Car Hire in Zadar

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.

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

• Small cars - starting at £20 per day
• SUVs - starting at £24 per day
• Medium cars - starting at £24 per day
• Station wagons - starting at £32 per day
• Large cars - starting at £38 per day
• People Carriers - starting at £66 per day
• Premium cars - starting at £85 per day
• Convertibles - starting at £102 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.