Car Rental in Zadar
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 12:20 on 2020-10-21. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
Croatian
Currency
HRK
Country code
385
Average car rental length
3 days
Economy car rental price
$10.83 / per day
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
90 km/h
56 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Zadar?
Zadar is the perfect place for renting a car. With a historic, picturesque old town, stunning long beaches, protected nature areas, and fascinating towns up and down the coast, it truly has something for everyone. From here, you can also travel further to the central and northern part of the country or to one of the countries neighboring Croatia.
One-Way Car Rentals in Zadar
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Zadar and drop off in another city include:
- From Zadar to Dubrovnik - 287 offers from US$ 24.19 per day
- From Zadar to Split - 491 offers from US$ 22.49 per day
- From Zadar to Pula - 214 offers from US$ 22.49 per day
Top ways to enter Zadar
- Zadar Airport: Small, cozy, and well-connected, Zadar Airport is especially active during the summer months when it hosts the flights of 20 different airlines. Located just 12km east of downtown Zadar, it can be reached by car in less than 20 minutes.
- Split Airport: Croatia’s second-busiest, Split Airport handles more than 3.1 million travelers every year. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the region. Located 130km (81 miles) from Split, the distance between the two can be covered in about 90 minutes.
- Rijeka Airport: Another airport on Croatia’s coast that’s primarily active during the summer months, Rijeka Airport is served by 15 different airlines including some low-cost carriers. Located 225km (140 miles) west of Zadar, it can be reached in less than three hours.
- Dubrovnik Airport: The city of Dubrovnik only has 42 thousand inhabitants, but its airport handles more than 2 million travelers every year. Located on the Adriatic Coast near Croatia’s borders with Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is about a four-hour drive east of Zadar.
Useful city facts
- Zadar enjoys a humid subtropical and Mediterranean climate. Its winters are mild, rainy, and short, while its summers are hot and a little drier, but still quite humid. The average temperature is 24°C (75°F) in July, the warmest month, and 7°C (45°F) in January. Snowfall is rare, but will occasionally occur in December, January, and February.
- First settled by Lyburnians, an ancient Illyrian tribe, Zadar has seen many rulers. Romans, Byzantians, Carolingians, Venetians, Habsburgs, and many others have ruled the area at some point in history. All of the city’s previous inhabitants have left their print on its culture, architecture, and cuisine.
Top destinations and activities
- Church of Saint Donatus. A fine example of Romanesque architecture, the Church of Saint Donatus is one of the symbols of Zadar. Located in the city center and founded as early as the 9th Century, it is named after Donatus of Zadar, a local bishop who was later canonized. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a white sarcophagus that holds the remains of St. Anastasia, another saint and martyr from the region.
- Land Gate. Known as Kopnena Vrata in Croatian, this historic entrance gate is the most famous part of the Zadar city walls. These were built by the Venetians in the 16th Century when they ruled the Adriatic Coast. Although nowadays Zadar has spread beyond its original walled borders, the Land Gate and the walls remain one of its best-known attractions and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Museum of Ancient Glass. Dedicated to the art of glass making, this unique museum has many interesting artifacts and pieces of glass jewelry made by ancient Romans, Venetians, Habsburgs, and modern Croatian masters. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live demonstration of glass blowing.
Traffic and parking tips
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 130km/h on motorways, 110km/h on main highways, 90km/h on most other roads, and 50km/h in populated and built-up areas.
- During autumn and spring (from October to March) you need to drive with your headlights on, even during the day.
- If you’re driving with a foreign car, it needs to have a nationality sticker on the back. This is important if you’re arriving in Croatia by car from a neighboring country, especially Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Serbia that are not part of the European Union.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers and drivers under the age of 24. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines, an EU-wide license ban, or even imprisonment.
- Gas stations are usually open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., although many will work until 10:00 p.m. during summer.
- Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- When you are driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.
Toll roads
A toll must be paid for using most Croatian motorways. There are two types of toll systems in Croatia, open and closed. On open toll highways, which are mostly tunnels, bridges, and short stretches of highway, all drivers must stop to pay tolls at various locations. On closed toll highways, the driver is given a receipt upon entering the highway that shows where they entered the toll road. They then need to present the receipt when leaving the toll road and pay for the section driven. If you lose the receipt, you’ll need to pay as if you drove the maximum length of the toll road. If your receipt is more than 24 hours old, you’ll need to provide a valid explanation of the situation at the exit toll booth.
The payment for the toll road can be made either with cash or by credit card. You can also purchase an electronic toll collection device or a monthly prepaid ticket that includes a 10% discount, both of which are non-refundable. Some rental cars are equipped with an electronic toll transponder, the price of which is usually included in the rental price. Ask your car rental provider about it in advance. Find out more about the toll roads in Croatia on the European toll road website.
Ideas for a day-trip
- The beaches. One of the main attractions of Zadar is its beautiful sea coast. Unlike in some other cities, you can enjoy the beaches without leaving the city. The central and popular Kolovare beach is fun and full of things to do, Vitrenjak Beach is a more tranquil, relaxed spot, and Borik Beach is quite simply a water sports paradise. If you’re traveling with a rental car, you can easily travel up or down the coast to find even more secluded, unique spots.
- Dugi Otok. Meaning “Long Island” in Croatian, Dugi Otok is a large, beautiful island in the Adriatic Coast. Famous for its mud spas, Veli Rat lighthouse, and tiny, cozy villages, it is the perfect place for a long and relaxing day outdoors. In the southeastern part of the island, you’ll find Telašćica Nature Park which has beautiful inland lakes, coastal cliffs, and a population of wild donkeys. Although it’s not possible to reach Dugi Otok by car, you can take a boat from Zadar to a number of its small ports, including Brbinj, Božava, Sali and Zaglav.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park. Home to majestic waterfalls, Plitvice is perhaps the most famous of Croatia’s national parks. You’ll find many hiking paths, and there is also the opportunity to go on a boat trip through Plitvice’s 16 interconnected lakes. In addition to the stunning scenery, the national park is also home to wildlife species like the lynx, the European polecat, the brown bear, and the European pond turtle. Located 115km (71 miles) north of Zadar, it only takes about 90 minutes to reach Plitvice by car.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in Zadar is the Toyota Auris. Many travelers also choose the VW Polo and the VW Golf. The most popular rental car types are the compact, economy, and mini classes.
Further destinations
- Šibenik. A small coastal town, Šibenik is as famous for its beautiful churches and cathedrals as it is for its olive oil, traditional orange caps, coral jewelry, and Dalmatian music. At first, its atmosphere might feel quieter and more reserved than that of Zadar, but that only adds to Šibenik’s charm. About 88km (54 miles) southeast of Zadar, it can be reached in only 1 hour.
- Dubrovnik. Perhaps the most picturesque of Croatia’s stunning cities, Dubrovnik has recently received world fame thanks to its cityscape being used as the King’s Landing in the HBO show Game of Thrones. But in addition to fictional history, there’s also a real one, as testified by the baroque Franciscan Monastery, the Sponza Palace, and the Ethnographic Museum. Dubrovnik is about a four-hour drive southeast of Zadar. If your rental car provider permits it and if you have the proper visa (or are eligible for visa-free travel), you can easily reach two of Croatia’s spectacular neighbors, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubrovnik.
- Istria. A large peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, Istria has been and still is home to both Croatians and Italians. This cohabitation has created a unique mixture that can be observed in Istria’s delicious cuisine, traditions, and way of life. The peninsula’s ancient history shows in its Roman amphitheaters, Byzantine ruins, and Venetian-built old towns. And, like elsewhere in Croatia, the beaches are fantastic. Pula, Istria’s largest city, is about four-hour drive from Zadar.
Car Rental Prices in Zadar
- Station wagons - from $46 per day
- Large cars - from $53 per day
- Medium cars - from $32 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $83 per day
- Premium cars - from $141 per day
- Small cars - from $22 per day
- SUVs - from $61 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
Try these tips and tricks to find a good rental car in Zadar:
- Compare the rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Zadar is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 72% cheaper than the yearly average.
Top 14 Cities near Zadar
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Zagreb Car Rentals from $4.02 per day194.4 km / 120.8 miles away
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Split Car Rentals from $4.20 per day107.3 km / 66.7 miles away
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284.5 km / 176.8 miles away
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Pula Car Rentals from $4.02 per day137.7 km / 85.6 miles away
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Rijeka Car Rentals from $6.61 per day148.5 km / 92.3 miles away
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Sibenik Car Rentals from $4.02 per day68.4 km / 42.5 miles away
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Trogir Car Rentals from $8.91 per day105.4 km / 65.5 miles away
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Osijek Car Rentals from $16.89 per day319.9 km / 198.8 miles away
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Brač Car Rentals from $52.94 per day147.7 km / 91.8 miles away
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Rovinj Car Rentals from $8.55 per day164.3 km / 102.1 miles away
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Primošten Car Rentals from $4.02 per day81.1 km / 50.4 miles away
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Porec Car Rentals from $18.48 per day178.2 km / 110.7 miles away
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Opatija Car Rentals from $9.34 per day429.4 km / 266.8 miles away
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Biograd Car Rentals from $4.02 per day26.3 km / 16.3 miles away
Top 16 Locations near Zadar
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Zadar Port Car Rentals from $4.02 per day
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Zadar Airport Car Rentals from $4.20 per day9.6 km / 6.0 miles away
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Split Airport Car Rentals from $4.20 per day107.3 km / 66.7 miles away
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Split Port Car Rentals from $21.67 per day118.8 km / 73.8 miles away
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Rijeka Airport Car Rentals from $6.33 per day132.9 km / 82.6 miles away
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Pula Airport Car Rentals from $4.20 per day134.8 km / 83.7 miles away
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Rijeka Train Station Car Rentals from $13.25 per day148.9 km / 92.5 miles away
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Zagreb Airport Car Rentals from $2.74 per day192.6 km / 119.7 miles away
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Panorama Zagreb Hotel Car Rentals from $16.89 per day196.3 km / 122.0 miles away
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Zagreb, Westin Hotel Car Rentals from $13.25 per day196.8 km / 122.3 miles away
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Zagreb Train Station Car Rentals from $21.67 per day196.8 km / 122.3 miles away
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Zagreb Esplanade Hotel Car Rentals from $12.78 per day196.8 km / 122.3 miles away
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Zagreb Hotel Slisko Car Rentals from $22.12 per day197.1 km / 122.5 miles away
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Dubrovnik Port Car Rentals from $21.67 per day282.2 km / 175.4 miles away
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Dubrovnik Airport Car Rentals from $2.38 per day300.7 km / 186.8 miles away
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Osijek Airport Car Rentals from $16.89 per day319.9 km / 198.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Zadar?
Car rental prices in Zadar vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Zadar
The best month to rent a car in Zadar is January (when prices for an Economy class start from $9.87). This is 72% cheaper than the yearly average and 82% cheaper than renting in November (when rental prices start at $53.69 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Zadar?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in November, travelers rent a car for an average of 18 days in April, the average rental period is 6 days.
Average Rental Length in Zadar
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Zadar?
While travelers visit Zadar year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is November.
Popularity of Car Rental in Zadar by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AddCar | Suzuki Swift | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Keddy | Citroen C3 | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| RightCars | VW Polo | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Hyundai i20 | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| SIXT | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| AddCar | Suzuki Baleno | 5 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Dollar | Fiat Panda | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Alamo | Fiat Panda | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| AddCar | Suzuki Celerio | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| ACTIVE RENT A CAR | VW Up | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
EC
United Kingdom
VW Polo
August 26, 2020
Zadar is amazing and close to beautiful natural parks. I would highly recommend and will return.
ZP
Poland
Suzuki Celerio
September 9, 2019
Having a rented car in Zadar is a good choice. The roads are ok, traffic is moderate, finding a free parking is not a big challenge, other drivers drive safely. Zadar, Split, Trogir, Sibenik, Krka, Plitvice - all are yours within reasonable distance. Roads have very good signs, so you do not need to rely on Google maps to navigate.
PM
Spain
Fiat 500
August 26, 2019
Definitely worth renting and driving along the coast as well as some parts in the interior of Croacia. Recommended places: Plitvice lakes, Split, Makarska, Korcula, Brela, Ston, and Dubrovnik.
PB
United Kingdom
VW Polo
September 28, 2018
I drove to Plitvica National Park and then down to Krka, Both had huge car parks and the roads in September are relatively quiet, so I'd highly recommend. Getting a car and taking the DIY approach to both parks rather than a guide, as both have good maps and easy to follow routes.
Make sure you have change when visiting other places with tourists as mostly parking meters and about 6kn change needed per hour.
If going on the main motorway its a toll road so look out for which exit barrier has the vague symbol of the person with the hand out holding ticket. As the other exit although showing a enter sign is for some other form of auto electronic payment.
Top 16 Suppliers in Zadar in 2020
Carwiz
+38523648631
Ulica I/2A 2, 23222, Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:00
Tue:07:00-21:00
Wed:07:00-21:00
Thu:07:00-21:00
Fri:07:00-21:00
Sat:07:00-21:00
Sun:07:00-21:00
Keddy
+38598475337
Zadar Airport,23222 Zemunik Donji, Zadar
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-20:00
Alamo
+385993149635
AIRPORT TERMINAL ZEMUNIK DONJI,
RightCars
+385994734189
Zadar Airport,Zemunik Donji 1, 23222, Zemunik Donji
Enterprise
+385993149635
Zadar Airport, I/2A Street, 23222, Zemunik Donji
SIXT
+38523348408
Ulica I/2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji
Europcar
+38598475337
Zadar Airport,23222 Zemunik Donji, Zadar
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-20:00
Avis
+385952377190
Zadar Airport Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Budget
+385952377190
Zadar Airport Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Autounion
+385996919936
Zadar Airport,23222, Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Alamo
+385993149635
Airport Terminal Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:00
Tue:07:00-23:00
Wed:07:00-23:00
Thu:07:00-23:00
Fri:07:00-23:00
Sat:07:00-23:00
Sun:07:00-23:00
Surprice
+385956622666
Zadar Airport, Ulica I/2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-14:00
GreenMotion
385951177111
Zemunik Donji, -, -
Working hours
Mon:08:00-20:00
Tue:08:00-20:00
Wed:08:00-20:00
Thu:08:00-20:00
Fri:08:00-20:00
Sat:08:00-20:00
Sun:08:00-20:00
Global Rent a Car
+38521444222
Ulica I 2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji, Croatiar
Working hours
Mon:07:00-21:00
Tue:07:00-21:00
Wed:07:00-21:00
Thu:07:00-21:00
Fri:07:00-21:00
Sat:07:00-21:00
Sun:07:00-21:00
NUCarrentals
+385994736188
Ulica 2A, 23222, Zemunik Donji
AddCar
+385992937966
Ulica I/2A, 23222 Zemunik Donji
