Getting There and Away

Written by Keith Roberts, Marika Maslanka
09/09/2025
Stunning aerial view of Zadar's illuminated coast at twilight, showing the vibrant cityscape.
DeLuca G, Pexels

Zadar is well-connected through its international airport (ZAD), a central bus station, and a ferry port. While a train station exists, direct rail services are largely replaced by buses for key routes.

By Air:

Zadar Airport (ZAD) is located about 11 kilometers from the city center, offering flights from various European destinations, primarily with budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet . Domestic flights also connect Zadar year-round to Zagreb (45 minutes) and Pula (40 minutes) via Croatia Airlines and Trade Air .

  • From the airport, a shuttle bus provides a direct link to the main bus station and the Old Town, costing approximately €5 and taking about 25-30 minutes . Taxis are available, but using ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt is often more cost-effective to avoid higher fares, which can reach €70 for a short trip to the city center . Pre-booked private transfers are also an option for convenience .

By Bus:

The Zadar Main Bus Station serves as a key hub for intercity and international travel across Croatia .

  • Direct buses to Zagreb run frequently, with companies like FlixBus and Autotrans by Arriva. The journey typically lasts around 3 hours 30 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €11 to €60, depending on booking time and operator .
  • For travel to Split, numerous direct bus services are available daily, taking approximately 3 hours and starting from €6 .

By Train:

Direct train travel to Zadar from major Croatian cities like Zagreb or Split is not common. These routes usually involve a bus segment to Knin, followed by a train connection, making buses a more straightforward and often faster ground transport option .

By Ferry:

Zadar's ferry port offers international connections to Ancona, Italy, with Jadrolinija operating overnight services from June to September, lasting nine hours . Seasonal services from Cesenatico and Pesaro, Italy, are also available .

  • Frequent local ferry and catamaran lines link Zadar to nearby islands, including Ugljan, Dugi Otok, and Lošinj, provided by Jadrolinija, TP Line, and Kapetan Luka .

By Car Rental:

Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region. Agencies are available at Zadar Airport and within the city, with economy options starting from $11-$31 per day . Booking at least a week in advance is advisable for better rates .

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