![\"how](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/how-to-get-to-zadar-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n If you don’t want to read the whole article:<\/p>\n\n Zadar occupies a narrow peninsula on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, in northern Dalmatia. The town overlooks the Zadar archipelago, a group of islands whose nearest islands, Ugljan and Pa\u0161man, can be seen from the waterfront. The hinterland opens onto the Velebit mountains and Paklenica National Park, less than an hour’s drive away. <\/p>\n\n Croatia stretches some 600km from north to south along the coast. Zadar is located in the central part of Dalmatia. Here are a few distance markers to help you understand travel times: <\/p>\n\n Good to know:<\/strong> the A1 freeway links Zagreb to Split, following the inland route, with a direct exit to Zadar. The E65 coastal road is longer but more scenic. <\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historical center<\/strong> Marina de Borik<\/strong> On the coast<\/strong> See our selection of the best hotels in Zadar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zadar – Zemunik Airport is about 10km northeast of the city center, about 15 minutes by car. It’s a modest-sized, well-organized airport, which mainly handles seasonal flights from major European cities from April to October. Outside this period, the number of flights is significantly reduced, and it may be necessary to fly via Zagreb or Split. <\/p>\n\n We like this airport for its proximity to the city center: access is quick, without the long drive that characterizes other Dalmatian airports. In high season, arrivals are numerous and car rental<\/a> counters are sometimes fully booked. It’s best to book in advance. <\/p>\n\n It’s time to book! In low season (November to March), the Zagreb-Zadar route remains the most reliable. It can also be advantageous to transit via Split, whose airport boasts a more extensive network of year-round connections. <\/p>\n\n Compare available flights.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n See our tips<\/strong> (coming soon)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n The airport is about 10km from the center. There are several ways to reach the city, depending on your budget and preferences. <\/p>\n\n The main rental agencies have counters in the arrivals hall. The journey to the city center takes about 20 minutes. We recommend booking in advance, especially in July and August, as available vehicles are scarce and rates increase significantly. <\/p>\n\n A car is particularly useful for exploring the region: the Paklenica<\/a> National Park, the Plitvice Lakes<\/a> and the Island of Pag are not easily accessible without one. To visit the old town itself, on the other hand, it’s less essential. The historic center is entirely pedestrianized, and parking lots in the vicinity are not free. <\/p>\n\n Compare available rental cars.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n Private transfer is an option we gladly recommend for families or groups. A driver awaits you at the terminal exit and takes you directly to your accommodation, with no need to navigate on arrival. The price is fixed per vehicle, making it competitive for two or three passengers. <\/p>\n\n See available airport transfers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n A shuttle bus also connects the airport with downtown Zadar. We recommend you check the timetable here<\/a>. Cabs are parked outside the arrivals terminal. Check that the meter is on when you leave. A surcharge applies at night and on Sundays. VTC applications also allow you to estimate the fare before the journey. All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence<\/strong> a success, will soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’d like to be notified when our Madeira guide<\/strong> is published, please subscribe:<\/p>\n\n\nSummary: How to get to Zadar<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Sea](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Orgue-des-Mers\/i-LMCPwTT\/0\/KHRMR58Kd3mb48MrP8dmS2mkbQFcLwN9dKwM32NsP\/L\/zadar%20marine%20orguan-12-L.jpg\")
Zadar location and map<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"map](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/map-how-to-get-to-zadar-1024x682.jpg\")
WHERE TO STAY IN Zadar<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Hotel-Falkensteiner\/i-3Nbjcws\/0\/MGtdppBmDt3JNqTzzFXvcsJ68Rxcs6x84Txg8VZfP\/S\/croatia-zadar-hotel-falkensteiner-3-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBy plane Zadar airport (ZAD)<\/h2>\n\n
Zadar by plane<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/City\/i-pf97TdS\/0\/LB9v9VvgxvcmhgqGSRfWVh7kTPxXcmLxd5nNfQfNf\/L\/zadar%20city%20-07-L.jpg\")
![\"croatia](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/croatia-plane.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nMain flight connections to ZAD<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Flights](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/City\/i-jmbFsKx\/0\/KhK86h46DLNGTBWth6z6vtRvQTdf4KRx2qKh2tDNL\/L\/zadar%20city%20-15-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT \nCroatia<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Paklenica\/Rando-entrée-1\/i-Tzg4V6J\/0\/KXmXjZbtGwDbJrgcqktnpnrkcSSch3cnNBDJHcqWg\/S\/paklenica%20parc%20enter%201%20and%20hike-004-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccess options from Zadar Airport (ZAD)<\/h3>\n\n
By rental car<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Place-5-puits\/i-QfjqT4B\/1\/MFcQHdTx6dcQnJKVmwJWtVxPVJzjstbS24vX624VT\/L\/place%205%20puits%20zadar-03-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPrivate transfer<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Private](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Plaža-Zlatni-Val\/i-8FSXvw3\/0\/K6SjpF88MPQL5rqwMjqBRFJD3V5wtWHkQJgxzzMdJ\/L\/golden%20wave%20beaach%20zadar-10-L.jpg\")
By public bus<\/h4>\n\n
By cab<\/h4>\n\n
A LITTLE MORE patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n