Car Hire In Zadar, Croatia: Great Value, Total Freedom
Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-friendly guide to pick the right collection point, avoid hidden fees, and drive the Dalmatian coast with confidence.
Zadar Road Trip: Best Cars to Hire and Drive
Discover the most suitable car types for cruising the Dalmatian coast, exploring nearby national parks, and navigating Zadar's historic streets with confidence.
Summer
Convertible
4
2
AutoZadar enjoys long, sun-drenched summers with temperatures often climbing above 30°C. A convertible makes the most of coastal drives along the Dalmatian shoreline and island-hopping routes to Pag or Ugljan. The open roof lets you soak in sea breezes while gliding past olive groves, seafront promenades and the iconic Sea Organ. British travellers particularly enjoy convertibles for relaxed, scenic motoring on Croatia's well-maintained coastal roads.
Mountain
SUV
53AutoDay trips to Plitvice and Krka National Parks involve winding mountain roads and steep gradients. A mid-size SUV provides the elevated position and clearance needed for these routes. The boot holds hiking gear, picnic supplies and wet clothing after waterfalls. SUVs stay comfortable on motorway stretches back to Zadar, a versatile pick for inland excursions.
City
Small
52AutoZadar's pedestrianised old town is surrounded by tight streets with limited central parking. A small hatchback slips into compact bays near the market and ferry terminal with ease. Fuel-efficient and cheap to run, it's ideal for short hops between beach, marina and day-trip points. British visitors on a tight budget will appreciate the low running costs.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Why Pick Up At Zadar Airport (ZAD)
Ideal for UK flyers who want to land and go. Airport desks usually offer the widest vehicle choice (including automatics), longer opening hours and straightforward access to the A1 motorway and coastal routes. It’s also often easier for drop-off if you’re flying home early. Expect busier counters in summer and check for airport surcharges and higher deposits.
Volkswagen Polo
51
4
Manual
Volkswagen Polo
514Manual
Volkswagen Polo
514Manual
Suzuki Vitara
524Manual
Suzuki Vitara
524ManualSuzuki Vitara
524Manual
Ford Focus Estate
534Manual
Ford Focus Estate
534Manual
Ford Focus Estate
534ManualCar Hire Reviews at ZAD Airport
Read genuine customer feedback on car rental firms in Zadar and choose the right hire company for your Croatian road trip.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 4.4 46667+ reviews | $189 | 6.2 mi | $940 |
| |
 Best Overall | 4.2 201000+ reviews | $88 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $998 - $2,348 |
| |
| 3.7 6 reviews | $24 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $822 - $1,057 |
| |
| 3.2 1,900+ reviews | $25 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $1,292 - $1,996 |
| |
| 2.7 25 reviews | $40 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $822 - $1,057 |
| |
 | 2.7 17,000+ reviews | $48 | Shuttle bus | $500 - $3,000 |
| |
 | 2.6 6600+ reviews | $45 | 6.3 mi | $1,170 - $3,757 |
| |
 | 2.6 4 reviews | $28 | 5.9 mi | - |
| |
| 2.3 3600+ reviews | $302 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $936 |
| |
 | 2.2 325+ reviews | $24 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $1,409 - $4,109 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Zadar Airport accounts for 38% of rentals, city centres 32%, with Sixt leading at 22% market share and OTAs capturing 25% of bookings."
Booking Patterns
"Online bookings comprise 74% of rentals, peak season (Jun-Aug) drives 52% of annual volume, with economy cars at 36% and SUVs growing 12-15% YoY."
Customer Pain Points
"56% of European renters report disconnect between advertised and final prices, the most common complaint across the region."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Grand View Research / Croatian Chamber of Economy
- Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
- Euromonitor International - Croatia Car Rental
- Croatian Bureau of Statistics
- Zadar Airport Passenger Statistics
- Grand View Research Consumer Survey
- Statista Market Insights
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Zadar
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Zadar
Popular Driving Routes And Day Trips From Zadar
Route Options:
Zadar To Plitvice Lakes National Park (Via A1)
A classic full-day drive from Zadar to Croatia’s most famous national park. The A1 motorway makes it quick, with the final approach on local roads. Arrive early for parking, choose between the Upper and Lower Lakes circuits, and plan some buffer time for queues at peak season.
Zadar To Krka National Park & Šibenik Coastal Loop
A flexible loop combining Krka’s waterfalls with Šibenik’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and waterfront. Drive south to Skradin for the Krka boat entry, then continue to Šibenik for lunch and a stroll through the old town before returning to Zadar via the scenic coastal road.
Zadar To Paklenica National Park & Starigrad (Velebit Coast)
A short, rewarding drive to Croatia’s premier climbing and hiking area. Base yourself in Starigrad and enter Paklenica for gorge walks, viewpoints and Velebit scenery. It’s ideal for an active half-day or a full day, with beaches nearby for a post-hike swim.
Popular Trips:
Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip
A full-day nature escape to boardwalk trails, lakes and waterfalls. Start early for quieter paths, then return to Zadar in the evening.
Krka Waterfalls (Skradin) Half-Day Or Full-Day Trip
Drive to Skradin and enter Krka for riverside walks and the famous waterfall viewpoints, then enjoy a relaxed meal on the quay before heading back.
Paklenica Hiking Trip From Zadar
A convenient active trip to dramatic limestone gorges and Velebit trails. Best in spring or autumn, or early mornings in summer.
Nin & Beaches (Lagoon, Salt Pans And Sunset)
Combine Nin’s compact old town with beach time and an easy-paced coastal drive. Great for families and anyone wanting a simple getaway close to Zadar.
Šibenik Old Town & St James’ Cathedral
A culture-focused day out to one of Dalmatia’s most atmospheric towns, centred on the UNESCO cathedral and waterfront cafes.
Car Rental Planning Tips For Zadar
Check Licence And Age Requirements: Bring a valid driving licence and passport/ID. Some suppliers apply young-driver fees or minimum age rules, so confirm terms before booking.
Plan For Motorway Tolls (A1): The A1 motorway is fast for inland trips (e.g., Plitvice). Keep a card or cash handy for toll booths and allow time for queues in high season.
Sort Parking Early In Old Town Areas: Zadar’s centre and popular coastal spots can fill up quickly. Use official car parks and arrive earlier in the day for stress-free parking.
Fuel Up Before Heading Into Remote Areas: Top up before national parks and mountain routes where stations are less frequent. Also confirm your rental’s fuel policy (full-to-full is usually easiest).
Understand Insurance And Excess: Check what CDW/theft cover includes, the excess amount, and whether tyres, glass and undercarriage are covered—coastal gravel car parks can be rough.
Start Early For National Parks: Plitvice and Krka are busiest late morning to afternoon. An early departure from Zadar helps with parking, entry times and cooler walking conditions.
Use Offline Maps And Live Traffic: Download offline maps for patchy reception in the Velebit area, and use live traffic for coastal congestion around weekends and changeover days.
Watch Speed Limits And Cameras: Speed enforcement is common. Stick to signed limits, especially when entering towns and on approach roads to national parks.
Zadar, Croatia: Your Essential Driving & Travel Guide
Discover everything you need to know about driving, car rentals, fuel prices, and road rules in Zadar before your Croatian adventure begins
LANGUAGES
Croatian
CURRENCY
EUR
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+385
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5-7 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
90-130 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.05%
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$2.02/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$1.53/L - $16.69/L
Zadar Car Hire FAQs
Practical answers on licences, tolls, fuel, parking and driving in Croatia's coastal gem
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