Car Rental in Zadar

Why rent a car in Zadar?

The coastal city of Zadar is a great place to explore. With a picturesque old town, stunning beaches, protected nature areas, and fascinating neighbors up and down the coast, it has all the ingredients for a memorable trip.

There are tons of breathtaking places around Zadar within a radius of 200 km (0.6 miles) that shouldn't be missed. It’s easy to reach and explore those attractions if you have a rental car.

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.

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.
• Alfred Hitchcock proclaimed that Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world. You’ll know why he said so when you get there.

Top sights and activities

• Roman Forum. A prominent landmark in Zadar, the ancient forum is considered one of the largest in the Adriatic. From temples, piazzas, and columns to altars and churches, the ruins dominant the center of Zadar. The most famous attraction on the forum is St Donatus Church.
• 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. 
• Zadar Cathedral. Another notable church, the construction of the Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia dates back more than 1,600 years. Later, it was notably renovated in the 12th and 13th centuries, and as such is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Known for its beautiful facade, the cathedral is the largest church in all of the region of Dalmatia.
• Riva Promenade. With the lovely ocean views, a walk along the seafront in Zadar is a beautiful experience. You can also spot the islands of Ugljan and Pasman from here.
• The Greeting to the Sun. Also known as the Monument to the Sun or Sun Salutation, It's where you can witness the most beautiful sunset ever in your lifetime. Over 300 multi-layered glass plates set into the waterfront pavement inside a 22-meter wide circle absorb the light from the sun's rays through the day and burst into colorful lights as the sun goes down. The glittering pavement with a view of the sun going down over the ocean is a sight to behold.
• Sea Organ. Close to the Sun Salutation on the Riva Promenade is this unique installation that seamlessly blends the art of music and architecture. It’s a natural musical instrument that creates sound with the power of ever-changing sea waves. The twinning of the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation creates a magical aura in the evening.
• Kalelarga. Passing right through the heart of Zadar, a stroll along Kalelarga is a walk through the city’s intriguing history and culture.

Traffic and parking

• 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 day trips

• 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.
• Paklenica National Park. A large river canyon bordering the Velebit mountain range, Paklenica is an awe-inspiring place. The main attraction of the area is the Velika Paklenica gorge, but there are plenty of other interesting geologic features and karst formations, and a network of hiking trails and climbing routes to explore them. The area is also home to man-made landmarks like an underground military complex that was built during the Cold War and has now been turned into a tourist attraction. The drive from Zadar to Paklenica takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
• Krka National Park. Known for its stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush forest, Krka is another national park close to Zadar. Skradinski Buk is the most beautiful and famous waterfall of all. The plus point of visiting Krka is that swimming is allowed here. The pools and river at the base of Skradinski Buk are perfect for swimming. And it takes a little less than an hour from Zadar to Krka.
• Nin. The little historic town of Nin is brimming with rich history and unspoiled nature. It’s also known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Nin is home to the smallest cathedral in the world and a Roman Forum. It’s the European Destination of Excellence. Just about 10.5 miles, it takes not more than 20 minutes drive to reach Nin from Zadar.
• Zrmanja River. One of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, Zrmanja runs at the base of Velebit Mountain. With crystal-clear water, the river forms a stunning canyon with gushing waterfalls. You can go on a boat trip on the river or enjoy kayaking, rafting, or hiking. Obrovac serves as a gateway to the River Zrmanja that’s 28 miles away from Zadar.

Most popular 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.
• Split. The largest city of Dalmatia, Split is one of Croatia’s top tourist destinations. The city is known for the many beaches and resorts that surround it, but also for its ancient architecture, and the access that it provides to some of Croatia’s most idyllic islands. The drive from Zadar to Split takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Zagreb. A mixture of Central European and Adriatic influences, the inland capital and largest city of Croatia has a very different atmosphere than that of coastal spots like Zadar. Sophisticated, developed, and known for its independent, free-thinking spirit, Zagreb is undoubtedly Croatia’s main hub of culture and entertainment. Located in the northwestern corner of the country near Croatia’s borders with Slovenia and Hungary, Zagreb is exactly 300 km (186 miles) from Zadar and can be reached by car in about three hours.

Car rental prices in Zadar

• Small cars - from $9 per day
• SUVs - from $14 per day
• Medium cars - from $13 per day
• Station wagons - from $15 per day
• Large cars - from $14 per day
• Vans - from $43 per day
• Premium cars - from $99 per day
• Convertibles - from $100 per day

Money-saving and other tips

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.