Car Hire Zadar Airport

Car Hire

Zadar Airport is the gateway to Croatia’s Adriatic coast, the Kornati archipelago, the Dalmatian mountains and the historical city of Zadar. It sits just over seven miles southeast of Zadar, with car rental in Zadar Airport the quickest way to access the city. Self-drive is also the best way to explore the rest of the Dalmatian region. Shuttle buses take longer to reach the city centre, while taxis are available at the airport’s taxi rank.

Who to Book With
A number of recognised car hire agents have counters in the rent a car area found just outside of the arrivals hall. Suppliers with presence here include Hertz, Sixt and National as well as a few local outfitters. Vehicles can be collected in a designated area of the airport’s car park. Check rates online before you make your selection for the best deals.

Need to Know Essentials
In order to drive off in your vehicle you will need to present the following:

- A valid UK driver’s licence
- A credit card, preferably the one used to make the booking
- An additional form of identification, such as a passport
- Proof of booking

For more info read our FAQs.

Driving
The historical walled old city is completely pedestriansed, though parking spaces can be found alongside the walls as well as near the ferry terminal. The coastal D8 road passes through the city before travelling south along the coast. This is a toll-free route, as is the D502 that links the airport to the city centre. The nearby A1 motorway is a toll route and payments must be made in Croatian kuna, euros or by credit card. Petrol stations in Zadar also accept credit cards for payment, though visitors should carry some Croatian kuna, as not all cards will be accepted.

See our Guide to Croatia for more tips on driving here.

Transport

Driving is the quickest way to access the city from the airport as well as to reach other destinations in the region. Local buses also provide transportation and run alongside flight arrival times; there is also a taxi rank on site.

Trains
Trains do not serve the airport directly though buses that leave the airport make a stop at Zadar’s main bus station, which is next to the train station. From here, Croatia’s HŽ Passenger Transport Limited Liability Company runs a few slow trains a day to Knin, where passengers can then get connections southeast to Split, north to Zagreb and northwest to Rijeka.

Taxis
Taxis can be found at the rank just outside of the terminal building near the car hire area between 06:00 and 22:00. After this a taxi will have to be called from outside. Taxis run on a meter and charge extra for each piece of luggage.

Taxi prices:
Zadar Airport to Zadar city centre will cost around £13

Buses
Local Liburnija Zadar buses operate a shuttle bus from Zadar Airport into the city centre, making two stops: one at the main bus station and one outside of the walls of the old town (Liburnska Obala). Buses leave from outside of the Arrivals hall and the journey costs just under £3 including luggage.

Facilities

Terminals
The single passenger terminal at Zadar Airport serves over 370,000 passengers annually. Year round flights are available linking the airport to Pula and Zagreb. The majority of the flights here are seasonal and run to and from destinations throughout Europe, including many airports in the UK.

Parking
There are 577 spaces in Zadar’s open air car park, which is located across from the terminal building. Payment is made on a ticket system and machines accept cash (in kuna) and credit cards. The first 15 minutes are free, while the first hour thereafter is just over £1.60, the second hour is around £1 and the third hour is around £0.50.

Wi-Fi
Wireless internet is available to passengers for a fee and prepaid vouchers can be purchased at the airport’s cafés and restaurant.

Information Services
There is an information desk in the Departures area next to the check-in counters. Additional information can be had at your airline’s check-in desk.

Useful Numbers
Passenger Support: +385 23 205 800

Accessibility
Zadar Airport provides special services for passengers with reduced mobility and those with impaired hearing or vision. Services include a personal escort, liftomobil service into the aircraft and a personal hostess to welcome you on arrival to the airport. Toilets and local buses are barrier-free and the car park has designated spaces.

Restaurants and Bars
The airport has one large restaurant in the public area that serves coffee, snacks and fresh sandwiches. In the summer months it has a lovely outdoor patio. There are also two café/bars in the terminal, one in the public area and one after passing through security.

VIP Lounges
Zadar Airport does not have any VIP lounges, though the cafés offer passengers a comfortable place to relax before a flight.

Money and ATMs
ATMs can be found in the public area near the entrance doors as well as in the Arrivals hall. There is also a currency exchange kiosk in the Arrivals hall, while those needing a bank will find one in the terminal’s public area.

Shopping
There is a large duty-free shop in the Departures lounge for passengers departing on international flights. Here, passengers can purchase a variety of tax free products, including local products in addition to alcohol, cigarettes, sunglasses, electronics and jewellery. A small gift shop is located next to the entrance in the public area of the terminal building.