Book a flight from Zanzibar to Madrid with Qatar Airways
Flights from Zanzibar to Madrid with Qatar Airways offer you a comfortable and enjoyable air travel experience. Rest and recline in spacious seating, enjoy the attentions of a highly-trained cabin crew, and dine on exceptional dishes from an award-winning menu in comfortable surroundings.
Madrid is in the middle of Spain and you can easily reach any other part of the country via excellent road and rail networks from here. The city is home to a host of attractions, including museums like the Prado, parks such as Retiro Park with its fountains, lakes and cafés, and also iconic monuments such as the magnificent Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor. Madrid is an energetic city, full of charm and sophistication, and as well as the cultural attractions you’ll enjoy some of the finest boutique shopping in Europe.
Flying from Zanzibar
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport welcomes travellers flying from Zanzibar with Qatar Airways, and provides an excellent starting point for any journey from Tanzania. Located just five kilometres from Zanzibar’s city centre, the airport is relatively modern and - despite its small size - extremely efficient and welcoming. Staff go out of their way to ensure customers have a smooth and trouble-free start to their travels, and the construction of a new terminal has considerably improved facilities at this friendly airport.
Transportation and parking
Transport to and from the airport is best done by a pre-booked taxi, which your hotel concierge should be able to arrange for you. Buses do run between the city centre and the airport, but they can be very crowded and inconvenient for customers travelling with large amounts of luggage. Parking is limited at the airport and spaces can fill up very quickly, so it is advisable to leave your vehicle at an alternative location and take a taxi to the airport. The taxi rank is located outside the main passenger terminal.
At the airport
Customers flying from Zanzibar with Qatar Airways depart from the main Departures hall in Terminal 2. While check-in times are relatively quick due to the compact nature of the airport, security checks can take considerably longer and are very strict, so allow between one to two hours to check-in and clear security before your flight is due to depart.
Facilities and amenities
Although the new terminal has improved facilities, they are still somewhat limited. A private lounge area is available for First and Business class customers, while the general lounge area in the Departures hall is spacious and well laid out, with good toilet facilities and a baby changing area. Food vendors and vending machines offer a limited selection of on-the-go snacks and drinks. Some retail outlets are available, selling accessories and Duty Free products. Wi-Fi is available in some areas for a fee.
Arriving in Madrid
The Spanish capital is best known for being a major centre of European culture, art, music and dance. It’s also a hugely energetic city full of vibrancy and welcomes business travellers and entrepreneurs as well as tourists.
Book a flight to Madrid with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a wealth of cultural attractions including some of the finest museums in the country, and art collections of international importance. This city really comes alive in the evening, and has a strong café culture that runs late into the night.
Tourist attractions
At the very heart of the city is Puerta del Sol, a piazza that is the hub of all Madrid’s transport and the venue for the many festivals that bring this city alive all year round. In the centre of the square is the statue of King Charles III on horseback, and the surrounding buildings are superb examples of a range of architecture drawing on Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic influences.
The Palacio Real or Royal Palace is huge, and although it is the official residence of the King of Spain, it is only really used for ceremonial duties. A tour of the palace will take you through hundreds of years of Spanish history in a series of galleries, exhibits and collections of armour, jewellery and ceramics. Be prepared for a long day’s sightseeing, but the effort is certainly worth it and gives you a greater understanding of Spanish culture.
The ‘Museum Triangle’ is Madrid’s museum district, and home to some of the most important galleries and museums in Europe, including Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía National Museum and Art Center, and the Naval Museum. Other museums around the city that are well worth a visit include the American Museum (Museo de América), the Museo de Historia de Madrid and the National Archaeology Museum.
Travel Considerations
Flights to Madrid with Qatar Airways land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, one of the largest airports in Europe. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Madrid please check the visa and passport requirements.