hyderabad Chennai

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Zanzibar

Tanzania

4,482 km

aerial distance (straight line)

2,785 miles

How to get from Colombo to Zanzibar

✈

By Flight

6 hrs 44 min

CMB → ZNZ · from ₹117,192

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Quick facts

Aerial distance

4,482 km (2,785 mi)

Road distance

~5,827 km

Recommended

Flight (6 hrs 44 min)

Most affordable

Flight

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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 5,827 km due to terrain, highways, and road networks connecting Sri Lanka to Tanzania.

4,482 kmAerial distance

~5,827 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.

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💡 Travel tips for Colombo to Zanzibar

📅

Book early
International fares typically rise as departure approaches. Booking 3-6 weeks ahead tends to give the best prices, with last-minute fares often double or more.

🛡️

Valid passport
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date is required. Check visa requirements for Tanzania before booking.

⏰️

Arrive 3 hours early
For international departures, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight to allow time for check-in, immigration and security.

📱

Compare airlines
Fares on the same route can vary 50-100% between airlines. Always compare options before booking — direct flights aren't always more expensive than connecting ones.

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 flight takes approximately 6 hrs 44 min.

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.

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

Flight prices vary by airline, date, and booking time. Recent fares start from ₹117,192. 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