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Summer 2026: Free additional driver on all bookings.4.9· 541 reviews

Car Rental Zadar Downtown – Near Sea Organ & St. Donatus

Ul. Vrata Svetog Krševana bb, 23000 Zadar

23000 Zadar, Croatia

+385 99 616 3762

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Zadar Downtown

Where exactly is the Avax Zadar Downtown office?

We are located at Ul. Vrata Svetog Krševana, at the southeastern edge of the Zadar peninsula. It's a 5-minute walk to the Sea Organ and Roman Forum, and about 1 km (3-minute drive) to the Gaženica ferry port. Contact our team at +385 99 616 3762 to confirm pickup time.

Can I pick up in Zadar Downtown and drop off at Zadar Airport?

Yes — this is one of our most common one-way routes and on most rate plans there is no one-way fee between our downtown and airport offices. The airport is 12 km east (about 15 minutes via the D424).

How do I take a rental car to Dugi Otok, Ugljan or Pašman?

All Avax vehicles are ferry-ready. Gaženica ferry terminal is 1 km from our office. Jadrolinija runs daily car ferries to Ugljan (Preko, 25 min), Pašman, and Dugi Otok (Brbinj — gateway to Saharun and Telašćica). Buy the vehicle ticket at the terminal or online at jadrolinija.hr. No extra rental fee for island travel within Croatia.

Is Plitvice Lakes closer from Zadar or Zagreb?

Closer from Zadar. Plitvice is 130 km / 1 h 30 min from Zadar via the A1; from Zagreb it is 140 km / 1 h 45 min. Zadar is the most time-efficient coastal base for a Plitvice day trip.

Can I drive from Zadar to Pag Island without a ferry?

Yes — the Pag Bridge connects the island directly to the mainland. Novalja (home of Zrće Beach) is 85 km / 1 h 15 min from our downtown office via the D106 and D25. In summer, the last 20 km can be slow; depart before 09:00 or after 16:00 in July–August.

How far is Paklenica National Park from Zadar Downtown?

Paklenica (Starigrad entrance) is 48 km north, about 45 minutes via the D8 coastal road. It's Europe's premier big-wall climbing destination at Anića Kuk, plus excellent hiking trails through the Velika Paklenica canyon. Parking at the park entrance costs ~€5/day in high season.

Is Nin worth visiting from Zadar?

Absolutely — 17 km / 25 minutes. Nin is the oldest royal Croatian town, home to Queen's Beach (sandy, shallow, family-perfect — one of the few sand beaches on the Croatian coast), the iconic little Church of the Holy Cross, and the artisan Nin salt flats where you can buy flower-of-salt directly from the producer. Parking is free or very low cost year-round.

What's the fastest drive from Zadar to Split — motorway or coastal?

The A1 motorway covers the 165 km in roughly 1 h 45 min with a toll of ~€10 for a Category 1 car. The D8 coastal (Adriatic) road takes 2 h 45 min but is far more scenic, passing Primošten and Rogoznica. Most travellers take the A1 outbound and the D8 on the way back.

Are winter tyres included in Zadar Downtown rentals?

Yes — from 15 November to 15 April, compliant winter tyres are fitted at no extra charge. Inland routes like the A1 to Plitvice or Zagreb require them when signs are posted, and snow is common around Plitvice even when the coast is dry.

Where should I park in Zadar Old Town?

Street parking is limited and metered (Zone 1: ~€1.50/hour, pay by mParking SMS or ticket machine). For longer stays, use the Jazine or Voštar parking garages on the peninsula edge — both a 2-minute walk from the Sea Organ. A compact car (Economy category) is ideal for the narrow streets inside the walls.

Can I do cross-border travel from Zadar?

Yes. Cross-border travel is FREE for rentals of 3 days or more to Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The Green Card (international insurance) is waiting in the glovebox at pickup. Select "Cross Border" in Step 4 of the booking so our team prepares the paperwork in advance.

How far is Plitvice Lakes from the Zadar Downtown office?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is 130 km from our Zadar Downtown office, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car on the A1 motorway. It is one of the most popular day trips from Zadar and the most common reason visitors choose to rent a car in the city center rather than rely on organised tours. Depart by 07:30 to beat the midday coach tours from Zagreb and Split.

Can I take the rental car on the ferry to Ugljan or Dugi Otok?

Yes! All our vehicles are ferry-ready. The Gaženica ferry port is just 1 km from our Zadar Downtown office (3-minute drive). Jadrolinija operates daily car ferries to Ugljan (Preko), Pašman, and Dugi Otok (Brbinj — gateway to Saharun beach and Telašćica Nature Park). Book your ferry ticket separately at jadrolinija.hr — no extra rental fee applies for island travel within Croatia.

Can I drive to Pag Island and Zrće Beach from Zadar?

Yes — Pag is one of the easiest islands to reach by car because the Pag Bridge connects it directly to the mainland. Novalja (the main town for Zrće Beach nightlife) is 85 km / 1 hour 15 minutes from our Zadar Downtown office via the D106 and D25. No ferry is needed. In summer, expect slower traffic on the last stretch after the bridge; in July–August, depart before 09:00 or after 16:00 to avoid congestion.

How do I get to Paklenica National Park from Zadar?

Paklenica National Park (Starigrad entrance) is 48 km north of Zadar, about a 45-minute drive on the D8 coastal road. The park is a favourite for hiking and rock-climbing — Anića Kuk is one of Europe's most famous big-wall climbing sites. Parking at the park entrance costs ~€5/day in summer. A compact or SUV car is fine; the access road is paved all the way to the Large Paklenica canyon trailhead.

Is Nin and the salt flats worth a visit with a rental car?

Absolutely — Nin is only 17 km from our Zadar office (25 minutes). It's the oldest royal Croatian town, famous for Queen's Beach (sandy, shallow, ideal for kids), the iconic little Church of the Holy Cross, and the Nin salt flats where you can buy artisanal flower-of-salt straight from the producer. Parking is free or very low cost year-round.

What's the fastest drive from Zadar to Split — A1 motorway or coastal road?

The A1 motorway covers the 165 km in about 1 hour 40 minutes with a toll of roughly €10 for a Category 1 car. The D8 coastal (Adriatic) road takes 2 hours 45 minutes but is far more scenic — passing Primošten and Rogoznica. Most renters pick the A1 outbound (save time) and the D8 on the return (enjoy the coast). Tolls can be paid by credit/debit card or cash at the toll booths.

Are winter tyres required and are they included?

Croatia legally requires winter tyres from 15 November to 15 April on mountain routes inland, including the A1 between Zadar and Zagreb when signs are posted. All Avax Zadar vehicles are fitted with compliant winter tyres during this period at no extra charge. If you plan to drive to Plitvice or Zagreb in winter, also pack a warm jacket — temperatures inland can be 10–15 °C colder than on the coast.

Where is the best parking in Zadar Old Town?

Street parking in Zadar Old Town is limited and metered (Zone 1: ~€1.50/hour). We recommend the Jazine or Voštar parking garages on the peninsula edge — both are a 2-minute walk from the Sea Organ and St. Donatus Church. A compact car (like our Economy category) is ideal for navigating the narrow streets around the Old Town walls.

Can I drop the car off at Zadar Airport, Split, or Dubrovnik?

Yes — Avax operates across Croatia, so one-way rentals are supported. Common routes: Zadar → Zadar Airport (no one-way fee on most plans), Zadar → Split (€40 one-way fee), Zadar → Dubrovnik (€90 one-way fee, drop at Downtown or Airport), Zadar → Zagreb Airport (€75 one-way fee). Select the drop-off location during Step 1 of booking to see the exact fee for your dates.

Distances from Zadar Downtown

DestinationDistanceDrive time
Zadar Ferry Port (Gaženica)1 km3 min
Zadar Old Town (Sea Organ)0.5 km5 min walk
Zadar Airport (ZAD)12 km15 min
Nin (Queen's Beach & salt flats)17 km25 min
Biograd na Moru30 km35 min
Paklenica National Park48 km45 min
Murter (Kornati gateway)55 km50 min
Šibenik73 km55 min
Novalja / Zrće Beach (Pag)85 km1h 15 min
Krka National Park90 km1h 10 min
Plitvice Lakes130 km1h 30 min
Split165 km1h 45 min
Zagreb285 km2h 55 min
Dubrovnik390 km4h 25 min
Near Old Town & Sea Organ · Ferry Port

Car Rental Zadar DowntownNear Sea Organ & St. Donatus

From80/day
4.5(196+)
Google Reviews

Luc Devos2 weeks ago

Great experience! We received a very warm welcome when we picked up the car, and even better upon our return, as the person we checked in with even offered to drive us back into town. Thank you!

Aleks1 month ago

The car is fine, 6 people fit comfortably, a Dacia Jogger, the only downside was the person in the third row, it was a bit hot, but that’s a minor detail, the guys in the company are great!

Davy Novel2 months ago

My experience in avax car was superb. I rented Kia XCeed for four days and the car was great. People who work there are professionals. Especially Facundo, the guy was super friendly and helpful. Quick replys to my questions was good experience, because in some places people tend to reply whenever they want. Not here, here people take their job seriously. Not to mention that this car company will rent you a car without deposit. So choose only them, not any other company! Thank you!

Grupo Alfredo Jesus2 months ago

Great experience with Avax Rent a Car in Croatia! I rented a car in Dubrovnik and returned it in Zadar (different locations), and everything was easy, smooth and professional. The car was in great condition and the whole process went perfectly. A special thank you to Facundo, a staff member from Chile, who went above and beyond. I accidentally forgot my tripod, and he made the amazing gesture of personally bringing it back to me and even taking me to the airport. This kindness and attention to customers really made a difference. Thank you Avax and especially Facundo. Highly recommended.

Au Coco2 months ago

I'm reposting my comment because I didn't see it. The agent (Facundo) was very professional and responsive. Communication was easy and the response time was very quick. With full insurance, there was no feeling of being scammed. Facundo was reassuring and took the time to explain everything to us (in English), and if we didn't understand, he explained it in another way. Next time in Croatia, we will definitely rent with this agency again.

Vitalijus Grigorjevas2 months ago

Everything was fine.

Robert3 months ago

mohammad ali3 months ago

I had a great experience with Avax. The car was delivered to me in a neat condition.It worked well throughout my trip. Facundo was really helpful and answered my queries well. I have some proposal. It is better to give car with full tank instead of half as while returning it is easier to give back full tank than half. Also there should be flexibility of 1-2 hrs while returning the car. I was told that i will be charged an extra day as i returned the car 30 mins late. Though I wasnt charged due to bad weather that day but in general this is something where you can work on your return policy. A delay of 1-2 hrs should be accetable. Overall I am very satisfied with Avax.

Sofia Eisenacht3 months ago

Everything was perfect. The car was delivered on time, in good condition, and the employee was lovely.

Where to find us — Zadar Downtown

Address

Ul. Vrata Svetog Krševana bb, 23000 Zadar

Zadar, Croatia

Get Directions

Office Photos

3 photos

No Deposit & No Credit Card Required

You can rent a car without a credit card at this location — no card blocking, no stress.

  • One-time fee: €60
  • Premium Insurance required (zero deposit)
  • Available for: Mini, Economy & Intermediate categories

What's Included — No Hidden Fees

Unlimited MileageIncluded
Liability InsuranceIncluded
Local Tax & License FeeIncluded
Free cancellation up to departureIncluded
Extra Driver€0
Cross-Border (Montenegro/Bosnia, 3+ days)€0
💡

Pro Tip: Choose a Compact for Old Town

Parking near Zadar's Old Town walls is tight — narrow streets and limited bays. We recommend our Compact or Economy class to navigate the centre easily and save on fuel for island day trips.

Renting a Car for Ugljan or Dugi Otok?

Our office is a 5-minute drive from Gazenica ferry port — the departure point for car ferries to Ugljan, Pašman, and Dugi Otok. Load your rental car on the Jadrolinija ferry and explore the islands at your own pace.

  • Island ferry travel included at no extra charge
  • Ferries depart daily to Ugljan (Preko) and Dugi Otok (Brbinj)
  • Zadar Ferry Port (Obala kralja Tomislava) is a 2-minute walk for passenger ferries

Zadar Downtown vs Zadar Airport — Which is Right for You?

FeatureDowntownAirport (ZEM)
LocationOld Town gate, walkable8 km from city
Ferry Port Access2-min walk15-min drive
Island Ferries (Gazenica)5-min drive10-min drive
Old Town ParkingImmediate accessDrive in required
Airport PickupTaxi/bus to officeDirect at terminal

How It Works

Step 1

Book Online

Choose your dates and vehicle. Secure your booking online and pay at pickup.

Step 2

Pick Up at Zadar Downtown

Collect your car quickly and easily. Our staff will walk you through everything.

Step 3

Enjoy Croatia

Explore with unlimited kilometers and 24/7 support assistance included.

Quick Price Estimator

Save up to €96 vs daily rate
1 day7 days14 days
  • Toyota Aygo XBest deal
    Manual · 4 seats
    ~€162
    ~€54 / day
  • Opel Corsa
    Manual · 5 seats
    ~€165
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  • Renault Clio New
    Manual · 5 seats
    ~€186
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  • Renault Captur
    Manual · 5 seats
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  • Suzuki Vitara
    Manual · 5 seats
    ~€204
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  • Toyota Yaris A/T
    Automatic · 5 seats
    ~€210
    ~€70 / day

Estimates based on current rates. Final price shown at checkout.

Best Time to Book

Car rental prices in Croatia vary by season. Plan ahead for the best rates.

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Cars Available at Zadar Downtown

Includes automatic & manual transmission options.

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Your Guide to Renting a Car in Zadar City Centre

Written by Aaron, Avax Rent a Car

Our Zadar Center office is located at Ul. Vrata Svetog Krševana, at the southeastern edge of the Zadar peninsula — a 5-minute walk from the Sea Organ, the Sun Salutation, and the Church of St. Donatus, and just 1 km from the Gaženica ferry terminal where car ferries depart daily for Ugljan, Pašman, and Dugi Otok. The office is ideal for travellers arriving by ferry from the Zadar archipelago, guests staying at old-town hotels and apartments, and anyone who wants to skip the airport transfer.

Zadar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe — a 3,000-year-old Liburnian, Roman, Venetian and Habsburg port packed into a tight limestone peninsula. The Roman Forum, the circular 9th-century Church of St. Donatus, and Nikola Bašić's two modern public art installations (Sea Organ and Sun Salutation) make the old town a must-walk by day and a must-return by sunset. Alfred Hitchcock reportedly called Zadar's sunset the most beautiful in the world.

A rental car from our Zadar Downtown office unlocks five national parks inside two hours: Paklenica (48 km / 45 min), Krka Waterfalls (90 km / 1 h 10 min), Plitvice Lakes (130 km / 1 h 30 min — closer from Zadar than from Zagreb), Kornati archipelago (via Murter, 55 km / 50 min + boat), and Northern Velebit (1 h 45 min). Add Pag Island (85 km to Novalja / Zrće Beach via the Pag Bridge — no ferry), Nin and its salt flats (17 km), and Biograd na Moru (30 km), and Zadar becomes the single most time-efficient base in Dalmatia for nature, beaches, and Roman history.

Best Alternative to Taxi & Uber in Zadar

Uber does not operate inside Zadar's old-town zone, and a one-way taxi to Pag, Paklenica, or Plitvice runs 80–180 EUR each direction. Picking up a rental car at our downtown office turns what would be a single transfer fare into days of freedom. A 3-day Avax rental from Zadar Downtown includes unlimited kilometres, full insurance, free cross-border travel to Bosnia, Italy, Slovenia and Montenegro, and in winter (Nov 15 – Apr 15) compliant winter tyres at no extra cost — essential if you plan to drive to Plitvice or Zagreb inland.

Nearby Attractions

Zadar Old Town (Sea Organ + Sun Salutation)

A 3,000-year-old peninsula packed with Roman forum ruins, the 9th-century round Church of St. Donatus, the world's only Sea Organ — a wave-powered instrument under the promenade — and the solar-powered Sun Salutation light installation. Alfred Hitchcock called the Zadar sunset the most beautiful in the world.

0.5 km

Gaženica Ferry Port (Dugi Otok & islands)

Jadrolinija operates daily car ferries from Gaženica to Ugljan (Preko, 25 min), Pašman, and Dugi Otok (Brbinj) — the gateway to Saharun Beach and Telašćica Nature Park. Your Avax rental car can board every Jadrolinija route — no extra rental fee for island travel within Croatia.

1 km

Nin — Queen's Beach & salt flats

The oldest royal Croatian town, 17 km / 25 min from Zadar. Queen's Beach (Kraljičina Plaža) is sandy, shallow and warm — one of the rare sand beaches on the Croatian coast and ideal for families. Don't miss the tiny Church of the Holy Cross and the artisan Nin salt (Solana Nin).

17 km

Paklenica National Park

Velebit's signature gorge, 48 km north of Zadar. A Europe-class big-wall climbing destination (Anića Kuk), with well-marked hiking trails through the Velika Paklenica canyon. Paved access road, paid parking ~€5/day in summer. A compact car handles it.

48 km

Plitvice Lakes National Park

UNESCO network of 16 terraced turquoise lakes and 92 waterfalls. Closer from Zadar (125–130 km / 1 h 30 min via A1 motorway) than from Zagreb. Depart by 07:30 to beat the coach-tour wave; Entrance 2 (via exit Otočac) is most common from Zadar.

130 km

Novalja / Zrće Beach (Pag Island)

Pag Bridge connects Zadar to Pag Island by road — no ferry needed. Novalja (85 km / 1 h 15 min) is home to Zrće Beach, Croatia's summer nightlife capital (Hideout, Sonus, Fresh Island festivals). Also famous for artisan Pag cheese.

85 km

Krka National Park

Travertine waterfalls centred on the Skradinski Buk complex, plus Visovac Island monastery. A 90 km / 1 h 10 min drive south of Zadar via the A1. Common half-day stop on the Zadar → Split route.

90 km

Kornati Islands (via Murter)

The 89-island Kornati archipelago is Croatia's most photographed sea national park. You cannot drive to the islands, but you can drive to Murter (55 km / 50 min from Zadar) or Biograd (30 km / 35 min) where full-day boat excursions depart daily in season.

60 km

Driving Tips

Gaženica ferry port is 1 km from our downtown office — you can pick up and board a Dugi Otok or Ugljan ferry within 30 minutes. Street parking in Zadar Old Town is Zone 1 (~€1.50/h, paid via mParking SMS or ticket machines); for longer stays use the Jazine or Voštar garages on the peninsula edge (2-min walk to Sea Organ). Heading inland to Plitvice or Zagreb, the A1 motorway is 10 minutes east — take a ticket at entry, pay at exit by credit/debit card or cash. From Nov 15 to Apr 15, winter tyres are required on inland mountain routes including the A1 when signs are posted; all Avax Zadar rentals include them at no extra charge.

Our Zadar office is well-connected to local neighbourhoods including Bili Brig, Borik, Diklo, Stanovi, Arbanasi, making it easy to reach your accommodation or explore the city and its surroundings.

Distances from Zadar Downtown

DestinationDistanceTravel Time
Zadar Ferry Port (Gaženica)1 km3 min
Zadar Old Town (Sea Organ)0.5 km5 min walk
Zadar Airport (ZAD)12 km15 min
Nin (Queen's Beach & salt flats)17 km25 min
Biograd na Moru30 km35 min
Paklenica National Park48 km45 min
Murter (Kornati gateway)55 km50 min
Šibenik73 km55 min
Novalja / Zrće Beach (Pag)85 km1h 15 min
Krka National Park90 km1h 10 min
Plitvice Lakes130 km1h 30 min
Split165 km1h 45 min
Zagreb285 km2h 55 min
Dubrovnik390 km4h 25 min

Travel times are approximate and may vary with traffic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Rental in Zadar Downtown

Popular One-Way Route

Zadar DowntownSplit

Drive south along the Dalmatian coast to Split. Enjoy views of the Kornati islands and stop at Šibenik along the way. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.

Popular One-Way Route

Zadar DowntownZagreb

Drive north from Zadar to the Croatian capital. Stop at Plitvice Lakes National Park — just 90 minutes from Zadar. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.

Popular One-Way Route

Zadar DowntownDubrovnik

Drive the length of the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Dubrovnik. Pass through Split and across the Pelješac Bridge. Free cross-border included for 3+ day rentals.

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Free Island Hopping Map — Croatia

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One-Way Rentals from Zadar Downtown

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4.5

196 Google reviews

Luc Devos

Luc Devos

2 weeks ago

(Translated by Google) Great experience! We received a very warm welcome when we picked up the car, and even better upon our return, as the person we checked in…

Aleks

Aleks

1 month ago

(Translated by Google) The car is fine, 6 people fit comfortably, a Dacia Jogger, the only downside was the person in the third row, it was a bit hot, but that’…

Davy Novel

Davy Novel

2 months ago

My experience in avax car was superb. I rented Kia XCeed for four days and the car was great. People who work there are professionals. Especially Facundo, the g…

Grupo Alfredo Jesus

Grupo Alfredo Jesus

2 months ago

Great experience with Avax Rent a Car in Croatia! I rented a car in Dubrovnik and returned it in Zadar (different locations), and everything was easy, smooth an…

Au Coco

Au Coco

2 months ago

(Translated by Google) I'm reposting my comment because I didn't see it. The agent (Facundo) was very professional and responsive. Communication was easy and t…

Vitalijus Grigorjevas

Vitalijus Grigorjevas

2 months ago

(Translated by Google) Everything was fine. (Original) Viskas buvo gerai

Robert

Robert

3 months ago

No written review

mohammad ali

mohammad ali

3 months ago

I had a great experience with Avax. The car was delivered to me in a neat condition.It worked well throughout my trip. Facundo was really helpful and answered m…

Sofia Eisenacht

Sofia Eisenacht

3 months ago

(Translated by Google) Everything was perfect. The car was delivered on time, in good condition, and the employee was lovely. (Original) Todo perfecto. El auto…

+187 more

View all on Google

4.5(196+ Google reviews)

Ready to explore Zadar?

Book your car today and enjoy the freedom of exploring Croatia at your own pace. Flexible payment and insurance options available.

Car Rental Zadar 2026 — from €52/day | No Deposit | 4.5★ | Avax