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Hiring a car in Zadar
Zadar serves up Adriatic sunsets, Balkan culture, Roman ruins and — uniquely — a sea organ powered by waves. It’s a top destination for a charming European city break and an ideal spot from which to explore Croatia’s sparkling Dalmatian Coast.
Renting a hire car from Zadar means less time poring over maps and timetables and more time having fun. It also gives you greater control over when and where to travel, from the gleaming old towns of Dubrovnik and Split to Croatia’s beautiful islands.
Fast facts
- Min. age required to hire a car: 21
- Which side of the road: Right
- Credit card requirements: A credit card in the driver’s name with sufficient funds
- Any additional requirements: There may be additional charges for cross-border travel
Zadar Airport (ZAD) pick up
Zadar Airport (ZAD) is a convenient starting point for exploring Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, it’s ideal if you’re flying in and want to get moving asap.
From here, it’s a quick connection to the E65 motorway – the fastest route to Split, Rijeka and Krka National Park.
Car rental desks at Zadar Airport are located inside and outside of the terminal. Firms based here include:
- Enterprise: +38 599 336 6200
- Europcar: +38 598 475 337
- Avis: +38 514 404 247
- Goldcar: 38 599 354 8567
- Autowill Rent: +38 599 484 0004
Before leaving the airport, confirm your provider’s returns policy. Some companies conveniently offer 24-hour returns.
There are several petrol stations close to Zadar Airport so you can easily top up your tank on the way to return your hire vehicle.
Zadar city centre pick-up
Zadar’s downtown area is a convenient place to collect your rental car, especially if you’re staying centrally.
Several firms are based in and around the city centre, near the old town and the main bus station. They include:
- Sixt: +38 523 629 780
- Pop Car: +38 591 208 2092
- Avax: +38 599 616 3762
- Avia: +38 595 212 5790
- Uni Rent: +38 523 254 162
While you can pick up your hire car on the day in Zadar, it’s recommended you book in advance. This will save you time and money, especially in summer when demand and prices are higher.
Once you’re ready to explore, it’s a quick drive to the D8 coastal road — a scenic route that takes you to Split, Rijeka and the Adriatic’s beach towns.
Driving in Zadar
Driving in and around Zadar is relatively straightforward. Traffic is usually light, but roads can get busy in the summer, especially along the coast and near tourist hotspots.
There are two major differences when it comes to driving in Croatia compared to the UK. Firstly, motorists in Croatia drive on the right-hand side of the road.
You’ll also find that speed limits are in km/h rather than mph. Standard speed limits in Croatia are 50km/h (31 mph) in towns, between 90km/h (56 mph) and 110km/h (68 mph) outside built-up areas, and 130km/h (81 mph) on motorways.
Furthermore, much of Zadar’s old town area is pedestrian-only or one way, so it’s easiest to park nearby and explore on foot. Public car parks are available close to the centre.
Beyond the city, Croatia’s main roads are well signposted and maintained. The D8 coastal road runs through Zadar, connecting you with Split, Rijeka and smaller beach towns in between. Both Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park are easy to reach from Zadar too.
If you’re heading to the islands, the good news is that car hire companies in Zadar often allow you to take your vehicle onto ferries. Chat to your provider for ease of mind.
