Zadar Airport car hire

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Car hire near Zadar Airport

Consider travelling into Zadar to pick up your car - we found car hire deals from pick-up points in Zadar from ج.م.‏ 1,309.

The most popular car rental companies in Zadar Airport

Zadar Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceج.م.‏ 3,457
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundج.م.‏ 1,309
Cheapest month to rentJanuary
Providers at Zadar Airport43
Most popular providerAVIA Rent
Best time to book2 weeks before

Choose from the best car hire companies near Zadar Airport

Driving in Zadar: What to expect on the road

Documents you'll need
You’ll need your driving licence, passport and a credit card to rent a car in Zadar.
Most travellers can use their regular licence. If it isn’t in English, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies also check that your ID matches your booking.
Navigating city driving
Zadar has simple coastal roads and narrow old-town streets.
Driving is easy on main routes, though some streets in the historic centre restrict access. Navigation apps help you reach beaches, marinas and nearby towns without difficulty.
Tolls, emissions zones and charges
Croatia uses tolls on major motorways outside Zadar.
Zadar itself has no tolls or emissions zones. Toll charges apply only when you take longer journeys on the country’s main highways.
Parking your car in Zadar
Parking is easiest in car parks around the old town.
Street spaces are limited in central areas. Public car parks near the walls and waterfront offer reliable access. Always check signposts for time limits and fees.
Finding fuel or charging points
Fuel is easy to find, and EV charging stations in Zadar are increasing.
Petrol stations sit along major routes into the city. Charging points are growing in marinas and shopping areas. Apps like PlugShare help you check what’s available.
Local driving style and tips
Drivers are calm, but old-town lanes are narrow.
Traffic moves smoothly on coastal roads, while historic areas need slower speeds. Scooters are common in summer, so give extra space when turning or joining tight streets.
Find Zadar Airport car hire deals

How to get the best car hire deal in Zadar Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Zadar Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Zadar Airport (ZAD)

  • Whether you need a small car for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Zadar Airport rental car. Pick from options averaging ج.م.‏ 3,457 a day and go where you want for less.

  • Daily rental prices at Zadar Airport start from just ج.م.‏ 1,309.

  • Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from ج.م.‏ 2,796 and squeeze in a few road trips from Zadar.

  • Here's your clue on when to book. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a ZAD car hire.

  • AVIA Rent, Surprice and Carwiz are popular providers at Zadar Airport.

  • The coverage AVIA Rent or another company includes with your Zadar Airport car hire can vary, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when browsing for a car for hire in ZAD. Providers often need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.

  • Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a car hire in Zadar Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging ج.م.‏ 2,158 a day.

  • Sitting in second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around ج.م.‏ 3,354.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly ج.م.‏ 6,043 a day with this supplier.

  • After a car that works for most trips? The Economy rental category is the top choice for travellers at ZAD.

Compare car hire types from Zadar Airport (ZAD)

  • Small: These cheap Zadar Airport rental cars may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and perfect for city driving or short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this ZAD car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Zadar Airport makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever your trip demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your ZAD car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Zadar Airport by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.

Good to know

  • Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Croatia. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.

  • Travelling with kids? Car seat regulations vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your ZAD car hire reservation.

  • You'll have to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.

  • Familiarise yourself with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Croatia.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.

  • In Croatia, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, pass the keys to someone else or take another form of transport.

  • English is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.

Drive smarter from the start

  • With a ZAD car hire, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to your next move. If central Zadar is your first stop, it's around 10 kilometres west of the airport and a journey of about 15 minutes.

  • At peak travel times, expect the drive from Zadar Airport to the centre to take as long as 20 minutes.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.

  • Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Think about collecting a car hire in Zadar instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Zadar Airport (ZAD)

  • You'll want to explore the major attractions in Zadar before doing anything else. Plitvice National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar and Zadar Sunset will kick off your adventure in style.

  • Around 64 kilometres southeast of ZAD, Šibenik should be on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Adriatic Coast and Panoramic Viewpoint of Šibenik City.

  • Add Knin to your trip lineup. Roughly 64 kilometres east of the airport, head there in your Zadar Airport car hire to explore highlights such as Knin Fortress and Izvor rijeke Krke.

  • Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Rijeka, roughly 153 kilometres northwest of ZAD. Kick things off at Teatro Fenice, then follow it up with Riječki Karneval.

Hiring a car at Zadar Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Zadar Airport is around ج.م.‏ 3,457 per day.
No. It's a little higher than Croatia's average daily car rental price, which is around ج.م.‏ 4,673.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Zadar Airport - including Firefly, Air Rent a Car, Budget, ABC RENT, Aircar, Localrent, Dollar Thrifty, Carwiz, and ABMobil.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Zadar Airport we found is ج.م.‏ 1,309. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from ج.م.‏ 1,323. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Zadar Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Zadar Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Zadar Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Avant Car, with a 4.8 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Avis.
Currently, it looks like Avis has the cheapest car hire deal in Zadar Airport – for ج.م.‏ 1,576 per day. Goldcar also has car hire deals from ج.م.‏ 1,609 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Zadar Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Zadar Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
Yes, van hire is available at Zadar Airport from ج.م.‏ 3,035 per day.
When you rent a car near Zadar Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Zadar Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Zadar Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Zadar Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.