Zadar Airport Guide
Zadar International Airport (ZAD) is situated in Zemunik Donji, a small municipality located about 11 kilometers from the city center. Even though it’s a small airport, it still serves about 800 thousand passengers each year, making it the 4th busiest airport in Croatia.
Almost all flights from and to ZAD airport are seasonal, with a few domestic routes operating year-round. To find out more about the airport, getting there and available transportation means, keep reading our guide.
Table of Contents
How to get from Zadar Airport to Zadar
Before I get into all the details, make sure you check out our video guide on Zadar airport:
Zadar airport to city centre is an easy route for any traveler. You’re probably wondering, how to get from Zadar Airport to town? Below is the list of possible transportation options you can choose to reach the city of Zadar.
1. Airport Bus
The airport bus between the airport and the main bus station is operated by the company Liburnija. The timetable for the bus varies depending on the time of the year. As a rule of thumb, the bus leaves 30 minutes after the arrival of a scheduled flight.
From the city, the bus departs from the address Liburnska Obala 4 by the old town. The departure time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes before scheduled flights (check onsite). From there the bus drives to the main bus station (Platform 8) to pick up additional passengers before heading to the airport.
Check out the most popular routes from ZAD to other cities in Croatia and buy your bus ticket below.
| Zadar Airport to Sibenik | Zadar Airport to Split |
| Zadar Airport to Plitvice Lakes | Zadar Airport to Novalja |
Additional information about the airport bus:
- The airport bus is parked on the right side when exiting the terminal; it is literately impossible not to notice the departure location.
- From the airport, the bus first drives to the main bus station in Zadar from where you can change to the city, regional or domestic buses. After the passengers get off, the airport bus continues to the bus stop in the old town.
- The bus trip between the airport and the bus station takes about 15-20 minutes, 5 minutes longer from/to the stop by the old town.
- The price for a one-way ticket is about 25 Kunas (~ 3 EUR), which includes luggage; return tickets are not available. Tickets can be purchased on the bus.
There are no local / city buses.
Video Guide Through Zadar Bus Station
2. Transfer to nearby cities
If you are not up for hassling with luggage when leaving the airport and want to be taken directly to your accommodation in Zadar, you can pre-book a transfer to any address in the city or to other nearby destinations.
The price for a pre-booked transfer to Zadar varies but generally costs around 20 EUR for a vehicle accommodating 1-3 people, and about 30 EUR for 4-8 people. If you have booked a transfer, the driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal. Here you can book your private transfer from Zadar airport to Zadar.
If you’re looking to travel to other cities from ZAD Airport, you can find a list of the most popular transfer routes and offers below:
- NOTE: The prices displayed in the table above are per person (Minibus for up to 8 Passengers) and NOT per vehicle.
3. Transfer to marinas
In case you are looking for a fast and reliable transfer to any of the nearby Zadar marinas, you can find the list of the most popular transfer routes and offers below:
- NOTE: The prices displayed in the table above are per person (Minibus for up to 8 Passengers) and NOT per vehicle.
4. Taxi services
Taxis can be found just outside the terminal building. Generally speaking, a taxi from the airport to the town centre costs about 150 Kunas (~ 20 EUR) and to city parts like Diklo and Borik about 30 Kunas (~ 5 EUR) more. It is advisable to agree upon the price before entering the taxi.
5. Car hire at Zadar Airport
Of course, you can also rent a car at the airport; the car rental offices are located outside the terminal. During the summer season, it can be a bit risky not to book a car in advance. You can see the car rental offer from the airport here.
Direct routes from the airport
If you want to continue your journey outside Zadar, there are numerous options from the main bus station in Zadar. Here are some suggestions:
| Zadar – Biograd | Zadar – Dubrovnik | Zadar – Split | Zadar – Zagreb |
| Zadar – Nin | Zadar – Novalja | Zadar – Skradin | Zadar – Plitvice |
Zadar Airport airlines
IATA Airport Code: ZAD
ICAO Airport Code: LDZD
Number of passengers: 800.000
Depending on the year, about 15 airlines are departing to and from the airport. As is the case with other Croatian airports, most flights are coming from European destinations, such as Berlin Airport, Rome-Fiumicino Airport, and Vienna Airport, to name a few.
Below are listed the most important airlines offering departures and arrivals to and from ZAD Airport:
- Croatia Airlines
- easyJet
- Eurowings
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Ryanair
- Transavia
Zadar Airport facilities
As mentioned before, the airport itself is pretty small. However, you can still find some amenities which could be useful as you wait for your departure. Below are listed some of the services offered by the airport:
- WiFi Service
- Duty-free shops
- Caffe bar & Restaurant
- Exchange Office
- ATM
Zadar Airport accommodation
To see the available accommodation units and hotels near ZAD Airport, make sure to check out our map below:
Zadar Airport FAQs
Take the airport bus to the stop by the old town; the drop-off location is basically next to where the ferries depart from.
The easiest way is to pre-book a transfer from the airport to your destination town or marina. The driver will then pick you up at the airport. The company providing the transfer will monitor whether your plane is delayed or not, so you do not have to worry about this, the driver will be there when you arrive.
The cheapest way is to take the airport bus to the main bus station and then take a bus from there to Split main station. In Split, you then take the bus to the airport. The fastest way is to book a private transfer which is quite pricy but it can save you a lot of time. The trip with the bus will take you about 6 hours (Airport to Airport), a private transfer of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Take the airport bus to the stop by the old town; the drop-off location is basically next to where the ferries depart from.
By law, they have to, but creativity cannot be ruled out.
Some do but to be on the safe side it is better to pre-book a transfer and then inform you need a seat for a child.
Unfortunately not and except for the fact that the airport is a bit off track in relation to the roads used by the intercity buses, it is currently also not possible to get permission allowing them to stop at the airport.
Yes, except for the extreme cases. The last airport bus will not depart before all passengers have a chance to get on the bus.
To be on the safe side, plan 1 hour 30 minutes to get to the ferry terminal or the bus station.
In general, Croatian law states that the only currency allowed for payment of goods and services is the Kuna but exceptions apply and this is one of the cases. The airport bus and transfer/taxi drivers will in most cases accept Euros (Dollar and Sterling maybe?); any change will in most cases be paid in Kuna. Alternatively, there are several ATM machines and an exchange office when you exit the customs area at the airport, so getting local currency is not a problem.
Yes, you can take an Uber taxi from Zadar to ZAD and it will cost you approximately 150 Kunas (~ 20 EUR).
Is there only one bus station in Zadar? I need to get to the airport once I get off from the bus station. Is there a bus from bus station to airport?
Dear Mui,
There’s only one bus station in Zadar, the airport bus departs from the same bus station.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
Hello, I get to zadar bus station at 01.00.Are there anu buses to Zadar airport this time?
Dear Veronica,
At that time you will need to order a taxi or a private transfer. You can book your transfer in advance for a fixed price on Getbytransfer.
Best regards,
Melani GBB Team
I will be at Zadar Airport on June 21 at 15:00, are there any buses at this time.
Dear Ava,
it is possible to check the departures for the current month (May) only, so we suggest you keep following Zadar Airport official website as June approaches.
Generally, airport shuttle operates in accordance with flights, so if there are flights on that date, buses will operate for sure, but the exact schedule is still unknown.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
Hi, can tickets be purchased in eur or are we obliged to pay in Kunas ? 🙂
Ps. thanks for all the details! very helpful !!
Dear Chaimae,
if referring to a local bus or airport shuttle from the airport to Zadar, then yes, you need to pay in Kuna.
Best regards,
Maja, GBB Team
The post says that tickets can purchased aboard the airport bus. Can you pay with a credit card? If paying by cash, do you need the exact amount? Thanks!
Dear Dan,
if buying a bus ticket on the bus, you will have to pay in cash. It is not that necessary to have the exact amount, but keep in mind that the driver does not necessarily have a large amount of cash to be able to give you the change. 🙂
Best regards,
GBB Team
Hello, I’ll be at the airport on October 9 at 4:15 p.m. Are there any buses going to Zadar this time? Thanks jarka
Dear Jarka,
the current timetable of the airport shuttle is valid for September only.
The timetable for October will be available on the official website in a few days.
However, the shuttle bus usually operates till late evening hours, so no need to worry, it is very unlikely buses won’t be running at this time.
Best regards,
GBB Team
What time does the bus from city centre operates on Sunday 5/6/22 to the airport Zadar?
Hi Willem,
unfortunately, it’s not possible to know the timetable that much in advance. We suggest you keep following the official website of Liburnija bus company as they will publish the timetable about a week ahead.
Best,
GBB Team
We will arrive at the airpost on 28th May at 23:30. Would 30min be enough time to pass passport control and chatch the last bus of the evening? If the plane is delayed will the bus wait for 30min since landing or since the scheduled arrival time?
Hi Lucia,
if the flight arrives on time, that should be enough time to catch the bus.
However, it is always good to keep the alternative in mind such as a taxi. Taxis in Zadar are safe but we recommend asking for the price before the ride just in case.
Best,
GBB Team
How long does it take from the old town to the airport ? My flight is at 6.20 am and the earliest bus is at 4.30 am
Hi Vivien,
from the city center (Zadar Poluotok) you can take a bus (line 2) to the Zadar bus station, but this bus circles around the city so it takes around 15-20 minutes to get there. An alternative option is to take a taxi if carrying a lot of luggage.
Once you get to the bus station, you continue with an airport bus as described in the text. The overall journey takes at least 30 minutes (waiting time between buses not included).
Best,
GBB Team
Hi,
Does the Airport bus have a number? Or is it obvious that it is the bus to the airport and not a city bus?
Also, what is the approximate journey time between
the Old Town and the Airport?
Thanks for your help,
Craig
Hi Craig,
since there is only one bus line operating from the airport to the city, it won’t be difficult to find it.
You can also ask at the information desk for help, they will tell you the exact spot from where the bus departs.
Best,
GBB Team
Jónapot Kívánok!
Augusztus 18-àn délután fél1-re érek Zadar repterére, innen szeretnék Bibinjebe eljutni tömegközlekedéssel. Van rá megoldás?
Hi Tamara,
first, you need to get from Zadar Airport to Zadar city center, since there are no direct connections to any other cities from the airport.
Once you get to Zadar bus station, you can easily switch to a bus to Bibinje. You can take a look at all the departures and other information here.
Best,
GBB team
Good afternoon.
Can you pay by credit card on the airport bus ?
Hi,
actually, you can book your tickets on our website and avoid the hassle once you arrive at the airport.
Once you open the link, just pick a date and you will see all the departures for that day as well as all the information regarding tickets.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello, we are flying into Zadar airport 21st Sept 18:35 and out again 25th Sept 07:30. We are staying at
Art Hotel Kalelarga
Ul. Majke Margarite 3
23000 Zadar
Will there be a bus to get to us to and from Zadar airport which works for these flights? Would the central bus station be our closest stop to the hotel? Thanks!!
Hi Alice,
you can reach your accommodation from the airport by using public transport in Zadar.
First, you need to reach Zadar central bus station as described in the text.
Once there, you need to switch to bus no. 2 (see timetable here) which will take you to the central parts of Zadar.
From there, you need to walk a few minutes to reach your accommodation.
Best,
GBB Team
Thanks so much Maja! And there will definitely be buses early enough in the morning to get us to the airport when we depart? (25th Sept 07:30)
Hi Alice,
the earliest departure would be probably around 4:30 am as it is now.
Best,
GBB Team
Good Evening, Can you please tell me the earliest bus that leaves from Zadar to the airport please and the cost? It will be in July and I would need to be at the airport no later than 8am.
Hi,
according to the information available on the official website of Zadar Airport, the bus which connects the city and the airport departs no earlier than 2 pm or 3 pm.
We suggest you contact the airport directly just to be safe.
Best,
GBB Team
Hi, we are traveling to Zadar on 2 June, is it possible to use Euro to purchase a shuttle bus ticket? or do we have to use Kuna?
Hi,
since January 2023 the official currency in Croatia is Euro. So yes, you pay in Euros 🙂
Have a nice day!
Best,
GBB Team
Hi. I’ll be staying in Zadar Old Town, 5 mins walk from The Sea Organ. Does the airport bus transfer go near here, or stop on the other side close to The City Walls. I’m getting various advice, some saying it does stop at the city walls, others saying it stops at the main ferry port ,which would be a bit of a walk at night with suitcases. Thank
Hi Laura,
the shuttle bus goes to the main bus station in Zadar, which is about 5 mins (driving) from Poluotok/city centre.
Anyway, you can take a bus from the main bus station to Poluotok but it depends on how late you arrive.
I suggest considering a taxi as an alternative option.
Best,
GBB Team
hi i arrive at zadar airport tomorrow 1st August at 20.15 is there a bus service to zadar centre around this time
Hi David,
yes, the shuttle bus should be regularly operating at this time. Buses usually operate till 00:30 am.
Best,
GBB Team
Hello,
I am planning on catching a flight from Zadar Airport on the 19th of June at 7:30am. I know it is too early to know but are there in general buses this early that can go from the bus station to the airport (for example before 5:30 am).
Thanks a lot!
Hi Anthony,
transportation options, including buses, to airports usually begin operating several hours before the first flights depart.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team
hi can you tell me if the buses to the airport from Zadar run from what time in the morning . And do they run frequently. Like every half hour or on the hour As I have a flight at 10 am Thank you 🙏👍
Hi Les,
you can check on our page here.
Best,
Marija, GetByBus Team