Croatia Auto Rentals
Trusted since 1992

Northern Dalmatia

Car Rental Zadar Airport (ZAD)

from €25/day · all-in pricing

Zadar Airport (ZAD), about 10 km from the historic peninsula, serves northern Dalmatia and one of Croatia's most underrated coastlines. A rental car puts the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, the Plitvice and Krka national parks, the Kornati archipelago gateways, and the Paklenica mountains within easy reach. Croatia Auto Rentals compares live offers so you book the right vehicle at a transparent price.

ZAD airport pickup about 10 km from Zadar old town
Central base for both Plitvice and Krka national parks
SUVs and intermediates for the Velebit mountains and coast
Compact cars perfect for the historic peninsula and coastal road
Gateway to the Kornati islands and Pag

Why book Zadar car rental with Croatia Auto Rentals

  • · Compare live rates from major and local suppliers at Zadar Airport (ZAD).
  • · Transparent total drive-away pricing — no surprise fees at the desk.
  • · CDW and theft protection-inclusive packages available on most quotes.
  • · Multilingual booking support and direct contact with our team for any change.
  • · Free re-booking if our rate drops between booking and pickup.

Popular Zadar car rental routes

Driving distances from Zadar Airport to popular destinations:

Zadar Airport to Zadar old town12 km — 15 min
Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park120 km — 1h 40m
Zadar to Krka National Park (Skradin)75 km — 1h
Zadar to Split160 km — 1h 40m
Zadar to Pag (Novalja)75 km — 1h 30m

Vehicle types available at ZAD

EconomyCompactIntermediateSUV7-seater

Best time to visit: May–June and September–October offer warm sea, fewer crowds, and the best rental rates.

Zadar car rental — FAQ

Is Zadar a good base for visiting national parks?

Yes — Zadar is one of the few airports roughly equidistant from both Plitvice Lakes (about 1h 40m) and Krka (about 1h), making it an ideal base for a national-park road trip with a rental car.

Can I drive my Zadar rental car onto the islands?

Pag is connected by bridge (no ferry needed), while islands like Ugljan and Dugi Otok are reached by car ferry from Zadar. Suppliers generally allow island travel within Croatia — confirm at pickup and reserve ferry car space in summer.

Other Croatia pickup locations

Ready to book your Zadar rental car?

Live offers from trusted suppliers at Zadar Airport (ZAD).

Compare ZAD rental quotes →