Getting Around Zadar and Surroundings — A Complete Transportation Guide

Zadar is a compact Adriatic city that blends a historic Old Town with modern neighbourhoods and a sprawling island archipelago. Whether you plan to explore the monuments on the Peninsula, hit the beaches in Borik, or catch a ferry to Ugljan — this guide will help you choose the best way to get around.

1. City Buses (Liburnija)

Public transport in Zadar is operated by Liburnija. The network includes 11 urban lines and over 30 suburban lines connecting the centre with surrounding towns and villages.

Key Routes

• Lines 2 and 4 — run from the main bus station (Autobusni Kolodvor) to the city centre and Old Town. These are the lines you will use most often.
• Line 8 — heads to the beach districts of Borik, Puntamika and Diklo — perfect if you are looking for sandy and pebbly beaches.
• Line 9 — connects the centre with the Gaženica ferry port, where large car ferries depart for the islands.

Tickets and Timetable

A single ticket costs €1.59 (bought from the driver or at a kiosk) and is valid for 50 minutes from validation. Buses run roughly every 15–20 minutes on the main lines. In summer the timetable is extended — the last services run as late as 1:00 AM.

You can check routes and schedules in the Zadar City app or on the Liburnija website. It is worth downloading before you arrive.

2. Airport Transfers

Zadar Airport (Zemunik Donji) is located 8–12 km from the city centre. You have several options for getting into town:

• Shuttle bus — the cheapest option at around €5 per person. It departs after each flight arrival and goes to the main bus station, where you can catch lines 2 or 4 to the centre.
• Bolt / Uber — convenient and safe. You see the price upfront, pay by card, and the ride to/from the airport costs roughly €10–15.
• Taxis — available in front of the terminal, but beware of overcharging. Some drivers do not use the meter or propose inflated flat rates. Always agree on the price before getting in.
• Private transfers — can be pre-booked through travel agencies or hotels. Handy for families and groups.
• Car rental — rental desks are located directly at the airport. Useful if you plan to explore Croatia more widely.

3. The Old Town (Poluotok)

Zadar's historic Old Town sits on a peninsula (Poluotok) and is largely a pedestrian zone. Walking from one end to the other takes just 10–15 minutes.

Parking Nearby

You cannot drive onto the Poluotok itself. The closest car parks are:

• Jazine car park — a large multi-storey garage right next to the entrance of the Old Town.
• Land Gate (Kopnena Vrata) car park — smaller, but very close to the Old Town entrance.
• Marina / Liburnska Obala — parking along the waterfront on the western side of the peninsula.

In summer all car parks fill up quickly — arrive early in the morning.

4. Taxis, Bolt and Uber

Traditional taxis in Zadar require caution. Many tourists report overcharging, rides without a meter, or inflated flat-rate offers — especially on the airport route and during peak season.

Bolt and Uber both operate in Zadar and are a much safer option. You see the price upfront in the app, pay by card, and the route is tracked. This is the simplest way to get around the city when the bus does not suit.

Tip: download both apps before your trip — driver availability varies depending on the time of day.

5. Ferry Services — Zadar's Islands

Zadar is the gateway to more than 15 islands in the Zadar archipelago. Ferries carry approximately 2.5 million passengers per year.

Two Ferry Ports

• Gaženica port — the large, modern ferry terminal south of the centre. This is where car ferries (Jadrolinija) depart for islands such as Ugljan, Pašman and Dugi Otok. Reach it by bus line 9.
• Poluotok port (Liburnska Obala) — from the Old Town waterfront, passenger catamarans depart for more distant islands: Silba, Molat, Olib, Ist and others.

Popular Connections

• Zadar → Ugljan (Preko) — the most popular route, ferries every hour, crossing time around 25 minutes.
• Zadar → Pašman — via Ugljan or directly.
• Zadar → Dugi Otok — a longer crossing (1–2 hours), best as a full-day trip.
• Zadar → Silba / Molat — by catamaran from Poluotok, ideal for a day excursion.

Important: check the timetable on the Jadrolinija website and buy tickets in advance during peak season.

6. Regional Buses

In addition to city lines, Liburnija operates over 30 suburban routes connecting Zadar with popular tourist destinations:

• Line 101 — Zadar → Vir (a popular island connected by bridge)
• Line 102 — Zadar → Privlaka
• Line 104 — Zadar → Nin (a historic town famous for its sandy beaches)
• Line 10 — Zadar → Bibinje
• Lines 120 / 122 — Zadar → Biograd na Moru (another popular resort town)

Suburban tickets are more expensive than urban ones and depend on distance. Buy them from the driver or at the bus station.

7. Bicycles and Electric Scooters

Zadar has several pleasant cycling routes, especially along the waterfront towards Borik → Puntamika → Diklo. It is a flat, scenic ride — perfect for a bicycle.

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are available seasonally in the city centre.

Note: cycling on the Poluotok (Old Town) itself is limited due to narrow streets and crowds of tourists. Bikes work better on suburban routes.

8. Parking in Zadar

Parking in Zadar during summer can be a challenge. The main options are:

• Jazine car park — multi-storey, closest to the Old Town, fills up the fastest.
• Land Gate car park — limited spaces, but an excellent location.
• Marina / Liburnska Obala — along the waterfront, good for longer stays.
• Neighbourhood car parks — further from the centre, but cheaper and easier to find a spot.

Tip: in summer, arrive before 9:00 AM to find a space near the centre. After 10:00 you will be circling.

9. Getting Around Without a Car

Zadar is one of those Croatian cities where a car is not necessary. Here is why:

• City buses will take you to the beaches, ferry ports and the bus station.
• Ferries and catamarans give you access to the islands without a car.
• Organised tours — many agencies offer day trips to Kornati National Park, Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok and Nin.
• Bicycles — ideal for exploring the beach districts.
• Bolt / Uber — for short distances when the bus does not fit.

A car is mainly useful if you plan to explore Croatia beyond Zadar (e.g. Krka National Park, Šibenik, Split).

10. Tips and Common Tourist Mistakes

• Check which port your ferry leaves from — Gaženica and Poluotok are two different locations several kilometres apart. Mixing them up is a common mistake.
• Bolt and Uber > traditional taxis — the apps guarantee a fair price. Taxis at the airport and port can overcharge significantly.
• Carry cash for buses — although many places in Croatia accept cards, cash is still the safest bet on city buses.
• Do not drive onto the Poluotok — even if physically possible, it is extremely tight and you risk fines. Park at Jazine or the Land Gate.
• Buy ferry tickets in advance — in July and August, ferries to popular islands can sell out.

11. Summary

Zadar offers surprisingly good public transport for a Croatian city of its size. Liburnija buses cover the city and surroundings, ferries connect to the island archipelago, and Bolt and Uber provide a convenient alternative to taxis.

Key takeaways:

• Download Bolt, Uber and the Zadar City app before you arrive.
• Check ferry timetables on the Jadrolinija website.
• In summer, park early in the morning or skip the car altogether.
• Explore the Old Town on foot — it is the best way to experience it.

Enjoy getting around Zadar!