Car Hire in Zadar

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Zadar, Croatia
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Hire Rates

Zadar Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or comparable
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Avia Rent A Car
£5.34 per day
Zadar Airport
Economy
Toyota Yaris or comparable
Toyota Yaris
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Carwiz
£5.82 per day
Zadar Airport
Compact
Suzuki Baleno or comparable
Suzuki Baleno
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
AddCar
£8.94 per day
Zadar Airport
Intermediate SUV
Renault Captur or comparable
Renault Captur
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
RightCars
£10.11 per day

Most Popular Car Hire Deals

Zadar Airport
Economy Elite
Peugeot 2008 or comparable
Peugeot 2008
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Ok Mobility
£13.72 per day
Zadar Airport
Standard SUV
Suzuki Vitara or comparable
Suzuki Vitara
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Sicily By Car
£15.71 per day
Zadar Airport
Luxury Van
Opel Vivaro or comparable
Opel Vivaro
  • 9
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Autowill
£49.03 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 14:35 on 03/11/2024. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
Croatian, English
Currency
HRK
Drive on
Right-hand side
Dialing code
+385
Average car hire price
£17 per day
Average car hire length
7 days
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
90 - 130 km/h or 56 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
9.2 / 10
Average petrol price
£1.28 per litre or £4.86 per gallon
Lowest petrol price
£1.25 per litre or £4.73 per gallon
Highest petrol price
£1.33 per litre or £5.05 per gallon

Why hire a car in Zadar?

The main hub of Northern Dalmatia, Zadar provides access to some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches and pristine nature areas. But the city itself shouldn’t be overlooked, either, not least for its well-preserved Venetian architecture.

Zadar

One-way Car Hire in Zadar

The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Zadar and drop off in another city include:

  • From Zadar to Dubrovnik - 287 offers from £17.12 per day
  • From Zadar to Split - 491 offers from £15.92 per day
  • From Zadar to Pula - 214 offers from £15.92 per day

Top ways to enter Zadar

  • Zadar Airport. The easiest way to reach Zadar is the city’s international airpo, which during the tourist season has flights by about 15 different airlines (during winter months, there are only domestic flights). The airport is a 20-minute drive southeast of the city centre.
  • Split Airport. Serving the largest city of Dalmatia, the larger Split Airport is a convenient option if you cannot find a direct flight to Zadar. The airport is about a 90-minute drive south of Zadar.

Top sights and activities

  • City walls and gates. The old town of Zadar is its most visited part, but the walls surrounding it can be of equal interest. Built during the 16th century by the city’s Venetian rulers to repel attacks from the sea, they are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other notable sites related to the old defensive systems include the St. Nikola Fortress in the nearby city of Šibenik.
  • Church of St. Donatus. Dating back to the 9th century and located right next to the much older Roman Forum (which has sadly only partially survived to the present day), the distinctive Church of St. Donatus is one of the symbols of Zadar. No longer serving its original purpose, the church is now used for concerts, including the International Festival of Medieval Renaissance Music. 
  • Archaeological Museum. Inhabited since Hellenic and Roman times and having been home to a number of mighty empires, Zadar has plenty of riches for any history lover to explore. Most of these can be found in this cozy museum made up of three floors and three distinct expositions, as well as the occasional new exhibition.

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 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, which 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.
  • Petrol 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.

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 hire cars are equipped with an electronic transponder, the price of which is usually included in the hire price. Ask your car hire supplier about it in advance. Find out more about the toll roads in Croatia on the European toll road website.

Ideas for day trips

  • Šibenik. Mentioned above as the home of the St. Nikola’s Fortress, the quaint city of Šibenik is best known for the Cathedral of St. James, a World Heritage site, as well as plenty of other well-preserved churches and fortresses. About half the size of Zadar and located on a picturesque bay of the same name, Šibenik is one of the most tranquil places to take a day trip in the region.
  • Dugi Otok. Meaning Long Island in Croatian, the nearby Dugi Otok is another lovely destination just a stone’s throw from Zadar. Less developed than some of the other the Dalmatian islands and home to Telašćica Nature Park, it is one of the most relaxing destinations in the country. Ferries take off from Zadar and some permit taking a car on deck, but you should also check with your rental hire supplier in advance to see if they are okay with it. Also, keep in mind that there is only one petrol station on the island (in Zaglav on the southeastern coast of Dugi Otok).

Most popular cars

The most hired car in Zadar is the VW Golf, followed by the Fiat 500 and the Opel Corsa. The most popular car hire types are economy, compact, and mini.

Car hire prices in Zadar

  • Convertibles - starting at £178 per day
  • Station wagons - starting at £13 per day
  • Large cars - starting at £7 per day
  • Medium cars - starting at £7 per day
  • People Carriers - starting at £17 per day
  • Premium cars - starting at £49 per day
  • Small cars - starting at £5 per day
  • SUVs - starting at £8 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some good methods to save money on your car:

  • Compare rates of different car providers
  • Book your car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit in the month when the car hire prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Zadar is the cheapest in January when renting a car is a whole 70% cheaper than the yearly average.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Map of Car Hire Destinations

In which month is car hire in Zadar the most affordable?

According to our data, prices for hiring a car in Zadar fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph displays the average hire prices in each month in order to help you find the best bargain.
Average price for hiring a car per day in Zadar
£12.72
January
£15.34
February
£12.20
March
£12.12
April
£14.19
May
£17.73
June
£34.48
July
£32.68
August
£19.19
September
£12.67
October
£14.17
November
£15.66
December
The best month to hire a car in Zadar is April (when the average price is £12.12 per day). This is 32% less than the yearly average and 65% less than hiring in July (when the average price is £34.48).

This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your car hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for, and how much in advance you book. Simply select your dates in the form at the top of the page to find out the exact prices.

What's the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Zadar?

Car hire lengths vary from month to month: in July, the average hirer keeps their car for 8 days, and in January, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of hire days in Zadar
4
January
6
February
6
March
6
April
6
May
7
June
8
July
8
August
7
September
6
October
6
November
4
December

What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Zadar?

Given the number of searches made by our customers, the most popular month for hiring a car in Zadar is August, and the least popular is November.
Popularity of Car Hire in Zadar by Monthly Searches
1%
January
2%
February
8%
March
86%
April
149%
May
225%
June
213%
July
241%
August
214%
September
57%
October
1%
November
3%
December

Car hire information

Car hire locations 4
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Avia Rent A Car, Active rent a car, Ok Mobility, Carwiz, Flizzr
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, People Carriers
Lowest price £5 per day
Cheapest supplier Avia Rent A Car

Most popular car models of suppliers

Hire Agency Model Doors Luggage Type
Avia Rent A Car Skoda Fabia 5 1 Small cars
Avia Rent A Car Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Small cars
Avia Rent A Car Volkswagen T-Cross 5 2 SUVs
Avia Rent A Car Volkswagen Golf 5 2 Medium cars
Active rent a car Skoda Fabia 5 2 Small cars
Ok Mobility Peugeot 108 5 1 Small cars
Ok Mobility Seat Ibiza 5 1 Small cars
Active rent a car Volkswagen Polo 5 2 Small cars
Avia Rent A Car Peugeot 2008 5 2 SUVs
Avia Rent A Car Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

United Kingdom
Suzuki Vitara
24/09/2024
We've grown to love Croatia , it has such varied and endless opportunities for adventure and experiences , you could travel there year after year and still not see everything , from quaint old towns to deserted beaches on idyllic islands , cycling to whitewater rafting , the roads are safe and easy to navigate , the ferry services to the islands are like clockwork and reasonably priced with full internet coverage wherever you travel and food and culture for every taste and warm and friendly people, you can book accommodation as you travel and shop at great supermarkets along the way , just do it!!!
Photo by Michael N. about hiring a Suzuki Vitara in Zadar (24/09/2024)
Ukraine
Volkswagen Up
10/09/2024
Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich history. Wonderful experience
United Kingdom
Kia Stonic
09/08/2024
Croatia was a beautiful country and it was very easy to explore. We did everything from beaches to river trips and city vists. Our best family holiday since the kids were born
United Kingdom
Kia Stonic
25/06/2024
SUV style car was perfect for family of 4 including 2 young children to get to beach, city and mountain
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa
20/06/2024
We drove to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar.
Photo 1 by Christine Margaret S. about hiring a Opel Corsa in Zadar (20/06/2024) Photo 2 by Christine Margaret S. about hiring a Opel Corsa in Zadar (20/06/2024) Photo 3 by Christine Margaret S. about hiring a Opel Corsa in Zadar (20/06/2024)
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Up
17/04/2024
Croatia was nice - would have been a perfect trip without that hiccup with the car rental company
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Polo
19/09/2023
It's been a great week in Zadar with my family. It was a game changer having a car because we could explore all the attractions in our own peace without rush and having a freedom to change our plans on the go.
United Kingdom
Skoda Scala
19/09/2023
Zadart and surroundings are perfect for a week trip to Croatia.
United Kingdom
Opel Corsa
21/08/2023
Beautiful part of the world. Excellent beaches. Good food and wine.
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Golf
06/08/2023
Croatia is fabulous. We had a wonderful time in Rtina. We visited Krka National Park, Zadar and Pag, all of which were stunning.
Photo 1 by John H. about hiring a Volkswagen Golf in Zadar (06/08/2023) Photo 2 by John H. about hiring a Volkswagen Golf in Zadar (06/08/2023)
United Kingdom
Ford Focus
21/07/2023
Going to plitvice lakes national park
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Golf
11/07/2023
Amazing trip, rafting, ziplines, kayaking and at the beach
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Polo
29/05/2023
Photo by Dale J. about hiring a Volkswagen Polo in Zadar (29/05/2023)
United Kingdom
VW Polo
07/10/2022
Easy and efficient service. Be aware of 50 euro extra charge if you intend to use cross island ferries. This added extra was not previously mentioned!!
United Kingdom
Skoda Scala
20/09/2022
Lela national park is superb. Zadar old town was also worth a visit.
United Kingdom
VW Polo
03/09/2022
Visits to Split, boat trip
United Kingdom
VW Up
28/08/2022
It was definitely worth renting a car to explore Zadar, Sibenik, Trogir, Split, Hvar and Krka waterfalls. 1 week!
Photo 1 by Mirza Awais A. about hiring a VW Up in Zadar (28/08/2022) Photo 2 by Mirza Awais A. about hiring a VW Up in Zadar (28/08/2022) Photo 3 by Mirza Awais A. about hiring a VW Up in Zadar (28/08/2022) Photo 4 by Mirza Awais A. about hiring a VW Up in Zadar (28/08/2022)
Isle of Man
Renault Megane
09/05/2022
Zadar is a surprising city. Full of culture and history. There are some very unique modern twists. I never thought I would listen to a chill concert, played by the sea, on an organ!!! Check out the nearby islands by ferry. If you are fit and miss a visit to the canyon of "Kudin Most", you miss the breathtaking waterfalls and 2000 year old bridges built with love, for love. This place will stay in your heart FOREVER!!!!!!!!
United Kingdom
VW Polo
01/05/2022
Excellent road system in Croatia makes the drive from Zadar to Pula and Rovinj easy. Would definitely recommend.
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Up
26/10/2021
Having a car in Croatia allows you to easily travel between national parks, mountains and beaches and reach parts of the country which aren’t serviced by public transport.
United Kingdom
Toyota Aygo
13/09/2021
female operative very good

Car Hire Statistics

Highest-rated company
Last Minute Rent a Car
9.4 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
7.4 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
103
Total rental companies
26
Average daily price
£17.31
Lowest daily price
£5.34
Total cars available
889

Top 26 suppliers in Zadar in 2024

Last Minute Rent a Car
Last Minute Rent a Car
Exceptional 9.4 / 42 reviews
1 location
£10 - £110
Active rent a car
Active rent a car
Exceptional 9.3 / 217 reviews
1 location
£13 - £178
RightCars
RightCars
Very good 8.9 / 135 reviews
1 location
£8 - £122
Alamo
Alamo
Very good 8.9 / 113 reviews
1 location
£13 - £124
Autowill
Autowill
Very good 8.7 / 142 reviews
1 location
£19 - £449
Sicily By Car
Sicily By Car
Very good 8.6 / 19 reviews
1 location
£10 - £63
AddCar
AddCar
Very good 8.6 / 105 reviews
1 location
£7 - £47
Avia Rent A Car
Avia Rent A Car
Very good 8.6 / 1,069 reviews
3 locations
£5 - £113
Flizzr
Flizzr
Very good 8.4 / 234 reviews
1 location
£13 - £38
Dollar
Dollar
Very good 8.4 / 51 reviews
2 locations
£40 - £253
Ok Mobility
Ok Mobility
Very good 8.3 / 87 reviews
1 location
£10 - £30
Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.3 / 24 reviews
1 location
£18 - £119
Goldcar
Goldcar
Very good 8.2 / 23 reviews
1 location
£18 - £119
Carwiz
Carwiz
Very good 8.1 / 186 reviews
1 location
£6 - £54
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 8.1 / 15 reviews
1 location
£17 - £23
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8 / 71 reviews
2 locations
£14 - £69
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8 / 5 reviews
2 locations
£39 - £252
Autounion
Autounion
Good 7.9 / 84 reviews
1 location
£12 - £70
Keddy
Keddy
Good 7.9 / 115 reviews
1 location
£20 - £129
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Good 7.8 / 3 reviews
1 location
£23 - £136
Firefly
Firefly
Good 7.8 / 3 reviews
1 location
£14 - £19
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.7 / 2 reviews
1 location
£31 - £174
Mack
Mack
Good 7.7 / 3 reviews
3 locations
£31 - £174
Surprice
Surprice
Good 7.6 / 78 reviews
2 locations
£7 - £106
PRESTIGIO Rent a Car
PRESTIGIO Rent a Car
Good 7.5 / 102 reviews
2 locations
£9 - £90
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Good 7.4 / 0 reviews
1 location
£9 - £90
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